In Memoriam...

Karen C.  1955-2025

Today, my former classmate and friend, Karen will be laid to rest. She lost her husband a number of years ago, welcomed a granddaughter named for him, and celebrated her seventieth birthday in January. The day after Mother's Day, she lost her battle with cancer.

She was one of the hard working members of our high school fiftieth reunion committee, and until she became too ill, would always join us for our monthly dinner gatherings. The last time I saw her and spoke with her was at her birthday party. She was frail then, but put on a brave face for everyone who came to celebrate.  

Karen leaves behind four children and their spouses; three grandchildren; her siblings and their spouses. Her legacy will live on through them.

I'll be attending her visitation and funeral this morning along with so many others who will miss her smile, her kindness, her generosity, and her gentle spirit. She's reunited with her dear husband and is now whole and healthy again. Rest well, dear friend. I'll miss you.

April Classmate Dinner...

Back row: Al, Donna, Bruce, Max, Janet and Jeff. Front row: Cal, Brad, Deb, Mary and John

The weather was perfect for dinner next to the lake yesterday. Our regular spot for dinner is a restaurant located right along the south shore of Lake Winnebago, and it was so nice to see moving water where there was ice only a short time ago.

We had eleven classmates in attendance, and as always, we spent the time sharing stories, family news, and other interesting (to us) things. Seems health is always a subject, too. "Did you hear about...?" "How is <insert spouse name here>?" You know. Thankfully, conversation soon turns to something other than our shared aches and pains, and "How did we get old so fast?". Things that comes from life and times shared.

Our meals together usually last about two hours, and just like the old folks we used to giggle about (Early Bird Diners), we were all heading home by 5 pm. Rather than talking about the old times, we're busy making new memories we'll be able to look back on in the years ahead. Of course, we took this photograph to share in our classmate Facebook page, and to have a record of this month's gathering. We'll do it all over again in May.

Spring Sunset...

This was the sky outside the restaurant as I left on Tuesday evening. The place where we gathered is at the south end of Lake Winnebago. If you aren't familiar with Wisconsin, just look at the map and you'll see that large lake in the east central portion of the state. That's Lake Winnebago, and the place I call my hometown is Fond du Lac (French for "foot of the lake"), located right at that end of the lake.

This photograph is unretouched, and I can tell you it really doesn't do justice to what I actually saw. It was raining to the east (behind me), and there was a rainbow there, while this magnificent spring sunset was laid out in front of me. The wind was blowing waves onto the shoreline and it was a fitting end to a night with friends.

My hands are still sore, so no new embroidery updates. These darn arthritic thumbs! Don't they know I have things to do? I hope some of you are managing to get a little needle dancing into your day. As for me, I'll try again today.

Fields of Gold...

 

We had a great weekend, but yesterday was particularly wonderful. My longest, lifelong girlfriend is in town for our class reunion. She's been here for a week to spend extra time with her siblings. She contacted me Saturday night and asked if we could go to church and brunch afterward Sunday morning.

Cyd and I met in first grade (have I told this story before?) when she walked into the classroom as a new student. Our teacher always assigned a current student to shepherd the new student around school so they wouldn't feel overwhelmed. Our teacher chose me to be that person for Cyd (then Cindy). Well, we hit it off, learned she also lived close to our house, and the rest is history. We've been best friends ever since - a total of 62 years.

I quickly learned that not only did we share a school, but her family was also Methodist, so we also would attend the same church. Our families used to walk to church together, and her parents and mine also  became good friends. We went to the same church until after graduation when Cyd's studies and life carried her away from Fond du Lac, and marriage eventually led me away from town, too.

Handsome and I continued worshiping at that church, as he was also Methodist, and in those years, we had a booming congregation. There were usually 350 people gathering on a regular Sunday and two to three times that on Christmas and Easter. We served on church committees and were active in fundraising for a new building when the church that held our families for so many generations began to crumble. They were good years.

Yesterday morning, I met my dear friend at the church and we held hands as we frequently have through the years. We worshiped together, greeted the other parishioners and looked at old photographs on the wall in the fellowship hall. One photograph showed the then minister with a number of Sunday school teachers and children standing on the front steps of the church. I immediately pointed out my mum and little sister in the photo. Cyd wondered where we were, and I found myself first and then Cyd next