FAVORITE CHRISTMAS MEMORIE(S)

Let me see, my favorite Christmas memory...Immanuel Lutheran Church children's Christmas Eve
Service...The Children's Choir annual radio broadcast on WTMJ...walking home from Audrey's
house late Christmas Eve in the snow...driving down to Lake Drive to see all the decorations...
Christmas carolling at Muirdale Sanitarium...Wayne and my first Christmas tree...the year we had
our first, second, third and fourth child and the wonder of Christmas in their eyes...the years we
really had to struggle to put gifts under the tree...the year Eileen wrapped up presents from her
dresser drawers in my towels that were in the clothes hamper.. Maybe it was the year I had the
black eye for Christmas...or having everyone over for dinner...maybe it was the year Ginny put
a diaper on the turkey before we put it in the oven (she didn't like seeing the bare naked bird sitting
on the counter, waiting to be stuffed) going to my sister's for Christmas...decorating the whole house
even the bathroom (Dad always said I competed with the department stores...going to the Christmas
parade in Hollywood (Wayne said we could leave after he saw Jayne Mansfield--I said no, the kids
want to wait to see Santa Claus...the night Eileen spied Santa and his sleigh flying high in the sky
over our hills(really a helicopter patrolling the freeway) sending Wayne and the kids to the store
Christmas Eve for the milk or soda I had "forgotten" so I could let Santa in while they were gone
to place the gifts under the tree. The kids growing up and moving out...having kids of their own
and trees of their own...brand new eyes lighting up with Christmas joy...changes all the time. The
first Christmas without my dad,then my Mom and then my husband...then the great grandbabies
started to come...more little eyes reflecting the Christmas lights and sitting on Santa's lap crying.
None of these things are my favorite memories, all of them are my favorite memories.

Christmas is my favorite time of the year--nothing else even comes close. The stores are decorated
as well as the parking lots, Christmas music fills the air, everyone (well, almost everyone) feels
the warmth and the fuzziness of the season. I LOVE CHRISTMAS I hate it that on the 26th, the
music stops, Christmas trees are discarded on the curb, the hustle and bustle is gone and so is the
warm fuzzy feeling. My wish for all of us is to maintain that feeling throughout the year.

Sorry, Melanie, I can't pick a "favorite" but if you bear with me, I will expand on some of the things
I mentioned before. I will start with Christmas when I was a little girl.

Of course, we lived in Milwaukee and it seems as if everyone there celebrated with gift opening on
Christmas Eve. Christmas day was reserved for visiting friends and families and they visiting us.
Of course, no artificial trees, no one (except the very wealthy) had them. It was Santa's job to
decorate the tree when he brought Christmas gifts. Of course, sometimes dads helped out a bit,
like putting the tree in the stand. The houses in those days were not the wide open living spaces
we see today. Most of the time you could close off the "parlor" (I think it was to conserve heat)
so about a week before Christmas the doors were shut and may mysterious comings and goings
of parents were observed. Nothing we could talk about you understand. Every night on the radio
we would listen to Billie the Brownie from Schusters and also Gimbie and Ellie the Christmas
elephants from Gimbels and they would be in contact with Santa Claus and would read letters on
the radio from boys and girls who had written to Santa. Then on Christmas Eve they would track
down Santa as he flew down from the North Pole. There was the Christmas Parade that travelled
across Milwaukee (decorated Street Cars) which was sponsored by Schusters and was routed past
the 3 Schuster dept. stores. The last car was Santa and his live reindeer. Of course this was just
Snta's Helper, because the "real" Santa was hard at work at the North Pole. The department stores
all went out of their way with their window displays. Animated scenes enough to make your eyes
pop out. At least one evening before Christmas we would go downtown and walk from one end
of Wisconsin Ave downtown section and go from window to window.

Christmas eve would see us all go to church and while we were there Santa would visit our home.
I went to the school at the church and the christmas eve service was the school children's program
We would sing the Christmas cantata which was the Christmas story we are all so familiar with, almost
word for word, with breaks inbetween for the children to get up infront of the Church to say their
"pieces" The higher up in the grades you were, the more of the Cantata you were a part of. my mom
always told about my kindergarten year when I had a "piece" to say. I was first with 11 classmates
following me. I said my "piece" then I said theirs and then we all sat down. Oh well, I guess I was
always a show-off.

Then home to open presents. Of course we always left milk and cookies an d "sugar for the reindeer"
My dad always said he KNEW Santa preferred beer and cookies, but my mom said no, after all he
had a lot of houses to stop at. This was before Rudolph was born.

I think this is enough reminiscing for now. I will share more Christmas feelings in a couple of days.
AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT

'TWAS THE WEEK.............

before Christmas...the weather was cold..."gives you the holiday feeling"...people were told...that was
on Monday...when snowflakes first fell...on the north end of the city...not here where I dwell...
Tuesday dawned...so bright and so pretty...a bit chilly, it's true...that's life in this city...On Wednesday
they said...expect a lot more...I don't think we knew...what was really in store!...It started around
noon...just a swirl here and there...so I went to the church...to spend the afternoon there...
darker and darker...it soon was a storm...so I hurried on home...to be safe and warm...I made footprintw
in the snow...from my car to my door...an hour later...you could see them no more...it snowed thru
the night...a sight to behold...but to my surprise...I was still very cold...my furnace decided...to gop
out on strike...so I crawled under the covers...for the rest of the night...a "snow day" was called
NO SCHOOL the kids cried, we'll play in the snow...it's really cool outside...the end of my story...i"m
happy to say...this is the desert...I like it this way. HAPPY SNOW DAY, HENDERSON STYLE
Accumulation at Railroad Pass 8 inches.

thanksgiving, 2008

Whew! What a week. I decided to spend Thanksgiving 2008 in sunny So. Calif this year. Not really liking
traveling on holidays, I planned to leave Nevada on Tues morning and then return home on Saturday. hoping
to avoid the worst of the traffic. I was a little nervous too as Beth has moved to Corona, and I wasn't too
sure of the way to her house.

I got away from Henderson around 10 am and traffic was moderate, but moving, that is until we got just
past the state line. Then for a long period of time there was construction, stop and go traffice and finally
narrowed down to one lane. I am glad they are working on that section of the road as returning to Nv.
that section is steep and winding downhill, and a tad scary. Once we were past the construction area,
traffic moved along nicely, that is until we got near the agricultural checkpoing. Stop and go for at least
15 minutes and for no reason, they don't check a thing and then wave you on as if you are to blame for
the traffic tie-up. Well, obviously this trip is taking a lot longer than I had planned, but still I had left enough
time so I would get there well before dark. I was listening to a book on tape, so it was a pleasant drive.

I finally got to Corona and took the turn-off Beth told me to take, overshot the dirt road to her house, but
just made a u-turn and all was well, except, Beth did not give me an address or a street name. She
told me it was a blue house (it's gray) and after a few phone calls, I found it. By now it is 2:30 AND I
have to pee. The key was under the mat, and the bathroom was right by the door. Thank you God.
Oops, the water has been shut off. Wiped my hands on my pants and proceeded to unload my car.
I had brought some beer and I was going to put it in the fridge, so six pack in hand I head for the kitchen
and the next thing I knew I was flat down on the floor. Seems there is a 2 inch level difference from the
hall to the kitchen I couldn't see. The beer flew out of my hands, but fortunately didn't break. I knew I
wasn't really hurt but due to a fall many years ago (again in Calif) I had sustained a soft tissue injury
to both knees and have not been able to get down on my knees since, so therefore you know, if you
can't get on your knees you have to yell HELP, I'VE FALLEN AND I CANT GET UP. I called Beth and
asked her if Melanie was on her way and Beth was unable to reach her. She only lives about 10 minutes
away. I tried to pull myself up by the counter, no such luck, scooted on my bottom to the couch and
coffee table again, failure. Oh well, I still had the beer and if I waited long enough help would come or
I wouldn't care. Some guy came and turned the water back on and I called out and asked him to come
in and help me and I guess I scared him off. Pretty soon Melanie arrived and Henry and Cheryl were
visiting her so help had arrived. With Cheryl on one side and Henry on the other I was soon on my
feet, a bit shaken and embarrassed, but okay. I guess I will watch that step from now on.

Spent the rest of the afternoon with Mel and the kids and then when Beth came home, we decided to
go to dinner (mexican food) Beth, Mel, Maggie and me. Then home and to bed. Long, long day.

Wed I went with Melanie and the kids to someplace hundreds of miles away from Corona (or so it seemed)
as Melanie had an appointment with her Orthopedic surgeon, and Luke, Gavin, Mags and I waited in the
car while she saw the doctor. Melanie must have threatened those kids with instant death because they
were so good, I was almost bored. We went back to Melanies and spent the afternoon and then Brian
came home and Beth and Tony came and we ordered dinner from Pizza Hut. the pasta dinners, very good.

Thursday, Thanksgiving, we had gotted dinner already prepared from Albertsons, Beth made extra potatoes
dressing and sweet potatoes and we had a feast fit for a king. Brian, Mel, the kids, Elaine, Beth Tony and
myself for dinner and then Shannon Erick and the girls came over for dessert. The children entertained us
with dances, from heavy metal to the chicken dance. What fun.

Friday, Beth and Mel did the shopping thing at 4:30 am, Not me. I stayed in bed until 7 then got up showered
dressed and they came home about 10:30, got lots of bargains, so then we went to Coco's for lunch.
elaine had stayed the night at Brians and so he too went shopping and she stayed with the kids. We kind
of kicked back the rest of the day, after all it had been a busy week. Mel came over with Maggie, Brian
had taken the boys to see Madagascar. She wanted leftovers. She had to go to Walmart so Maggie
stayed with us. She stood up and walked from the living room to the bedroom (her first long solo journey)
and the next thing we knew she was sitting backwards on Katies Christmas present. She couldn't go
anywhere as half o the toy was in a box. There's no stopping her now that she can walk. The bathroom
is her favorite destination.

Okay,by now I am worn out just watching the kids play and made it an early night. Saturday morning
Beth made breakfast, French toast, scrambled eggs, sausasege and grapes and juice and the Catalano
family joined us. Then it was time to hit the road. I had such a great time and enjoyed getting to spend
as much time as I did with the Catalano family.

the trip back took about 3 and a half hours and I unloaded the car and was thankful that it was a safe trip.
Leaving on Sat the traffic again was moderate but mostly moving except for the 24 miles before Baker.
Stop and go and then smooth sailing the rest of the way. With gas prices down, I spent $26 for gas.
Not bad.

Looking forward to the coming Holiday Season. Love you all!

NOVEMBER

is not my favorite month. from the last week in October thru November I have lost so many friends
and family members, that I am always glad when November is over.

21 years ago today, on Nov 19, 1987 my husband of 35 years died. I remember that day very well.
I had spent most of the day at the hospital and the only ones who spoke to me were the nurses. Wayne
was heavily sedated and as I sat by his bedside listening to his raspy irregular breathing (mostly
induced by heavy dosages of morphine), I was literally worn out. This was the 19th day of his
hospitalization and the nurses kept predicting that "by the time I get back from my 2 days off, he will
be gone" How I secretly wished they had been right, put an end to the suffering, but he lingered on.

Knowing I was at the end of my rope, but still hanging on, Beth and Henry decided I needed a break
Henry would pick me up shortly after 4 pm when he got off work and then we would get Beth and
the girls and we would go to dinner. Then if I wanted to go back to the hospital they would take me.

We went to Coco's. One of the places Wayne and I went to regularily. The manager asked here Wayne
was, and I explained to him what was going on in our life at the time. He expressed his feelings and
later when our dinner was served, our waitress said the manager was paying for our meal. Henry,
whose sense of humor was always dry, but uplifting said, Hmm I wonder where we could go and
do this tomorrow night. by now, it was after 7 pm and I decided to just go home and then return
to the hospital the next morning. Shortly after 11 pm Dr. Rohde called me and said the my husband
had passed away just moments before. Ohmygosh, the guilt set in. I should have gone back, but
then I thought I wasn't supposed to be there. He was with his friends, the nurses, and of course
he never regained consciousness. the doctor told me there wasn't a nurse to be found after he
passes, they all went to wherever they go when they need solitude. they were such a great group,
and they all loved him. They told me so. 3 of them attended his funeral service.

It was a week before Thanksgiving. Dawn and Chip had moved to Henderson the September before.
They had made so many trips back to Calif that fall because evertime I had to put him in the
hospital the staff suggested I call my family. It was a tough month.

Outside his hospital window was a huge pine tree. Throughout the 19 days a mourning dove roosted
in that tree. I saw it a time or two, didn't spend too much time looking out the window, but Henry,
who came on his lunch hour every day called my attention to it and said it was there every day.
I found a lot of comfort and peace in that. God letting me know He was with us. Also during that
time we became very close to the Chaplain at Inter-Community. An Australian, Rev. Ray Box,
who took a special interest in our family. He and his wife came up to the hospital and the 4 of us
celebrated Holy Communion, One of the last conscious things Wayne did.

On Monday, the day before his services, which Rev Box officiated at, he called me to the hospital
to get some personal facts about Wayne for the service. He also loaded up our car with a complete
Thanksgiving dinner, donated by KMart. Knowing full well nobody wanted to go shopping at that
point.

The service was beautifully done at Forest Lawn Cemetary, using their chapel. So many people
were there. I knew he had touched a lot of lives, but truly did not the full extent of it. I miss him
a lot.

I want to finish up the story of the mourning doves. The day before Thanksgiving was my Aunt
Clara's birthday. I called her to wish her Happy Birthday, and we talked a long time. Her husband
had died not too long before this so we had a lot in common. While we were talking a mourning
dove appeared on my patio. I mentioned it to Aunt Clara and she said "Doesn't that spook you" I
said No, it's just God letting me know everything was OK. Didn't see the bird again until just around
Christmas when the kids came over to clean the yard and the bird swooped down over Beth's head
and she looked up and said Yes, Dad, We are cleaning up all your s__t! It appeared once more,
a year later on the anniversay of his death and I have not seen it since.

Love you all

VETERAN'S DAY

The holidays continue.

Not much to be said for Veteran's Day because when I was a schoolkid, it was called Armistice
Day and it was not celebrated, but observed. It commemorated the signing of the armistice
following World War I. Mail was delivered, school was in session, but on Nov 11th at 11 AM
a moment of silence was observed and everyone stood up and faced east for one minute.
That was it. Sometimes I wonder if that was not the best way as it really focused on the
solemnity of the moment.

I can't remember just when this was changed to Veteran's Day, commemorating the end of
each war and honoring the Veterans.

I am so thankful that none of my children and grandchildren have lived through a time when
young men were drafted and obligated to serve in the Armed Forces. Don't get me wrong,
I am so grateful to all the servicemen who fought for our country and our rights and our
freedom, but it was a scary time of your life, when all of a sudden our brothers, husbands,
friends were drafted. Sure we knew it could and probably would happen. The fear of the
unknown. Probably 99 percent of the draftees made the most of the time spent in the
service. I know Grandpa did. It wan't of his choosing, but he was drafted for a two year
period, and decided he would enjoy it. I on the other hand did not enjoy it. He was already
in the Army when we became engaged, so I knew what I was getting into. During the basic
training, and then further training in the United States it was somewhat of an adventure.
But when training is over, practicality set in. Most of the trainees (draftees) were sent
overseas. Korea was the hot spot at the time and while Grandpa was deployed to Okinawa
it was just hop skip and jump to Korea. Fortunately he stayed on Okinawa during his course
of service--it was always the fear of the unknown. Another fear the families have is will
our soldier come home at all, what kind of horror has he witnessed wherever he was, will
it have enriched him or made him bitter. So therefore my children I will always be thankful
that none of you would have experienced this personally.

To all servicemen and veterans, and their families, THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH for your
sacrifices. God Bless You and God Bless America.

THE MORNING AFTER

I for one will not miss the phone calls or television (i hesitate to even call them this) ads,
and am really glad that election 2008 is now a thing of the past. I am suffering the after
effects tho.

I am a staunch democrat. I believe in the democratic policy, but that does not mean I
believe in all the democratic candidates, nor do I believe any of the candidates are really
sincere, I believe they will say what they think you want to hear in order to be elected,
then after they are in office they do as they well please or whatever congress will allow.
I respect your feelings and I had hoped you would respect mine. Isn't that what America
is all about. I was in for a rude awakening this election, people almost seemed desparate,
and knowing my democratic tendancies they felt I was fair game for all their political
jokes. Now, you know me I love a good joke, I stress GOOD joke, but some of the ones
I received were obviously in such bad taste and I truly was offended by them. Mind you
know, I respect your opinion, but the cartoons and poems I received were not your
opinion, just someone elses that you decided to copy. Shame on you for having so little
respect for me, but mostly shame on you for having so little respect for yourself. You
shall remain nameless, you know who you are, but know that I forgive you and will
continue to pray for you.

For the record, I did NOT vote for Obama, nor did I vote for McCain. I prayed over this
and even agonized over it. I did not vote early because I was undecided. I woke up
yesterday morning so close to a panic attack and I thought I just wont vote. Then
common sense took over. 1, if you don't vote in the presidential general election, you
have to register again and 2, there were a couple of positions up for grabs that were
very important to me, so I went to the polling place, holding tightly to the hand of God
and proudly cast my ballot. Under pres/vice pres I proudly voted "none of the above"

We have a new president-elect now, and he will have my whole support but I will place
my trust in the Lord and know that He is watching out for us.

P.S. the two issues I really was concerned about were resolved to my satisfaction.

Love you all

HALLOWEEN

Why oh why did I ever pick this holiday to start with. Must have been a senior moment (brain fart).
We didn't celebrate or even observe Halloween when I was a kid. In Milwaukee, this observance took
two days. On the 30th we had beggar's night. The night kids dressed up and went trick or treating
and to those who didn't give treats, these kids would go back on the 31st and trick them. My parents
would not let us go out to beg. We had sufficient and didn't need to go begging. Playing tricks on
people was not a christian way of life. It was the night of the devil and we just really didn't need to be
a part of it.

One Halloween, tho, we broke that rule. I was in the 8th grade and belonged to a girl's group from my
class. We called ourselves the "lucky six". I remember 5 of those girls, but I can't remember the 6th.
Shirley, Ries, Dorothy Zamow, myself and Dianne Sieber. I guess I only remember 4. Anyhow this
particular Oct 30th we got together and wore costumes and went out begging. I remember I did have
"permission" because Dianne's parents were some of the upper class members at our church and if
it was OK with them, then that was the word. It was fun. I don't remember how I was dressed, but
gypsy keeps popping up in my head. We went door-to-door. One lady gave us rotten apples and
the next night we went back and did the unthinkable----right we played a trick on her. She had a
closed in front porch, so we did the unthinkable dirty trick--we took those rotten apples and smeared
them all over her windows. Then we went back to Diannne's house and had a party. We played the
game where someone (her dad) read a spooky story and all the lights were out (he read by the light
of a flashlight) and we had to put our hands into creepy stuff. Peeled grapes for eyeballs, cooked
cold pasta for intestines, jello for brains, pretzel sticks for the backbone. You get the picture.
That is the only childhood memory I have of Halloween.

I know we bought candy for beggar's night, so when we moved to Californian and we lived on
Whiteknoll Dr Grandpa and I bought lots of candy. Imagine our feelings when NOONE showed
up. California does not do "beggar's night". Never fear they all came the next night.

One Halloween I really remember is when we lived on Shipman. Of course, we celebrated the
All Saints Night every year. I would make a pot of chili, that way people could eat when they wanted
to, and it stayed hot. Thus started that family tradition. Grandpa really got into the spirit of things
and loved decorating the yard, and helping the kids get together a costume. It was usually my
job to go with the kids trick or treating and he would give out the candy at home. My favorite stop
(and my kids) was at Harold and Eloise's across the street. They gave out regular size candy bars
and I got a bottle of Milwaukee's best in a paper sack. God help the kids who tried to come back
for seconds, Eloise had a mind like a steel trap and read those kids the riot act. Usually we would
all come back to our house and the kids had hot dogs and hot chocolate, and their parents would
have some adult beverages.

One year, tho grandpa really outdid himself. He took a pair of his jeans and a flannel shirt and
stuffed them with newspaper. Made a head with a cap on it, hung it from the tree right by the
front gate and rigged up a speaker system. This "person" hung over a graveyard mad complete
with tombstones and dead pine needle mounds. Whenever a child came up to the gate the hanging
man spoke to the unsuspecting person, saying things like "would you scratch my foot" Please help
me get down" "I don't know why I am up here" It was great. Word s pread and people were dropping
kids off by the carloads. Mike even gave up trick or treating and he hid in the house and took over
the microphone. Only bad things some kids got so scared they wouldn't come to the door for their
treat.
Then the grandkids came along and it was their turn. We usually went over to Dawn and Chip's for
chili and s pent Halloween with them.

Today, I just turn off the porch light and watch tv. I was prepared the first year her in Las Vegas,
but we had two teenagers show up at 7:30 and that was it. I believe Halloween is a fun night and
should be for kids. I love seeing the costumes and love getting pictures of the greatgrandbabies
all dressed up. I am eager to see "kenna and kyla" as bad witches, Luke as Darth Vader, Gavin
as a trash truck (good job Brian) Maggie and Katie in whatever they are, Carter will be a surprise
too. I never dressed up and if the kids asked I just said I will be a "mean old mom" who will not
take the kids trick or treating if they ask again.

Next Holiday NEVADA DAY, oh no that's the same as Halloween in this state, so I guess Armistice
Day now known as Veteran's day is next on the calendar.

Love you guys

WHO YOU GONNA BELIEVE?

I suppose you think this is going to be a political blog, well, it's not. Not that I wouldn't like to get on my
soapbox, but I am so undecided that I don't feel qualified to express my views, seeing as they are all
pretty negative. No this blog is more of a cyber-electronic-21st century type of thing.

First of all I had a bad Saturday night last night. At first I couldn't fall asleep and then when I finally
did I woke up at 1:30 am and tossed and turned until about 3 am. Knowing I had to get up early for
church, when 5 am came around, I hopped out of bed, wanting to stay there so much. Booted up
my computer, switched on the coffee pot, made my bed and then looked at my computer and it had
a note on it, saying we updated the time on your computer in compliance with daylight saving time
ending on 10/25. Caught me off guard, hadn't heard a word on the news, hmm, well, now it is 4am
instead of 5, bed is made, no sneaking back in. Strange I usually hear someone talking about this.
Let me check my cell phone. Nope, cell phone still says 5 am. Oh my gosh, if I believe my computer
and it's wrong I will be 1 hr late to church. If I believe my cell phone and its right oh what the heck.
Call time. I guess we got no such thing in Nevada, so I called 411 and the operator said it was just
after 5 am and dst would be discontinued next week. Any other Sunday, I would have said screw it
jumped back into bed and stayed home, but I was scheduled to usher this Sunday and I take that
responsibility very seriously (mostly because I bitch about those who couldn't care less)

My poor computer, first the little man who lives inside (you know the one who says "you got mail"
"good-bye" "not that key you dummy" died and he took my screen saver with him and now my
computer silently lies to me.

During my awake time last night I had tuned to TCM and they had a couple of short films on starring
Artie Shaw and his orchestra. Took me back to my teen years and early adulthood when the bands
and singers were the craze. So much good dancing music and all live too. The Eagles Ballroom on
24th and Wisconsin with the mirrored ball casting lights on the dance floor and the dancing couples.
You didn't have to be a contortionist to dance to that music, but you almost had to at least like the
person you were dancing with, because it really was romantic. So romantic in fact our church
banned dancing for unmarried couples as it was very suggestive. My feeling was that going to a
drive in movie was just as suggestive if you were inclined that way yet that was ok. Makes you wonder
what kind of minds those pastors had. Oh well.

I am kind of running out of ideas about what to blog, so thought I would do a bit on Holidays as
they come along and tell you about holidays in the "olden days" as opposed to modern times.

So later this week I will comment on Halloween, but now, just a moment of silence please for the little
man who no longer lives in my computer, and a plea to the stinker who jumped in his space and
thinks it is fun to tell me lies.

Until next time, Love you guys.

IS EVERYBODY ELSE

as friggin sick and tired as I am at all these negative campaign ads. It's your fault, no, it's
yours, is not, is too,--------------man what a bunch of little kids we are being asked to
vote for this year. BUT, it brought a smile, yes I could say a laugh, out of me, because
it took me back a few years when Shannon and Bryan were little, and were at our house
on Shipman Ave. Both kids, maybe 3 & 4 yrs of age, came in crying and all of a sudden
Bryan said Grandma, it's not my fault, she hit me back first!. He gets MY vote

JUST BECAUSE----------------------------

I cant answer the e mail about 50 things about me, I decided to answer that in this blog.
Oh yes, I can hear you saying OHFORPETE'SSAKE MOM/GRANDMA, all you have to
do is cut and paste. Yeah, sure I can do the math of that too. Doesn't take a rocket
scientist you just add cut to paste and you get LOST! So anyhow here goes..

l Yes I like Bleu cheese, the more I put on the better I like it.
2, Never smoked heroin
3 Do not own a gun
4 Sonic has great ice tea, never added flavor to it
5 Nervous before a dr's appointment, yes, I know he is going to hurt me
6 Hot dogs have their place. I love them at a ball game (bratz are more my style)
7 Favorite Christmas movie "Miracle on 34th street)
8 Coffee, and lots of it
9 Push ups, push up what??????????
10 Favorite piece of jewelry anything with black hills gold
11 favorite hobby my plastic canvas
12 ADD, selective
13 Trait I hate about myself--hmm not being able to say no when I want to. getting
better at that tho, the older I get
14 Middle name Marie
15 3 thoughts at this moment, What a great time I had yesterday (Miss Mags party)
How much I love my family I wish it would rain Hard
16 Breakfast and that was it, spent most of the day in the car traveling back and forth
from California
17 3 drinks, ICed tea, water, MGD light
18 Current hate, peopleo who jump to conclusions (sometimes even me)
19 OOps, that was 19, now #18 (sorry) Worry I try not to because I think God allotted
so many worries in a lifetime and I dont want to run out ahead of time
20 favorite place to be at the beach at sunrise, alone with God and all his majestic
handiwork
21 again to the beach
22 Not sending it out
23
24 my nightgown
25 Couldnt just pick one too blessed all my life
26 whistle, not very well
27 color earth tones
28 pirate,, couldn't stand that damn bird sitting on my shoulder, Parrot soup anyone?
29 favorite girl's name--dumb question
30 boy's name ditto
31 dreams, always dream about travelling only have difficulty getting to the boat train
plane, etc.
32 No pockets, but probably kleenex or a hankie
33 kids sayings
34 halloween constume dressing up like an old lady=
35 worst injury, ha that's an easy one, when I fell and broke both my elbows and then
two weeks later fell and broke my leg
36 where I live, hell no, I hate this apartment but I love Nv and all the friends I made
here.
37 how many tv's 2
38 Fred, it's the only way he can hear himself (I love it when Char yells "you're talking
too loud.
39 No dogs
40 A crush on me, not anymore
41 any books with words in them. If I don't have at least 5 unread books at home I
feel deprived
42 Favorite candy, malted milk balls
43 favorite sports team football Packers, baseball Braves
44 favorite sport, I guess I understand baseball best
45 12 am last night, sleeping or peeing, not exactly sure didn't check the clock
46 thoughts when I woke up--gotta pee
47 sneakers Mckenna and Luke
48 favorite adult beverage, take a guess
49 first thing I notice about the opposite sex, sense of humor and hands.
50 Yeah, we got along, I was the oldest and need I say more

Well, until next time luv'nhugs to all

HOW DO THEY DO THAT

Being a staunch Democrat it really was not a well known fact that I would be watching the REPUBLICAN convention, but I
was. After it was over all I could say was WOW!, that governor of Alaska blew me away. Not to mention Mayor Giuliani. Man
if someone had come to me last night and said Rudy and Sarah are on the ballot and you can vote now, well, for the first time
in my life I would have voted for a republican for President.

Mayor G has always been a favorite of mine and he did not let me down last night. I believe he would just jump in and handle
any situation that would arise, maybe not the way I would want him too, but at least he would do something, even if it was
wrong.
I mainly tuned in because I wanted to hear more from the VP soon-to-be-nominated candidate. I really liked her. I loved her
sense of humor, that look she gets on her face when she is going to say something sassy, her messy hair (she certainly didn't
look like she just got out of the beauty salon), the funny names she named her kids (must be a story there somewhere) and
the love she shows her family. Did you see that little girl (don't have the names straight yet). She was holding her baby
brother and I guess decided he needed a "do", so she licked her entire palm and tried to give him a hairstyle. I loved it.

I went to bed feeling upbeat and thinking maybe the country isn't as big a mess as I thought it was. Ha! Woke up this morning
to the news about scandal at the executive level in Alaska, and then to my amazement an e mail from the Democratic Party
telling me what a bunch of lies I listened to last night. How did they know what I was watching, what I was thinking and
what I was considering doing. When I am thru here I a going to sail my computer out the window, cut all my telephone lines
and let my cell phone go dead and throw away the charger. I will cover all the outlets, seal the bathroom keyhole, play
loud music on my CD and maybe they wont know what I am going to do next. How do they do it. I don't know, heck I don't
even know what I am going to do next. Oh well, I guess BIG BROTHER is watching and listening.

Help--------------I* need some privacy

MY LATEST ADVENTURE

I am still trying to make the print smaller. It looks smaller, but then when I hit the "post" sign Yup you
guessed it same old big type that makes it look like I am yelling at everyone. Trust me I'm not.

Anyways, A while back my favorite change girl at the Emerald Island asked me if I liked Dr. Phil. I said
I did and she said good, we sent for tickets to see his show. Sounded like fun, and then promptly
forgot about it. Then a couple of weeks ago she e-mailed me all the information and it seemed like we
would be expected there on Tues. Aug 26 (yesterday)

Shelley (my friend) and her 25 yr old daughter Tiffany and I were going to see Dr. Phil. We decided
to take my car. Shelley has a truck and Tiff's car is being worked on. Tiff has two little girls 7 and 4.
Monday was the older girls first day of school, so we waited until school started and then would be
on our way to HOLLYWEIRD scuz me HOLLYWOOD. We were supposed to be at Paramount Studio
at 7 am on Tues. Shelley made the arrangements for our overnight stay. Seeing as both my traveling
companions smoke, I wanted my own personal room. No one smoked in the car, but I said I was
willing to stop anytime they needed a smoke break. Shelley did the driving. All went well. We
made it into LA in about 4 1/2 hrs, stopping in Barstow for lunch.

We would be staying at the Hollywood Downtowner motel, which Shelley said had high ratings for
a motel in that price range ($95 a night) We would be close to places to sight see. Grauman's
Chinese Theater, the Hollywood "walk of Fame" and not far from where they would be filming
Dr. Phil.

We arrived at the Opium Den, I mean the Downtowner, and I had this feeling I don't like this one
bit. The homeless people hanging around outside , the sleazy neighborhood and the 98cent store.
the bars on the windows of the surrounding buildings--well you get the picture. Anyhow the
"madam" who checked us in was Pakistanian or Indian or something with a ruby in the middle of
her forehead and incense burning in the office. She had only reserved one room for the three of
us, but needless to say she had another room available. The room I had was not bad. Seemed
clean enough. But I knew once I got in there, no way was I going out at night. Shelley and Tiff
said they would do some sightseeing, but would be home before dark. They walked some and
then took a bus to Graumans and walked back down the walk of fame. They called when they
were just a couple of blocks from the motel and picked me up a cheeseburger from Tommy's.
We had picked up beer earlier. There was a small frig in the room as well as a microwave and
a coffee pot.

the bathroom was brand new. The door wasn't even painted or varnished yet. they had nice
tile and a walk in shower. the only thing wrong was the toilet was on the north wall while the
tp was on the south wall. Makes sense to me. I watched the convention for a while and then
fell asleep. About 1 am I woke up, the damn smoke alarm was chirping--every 16 seconds--
until 2:30 am and then it stopped. Hard to get back to sleep after that. Got up at 4:30, showered
and was ready to go at 6 pm so we could grab some breakfast and off to see Dr. Phil.

Went back to Tommy's for brkfst and no one there spoke English. A truck full of Chollos (spelling)
were just leaving and they really gave me the creeps. We finally got our breakfast. Took forever
we were the only people in there and there were 3 people working there-you figure. Oops, forgot
to tell you the coffee pot in the room did not work. Finally arrived at Paramount and S & T dropped
me off to stand in line while they parked. Ended up parking in the Jewish Cemetary (I think it is
called "Hollywood, Forever) where they had you park along the curbs just like for a real funeral
and charged you $10 per car.

Stood and sat in line for almost two hours. If you don't read the rules they e mail you and bring
your camera and/or cell phone, they confiscate yours and you can retrieve them after the taping.
Takes forever to get thru that part, and then you walk thru this thing like at the airport and you
are finally allowed into the lot. They do have benches and everyonce in a while they let a bunch
of people in and everyone moves up. That's the upper level. Then they say "last call for the rest
room" and the Exodus begins., Thank God I didn't need to use it. Then it's down to the lower
level, more benches, but no restroom calls. Finally into the studio. Every seat is a good one
unless the cameraman decides to stand in front of you. I am sorry, but I was not impressed. The
subject for the day was its ok for and older man to date a younger woman but taboo for an older
woman to date a much younger man. Who would want to do that anyhow, man you'd have to
train him. Anyway this first womand who was 58 but said she was 48 dated over 300 men on
the internet and would have them send her an airline ticket and go to visit them She traveled
all over the world oveer 250 thousand miles and even dated the Prince of Monaco once. Her
daughter was concerned because she thought it was dangerous. Dr P said she should stop dating
for a while and look at her life. She was coming across as desperate. He never did convince her.
very boring and no free gifts for the audience.

they asked if we wanted to stay for the 2nd taping and Tiff and I said No. We went back to the
den of Iniquity, checked out and headed home. Lots of road construction but we got to my
place about 4:30 AND I was sure glad to get home. Tired and looking to sleep in my own bed,
no chain on the door and the smoke alarm has new batteries.

I did forget to mention that on the way down we ran into a horrendous thunder storm and
hard rain. Thru that I could see smoke (we were in the Cajon Pass heading into LA) and
when the sun came out the side of the mountain was on fire, on our left near the summit and
a borate bomber flew over dropping the borate on the fire. I think it was probably started by
Lightning. One the way home the next day we could see where it had burned right down to
the highway. There were still some emergency vehicles on the site checking it out. Alls
well that ends well.

Until my next adventure.....................

A TRIP TO THE RETIREMENT MANSION

OR DINING WITH THE RICH AND FAMOUS

Yesterday we had a board meeting and we were invited to have our meeting and lunch at the home of Sandy
and Bob Miller, the former governor of the state of Nevada. Sandy is one of our board members and a really
gracious lady. We had done this once before but I do believe I was so intimidated I barely noticed my
surroundings. Sandy takes great care to make you feel at home so I really got a chance to look around.

Sandy and Bob have a beautiful home in Sun City Anthem, the Country Club Estates. As you approach
you have to be cleared at the gate house and given a pass. We were expected so, no problems there.

As you approach their home, there is a beautiful driveway, creative design of different colored rocks and
pebbles tiled off leading to the steps to the front door, which. except for the frame is made entirely of
beveled glass (crystal?, who knows) On either side of the driveway. facing each other., are two, two
car garages. Upon entering the house we were greeted by the aroma of food cooking. We entered
the kitchen, which has two dishwashers, two fridges, all paneled so they just look like walls. A long
curved counter (bar) (granite in a speckled brown color) A container with a few potted miniature rose
bushes, and a vase of georgous summer flowers. (more about the flowers later) Drinks, you name it
and it was there., Copper buckets with ice and cold drinks. Pitchers of iced tea, lemonade, water,
and a bucket of exotic Lunch beers. I don't remember all the names but one was a peach beer. It
was not yet 11 am and I chose water. adjacent to the kitchen is the family room. One whole wall
is and aquarium (built in), a lounge chair big enough for two, great for cuddling and a sofa (giant)
Another wall has a large screen televison with two smaller sets above it. I guess so you can watch
all the channels for election results. The other wall is all glass facing out to the huge patio, high on a
hill overlooking the Las Vegas skyline. One section of this wall just out forming a glassed in breakfast
nook.

Going into the dining room, with another view of the skyline was a formal dining table, set for 14, would
have extended for possibly another 10 if needed, witha damask gold table cloth embossed with white.
Down the center were at least 12 small vases with fresh flowers interspursed with glass (crystal) containers
holding florist clay with small purple flowers surrounding off white roses. real napkins and glasses with
ice and lemon already in them. Lunch was served buffet style, we helped ourselves to a salad made
with spinach leaves, fresh as paragus and walnuts with an italian styled dressing a cold pasta salad,
hot vegetable dish, marinated shrimp and skewered beef, and chicken (tempura coated) with a sauce
for the beef and a sauce for the chicken. What a feast. 3 forks, ohmygosh everyone started with a
different one. I started with the one on the outside. The silverware was, of course real silver with pure
gold trimming) Did anyone drip on the tablecloth, Sandy did and when she served dessert, Strawberry
shortcake with real whipped cream, she dripped on the carpen and also on her skirt. Did she Care. NOPE

The dining room was adjacent to the living room, with another huge couch in it. The whole on wall from the
family room, breakfast nook, dining room and living room, and master bedroom, is glace overlooking the
patio, swimming pool and the city of Las Vegas in the distance. For those of you who do now know,
Sun City Anthem is in Henderson, near Eastern Avenue and lake Mead Parkway. It would be shortly
after you get off the I 15 at the Henderson turnoff.

I had occasion to use the bathroom. A simple room with only the potty and a sink. Beautiful fixtures,
good sized room and beautifully decorated BUT the only towels were personal ones, use it and then
throw it in the hamper. Wow the only time I ever did this was with PAPER towels, not real turkish one.
I looked in the hamper which stood open, very decorative, and sure enough those before me had discarded
the towels. OMG at home I use one towel and then when that corner gets ugly I refold it so a clean corner
showes up. You get the picture. I know I used the restroom the last time I was here, but I did not remember
this part. Maybe I just used my shirt tail, or waved my hands in the air til they dried. I'm not sure but
this time I felt, When in Rome do as the Romans do. So i dried my hands and put my nose up in the air
and tossed that dirty towel in the hamper with nary a backward look.

We had a DVD which we planned to watch, but ther tv in the family room wouldn't accept it, so Sandy said
oh, we can go down to the basement and use that tv, but please don't look at my dirty carpet in the
basement. Will I ever have a basement, probably not, Will I ever have a basement with a carpet, No
Will I ever say Pardon my dirty carpet in the basement. LOL

We did go down to the basement, which not only was carpeted, it too had an L shaped couch. One
section was probably 8 feet long and the second one was 6 feet long and that only took up half the room.
the other half was a built in bar, fridge, pin ball machines and games. the kind of room you could really
enjoy during a tornado. BUT, that tv would not accept the dvd either so on to the computer room.
Off the computer room was the laundry room and I could see three of the largest washer and dryers I have
ever seen. Not your ordinary run of the mill white enamel kind either, these were bronze with lots of
chrome. I guess if you can only dry your hands once on a towel, you would have a lot of laundry.

Did I mention Rosa? Rosa helped get the lunch ready and while Sandy cleared the table, Rosa silently
cleaned up the kitchen and did the dishes. Sandy introduced her to all of us. Sandy is truly a lady
with lots of class and a great sense of humor. She is very active in community efforts and sometimes
her efforts have an adverse affect on her husband. Not in a bad way but he is more straight laced and
sometimes gets roped into things. One time they participated in the opening of something and she
agreed that she and Bob would serve the people. SoBob was serving pastries, and some unsuspecting
customer came in and said "didn"t you used to be the governor and he said Yes" Sort of like "oh how
the mighty have falllen:

I did say I would tell you about the flowers. Sandy had bought all these flowers for our lunch and when
Bob saw them He figured he'd better send flowers too, just in case he forgot something.

It was a delightful day. thank you Sandy.

THE TRIP, PART 2

DAY 4 6/20

First of all, let me digress just a little. This past week they moved the Caboose from the
playground at McCaw Elementary school to the campus of McCaw School of Mines, a
distance of approximately half the length of a football field. It was an awesome sight
seeing the caboose hoisted up into the air by a crane and then set down safely in its new
home. Awesome indeed, second only to the sight a few years ago of a hoist lifting a
port-a-potty and dangling it over the Henderson City Hall. No s__t!

Day 4--It was approximately 11 pm when Bob and I arrived at Lori's. Defintely worn
out, having had nothing to eat or drink since about 2:30 that afternoon. Not hungry,
but a beer (actually 2) really sounded good and a short visit with Lori, and then off to
bed. Slept good that night.

Day 5 6/21. Got up about 8 am and Lori and I decided to go for breakfast and then to
the store to do some shopping for groceries. It was Ryan's (vi"s newphew and Lori's
cousin) birthday. We were invited to his home for Brats and then the plan was to go
to some catholic church's Fiesta. First we were invited to Sherri's as her brother
and Erma and Don would all be there. Sounds like a jam packed day to me. I begged
off the Meyerpeter (Vi's cousin) visit and also backed out of the Fiesta. I am getting
way too old to keep up that pace. I still hadn't recovered from the car,train,bus thing
yet. No problem, they all understood. Still had to put kisses in the party favors I made
for Ruth and Ed's anniversary party tomorrow. We did go to Ryan's and had bratz
and a fun evening. Ryan is kind of like Billy, funny things come out of his mouth. His
cell phone rang while we were there and he said he couldn't talk long, because he wanted
to be a good "guest" I thought we were his "guests" Oh well, only in Milwaukee.

Lori took me back to her house and they all went to the festival.

Day 6 6/21 Sunday dawned bright an early and it was time to get ready to go to
Ruth and Ed's (my cousin) 60th wedding anniversary. I had lost the invitation, I
couldn't figure out where it had gone, I knew it was in the house somewhere, but
didn't know if I was supposed to be there at 12 or 12:30. Oh well, remember what
I said about the best laid plans. I got there just about 12:30 and looked around and
didn't know who all those "old people" were. I finally spotted Bruce (Ruth and Ed's
oldest, so I knew I was in the right place. Found out I was seated at table #1 as I
was a member of the wedding party. There were about 100 people there, of which
I probably knew 25 or 30. Seated at our table, besides Ruth and Ed, were Ed's
brother Herb and his wife. He was best man and I probably have not seen himsince
the wedding. Ruth and Jerry Lawonn and their daughter Carol, Ruth was the soloist
at our wedding. Wally and Rosie, Ruth's brother and my cousin, our old choir director
Paul Jungkuntz ( we used to play Sheepeshead with him). Ruth's childhood friend
Audrey Molitor, she was our neighbor on 23rd street. Lois Dietz, her father was our
pastor, who baptized and confirmed me and Helen Koschman, whose father was my
7th grade teacher (he had to be hospitalized after our class moved on to 8th grade.
He also is the teacher who went to slap Melvin Goldsmith one time and Melvin ducked
and Audrey got it. Helen and my cousin Ruth used to walk me to grade school when
I was little. Also met my "first love" Bill Jahrman. When I was about 7 or 8 Billy and
I went sledding behind the billboard on Teutonia and Burleigh and the sled overturned
and billy kissed me. I was in love. He was our neighbor and and also belonged to the
same church our family did. His parents and mine were friends and he was a member
of our wedding party and then became my brother-in-law when he married my sister
Darlene. It was such fun seeing all these people again and reminiscing over old time.
They then passed out choir music and and the choir director had a portable piano
brought in and we sang the afternoon away, in parts, mind you. I wont say we were
good but after the first couple of songs the choir director reminded us when church
services were and where we should meet for choir practise. What a great afternoon.
I was sorry to see it end. But all good things must come to an end and so did this
afternoon.

Wally and Rosie gave me a ride back to Lori's. That evening Lori had to take some
things over to her brother Bob's for the 4th of July bash, so we arranged to meet
at a mexican restaurant for dinner (was I hungry after the big dinner of steak and
chicken at the anniversay party, no, but I tried not to be a party pooper either) I
ate about half my enchiladas and took the rest home. Kim (Bob's daughter) met us
for dinner and while we were there Robert (Bob's son) invited us to his girlfriend's
house to visit. He is engaged to Brittany and they have a daughter Payton who will
be two in September. They are living at Brittany"s mother's house.

Another jam packed day. Looking forward to Monday, so far no plans! Oops, almost
forgot. Went to Pic'nSave and picked up beer. GOT CARDED Only in Wisconsin!

TO BE CONTINUED>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

THE TRIP

DAY ONE
I was so looking forward to this trip to Wisconsin by train as all of you know, but somehow
the best laid plans, etc etc etc, any way here is a step by step saga about my adventure.
Tues. 6/17----started of with a bang. I planned to leave my apartment about 9 am to
drive to So. Cal, where I would catch the train on 6/18 in Fullerton, leaving my car with
Beth while I was gone. Really good thinking on my part, because if I chose to let Amtrak
make all of my plans, they would either bus me to Los Angeles, or Barstow, where I would
catch the train about 2 am. Who wants to be in Barstow in the middle of the night.

I really did get away by 9 am, the temperature was already 102 degrees. Gaswas $4.31
per gallon. I stopped at McDonald's and got their breakfast chicken sandwich (save your
money, I threw it away in La Habra) and was on my way. All went well until leaving
the State Line and entering Calif. Maybe 15 minutes later the traffic was completely
stopped as far as the eye could see (and you could see all the way up that hill) It was
way too hot to stop the engine and broil under the sun and no one knew what was going
on. I sat there about 30 minutes and decided to give it another 15 minutes and then
heading back to the state line or maybe even going home and starting out early on Wed.
morning. Looking back, this could have been a omen! Oh well, about 10 minutes later
the traffic started moving and we were once again on our way. What caused traffic
to stop, no one had a clue.

Needless to say I didn't get to La Habra until about 3 pm. I had planned to go to
Fullerton and send my big suitcase on 24 hrs ahead of me so it would make the connection
to Chicago (past train experience taught me this) but I had to go to the bathroom so
bad I decided to stop at Beth's and when she came home from work we could go to
the depot and then to dinner.

Having used the Sepulveda facilities, i no sooner exited the little room and there was
knocking at the door. I opened it to see Luke, Gavin, Maggie and Melanie there to greet
me. We had a great visit and when Beth came home we took the suitcase to the station,
sent it on it's way got my ticket and watched a few trains come thru the station, much
to the delight of the boys. Then we went to dinner and back to Beth's house.

Day Two, 6/18, had the whole day to relax, as my train didn't leave until 7:3o that
evening. Turned out to be a good thing. Had dinner that evening with Beth and Tony
and then went to the depot about 6:30 where we learned that Amtrak had tried calling
me (my home phone, and I was in Cal.) they then faxed me at the station stating that
due to the flooding in Iowa the train was unable to cross the Mississippi River, so we
would detrain at Kansas City, Mo and travel by bus to Gaylesburg and then board
another train for Chicago. Well, so much for 39 uninterrupted hours of relaxation on
the Southwest Chief, but I could live with that. After all, I was only inconvenience,
think of all the trauma the people who lived along the river were going thru.

Well, the train was two hours late to begin with. It only started in L.A. so much for
being on time the whole trip. (that's why I sent my suitcase ahead of me) finally
about 9:30 it pulled into the station and I was finally aboard. Thought I would go
to the lounge car and get a much needed beer, only to find out the attendant was
taking a break. Give me a break, he was only enroute for about 30 miles and I am
sure I needed that beer much more than he needed that break. Oh, the heck with
it, make up my bed and I will go to sleep, by now it is 10 pm.

Day 3 6/19 I had the schedule of the route the train would take and much to my
delight we would be going thru Alb where Mike and Alyson and Carter had moved to
the previous Sunday. I called them (yes, I had good cell service all the way to Chicago)
The Gilles' were able to meet me at the station where we had a short visit, about 15
minutes, while the train refueled and had some work done on it. (the restrooms in
one of the cars was not working) Mine was fine tho. Sleepers had first choice on
reservations for lunch and dinner (breakfast was first come first served) I skipped
lunch because I wanted to visit with the kids, so I really enjoyed my dinner. the whole
time I was on the train, I didn't open one page of my book, I just thoroughly enjoyed
the trip. However this dark cloud was hanging over everyone's head, not knowing
exactly what the scoop was. Even the crew was not happy because they did not know
what was ahead of them. Take nervous passengers and an uptight crew, decided to
go to bed and let tomorrow take care of itself.

Day 4--6/20. Diner opened at 6 am, decided to have breakfast and then gather my
belongings . We were due to get into KC at 9:30 am (still 2 hrs behind schedule)
We went outside the station to see about 6 buses lined up with no one to tell us which
was which. We had all been told we would go to Gaylesburg, but the crabby bus
drivers (they were told we would arrive at 7;30) said they were instructed to take
us all the way to Chicago. Where were the Amtrak reps. We loaded our luggage
(carry-ons ) under the bus ourselves, no room to keep it with us and were told
it would be a 10 hour trip with an hour stop for lunch. The first bus driver was a
dip s__t who was either talking on her cell phone, eating or playing her loud music
the whole way to East St. Louis. Had our lunch break, new driver who also had an
attitude and let some woman put a DVD on about Bumble bees and Honey and then
Cheaper by the Dozen, at the loudest volume you could bear, because they made
families with kids sit in the back so as not to disturb the drivers. Anyway we got
to Chicago at 8 pm Friday night. I went to the ticket desk and she said the last train
to Milwaukee leaves i8n 2minutes, you wont make it. I walked further into the
station and saw an attendant at the info center and asked him what I could do. He
said I could make it and I told him I was too friggin old to run after any damn train.
He said give me your suitcase, and grabbed his radio and called the engineer and
said HOLD THAT TRAIN, and miracle of all miracles, they held that train. I arrived
in Milwaukee at 9:45 that night, a mere 3 hours later than originally scheduled.
My brother me and drove me out to Lori's

TO BE CONTINUED..............................

MY VACATION

You all know how much I have been looking forward to this trip to Milwaukee for my 60th high school
reunion and my cousin's 60 th wedding celebration. It's coming soon. I will be driving to Calif and
catching the Super Chief train in Fullerton on Wed. 6/18 (my dad's birthday) and will arrive in Milwaukee
on Friday the 20th. I have a roomette and plan on fully enjoying the whole experience. I call it a
"land cruise". I have contacted many old friends and family members to see whether we can get
together and share some memories. So far, this has been a positive adventure, but that ended today.

My friend Shirley had not responded to my e mail, altho she usually does and I know how cyberspace
can take the best intended message, and lose it. You know, like boarding passes, etc. Ok, I didn't
hear from Audrey either, but when I called her, she said ohmygosh, didn't I answer your e mail. No
she hadn't, but it's ok and we will spend several days together when I am there. Audrey and I met
in the 6th grade and BFF takes on a whole new meaning when it spans over 60 years.

I met Shirley in high school and we became good friends. Her cousin Dianne I had known since
Kindergarten, but Shirl was a new friend in High School. One summer when my dad's union had
their annual picnic I had invited Shirley to go along with us, and it was at this picnic that Shirley
met her future husband, Dick Kureck. The summer after graduation Dick and Shirley married and
somehow or another, we kind of lost touch, even tho I was a member of her wedding party. Our
lives just took different paths.

One year when I was vacationing in Wisconsin, I was thinking about her and looked her up in the
phone book. I found a number and called it. How excited we both were to resume contact with
each other. Dick had passed away as Wayne had. We would meet for lunch or dinner whenever
I was in town, and the last reunion we had that I attended I went home with Shirley and spent the
night there. We kept in touch via e mail.

I tried calling Shirley tonight, only to have the operator state that number is no longer in service.
You know that creepy feeling you get when 2 and 2 does not equal 4, well, I called information
and tried to get a new number. No such luck. They said they had two Kureck's, one name did
not register with me, but the second one did. Wallace Kureck. That was Shirl's father-in-laws
name. I got his number, now I know he would be over 100, but I did remember he had a son by
the same name. I called him, identified myself and he remembered me. After all, I was Art Steffen's
daughter and the Kurecks, were members of the same union my dad was president of. He told me
Shirley had just passed away, having suffered thru pancreatic cancer and was buried on the 1st of
June. I am numb.

To my friend, i will miss you. I was so looking forward to our reunion in a couple of weeks, but
will smile thru my tears knowing that you are safe in the arms of Jesus. How I wish we could have
gotten together this one last time, but know that I loved you and am looking forward to the reunion
of all reunions. Rest easy my friend, you have fought the good fight. You have been a good friend
to me and my friends have made me who I am. I love you!

As Alyson's friend Kelli said, a blog is a good place to vent.

To the gilles's and the bruner's travel safely. I will be back on line after the 15th of July.

Love to all

MH

TALK ABOUT CRYING

there is good crying and not so good crying. writing this blog always makes me cry. It takes me down
memory lane,, thinking of things gone by, never to be captured again, makes me think of loved ones
already gone and, the ones that are here, and the ones that will be coming soon.

BUT Sunday was something else. Maybe being Memorial Day weekend had something to do
with it, maybe being in touch with people I haven't heard from in a long time--who knows and does
it really matter--it just happened.

I really was trying to come up with some excuse to stay home from church, but I had missed the
week before and I really didn't have a good excuse, except I was tired and achy from being on
my feet for a couple of hours on Saturday, serving cake and Irish Coffee at the Emerald Island
Casino, celebrating their 5th anniversary. I have come to the conclusion I am getting too old for
some of this stuff, so I will have to come up with something else to help the people I love.

Anyway, the good Lord kept nudging me one way and the devil the other and the good Lord won
this round. I went to church, very small attendance and horror of all horrors Pastor Diane was
preaching. Now, don't get me wrong, I love her, but her sermons usually end with me not knowing
what she was talking about. She gets sidetracked so easily and then forgets where she is. She does
a wonderful funeral and is really great ministering to the sick, but sermons are not her big thing.
This too is not only my opinion, but the feelings of many..

This Sunday was different. We started out singing PRAISE TO THE LORD, THE ALMIGHTY THE
KING OF CREATION. OH MY SOUL PRAISE HIM FOR HE IS MY HELP AND SALVATION. Off to
a good uplifting start. I can do this. The theme for the morning was "worry", ie, we shouldn't
as we should cast all our cares on Him. Yeah, sure, easier said than done. I don't consider myself
a chronic worrier, but I do worry about lots of things sometimes. Pastor Diane started out by
telling us about 18 years ago that very day she gave birth to her first child. Paul. Everything
seemed fine at first, but then he was dx'd with Downs Syndrome and the usual health problems
that come with that. Not only was this a worry, but her mother had just been diagnosed with
cancer. It's hard not to worry about these "little things" I know, I know, let go and let God.
The past 18 years had produced many "worries" kidney failure, pneumonia, her mother passed
away, but thanks be to God, today was Paul's 18th birthday. I don't believe there was a dry
eye in the house. Oh, let me back up a moment. The reason she was preaching that day was
because the flu had run rampant thru their house the previous week, one person at a time,
and Sat. night Pastor David had woke her up in the middle of the night and said You have to
do Sunday, I have the bug. Another worry is Pastor David's parents have moved in with them
and his mother is very fragile, and they worried she would catch whatever everyone else had.

Well, seems the organist/pianist also got the bug, so we had a substitute. He sang during the
Offering and guess what - you know it - HOW GREAT THOU ART. Ohmygosh, is every ganging
up on me.

The closing Hymn was DAY BE DAY. I knew the melody, but the words were new to me. It
said that day by day we should give our concerns to our Heavenly Father and just live each
day preparing for that final day when He will gather us to Him. Sorry, that did it.

I am not a pretty crier. My nose runs, my eyes get red--you get the picture, so I fumbled in
my purse for my keys etc, until everyone had cleared out of the sanctuary (as I said small
attendance, finally one thing in my favor) and Pastor Diane was greeting people, and she
took one look at me and gave me a big hug (she is not normally a hugger) and Bonnie our
secretary pulled me on the side and said "You can tell me"

Talk about crying--well trust me it was a soul cleansing cry, which touched more than me.
So enjoy your cries and then get on with the business of daily living. Worrying doesn't
change anything. love you all.

SPECIAL MOMENTS.......................

I am sure most marriages have their special moments, but even though we had lots of them, these two are really special
and seemed to mark the beginning and the end--the Alpha and Omega

As I mentioned before, we arrived back in Milwaukee after leaving Fort Lee and stealing an extra night of our very own in
Chicago, saying our luggage didn't make the connection. I guess we will never really know whether it did or not. We stayed
at the Palmer House in Chicago and had dinner and then a movie I can't remember the name of it but it was with Judy
Holiday and really funny. We knew once we got back home our time would be shared with family and friends and then
Wayne would go overseas to we don't know what nor for how long. Can you blame us? This was in June and we had been
married just over 2 months.

Moving on, it was chaos and total running around, and time was short. At one point, tho we were the only ones in my parent's
house and I walked into the living room and Wayne was on the telephone. Not that this was unusual, but the conversation
was different. He said We will meet you in an hour, will that work? I stuck around waiting to hear where we would be in
and hour and who we would meet up with. Wayne said "get ready, we are going to church and I am going to be baptized."
This was his (His) plan and I was so thankful. An answer to prayers. We arrived at Immanuel about 2 in the afternoon.
Just the three of us. Wayne, Pastor Meyer, and myself in that huge cathedral like church with the stained glass windows.
For added effect, the Children's Choir was in the balconey practising . We waited until they finished and Pastor Meyer
baptized my husband. What a beautiful moment. Special, I'd say so.

SPECIAL MOMENT #2

TIME: November, 1987 PLACE: Inter-Community Hospital

We had not been very faithful about attending church. Things always seemed to get in the way. Jobs, kids, not liking the
church we had been attending, sickness, but our hearts were faithful and as our life together seemed to be coming to a
close I suggested to Wayne that we have Rev Box come and give us Communion. Ray Box was more than happy to do this
for us and he asked his wife to join us. The 4 of us received the Lord's Supper together. After the Box's left I said to Wayne,
"thank you for doing that for me" He grabbed my hand and said "I love you, but I did it for ME" That was close to the
last clear moment we had. It was almost 9:10 pm for the last time.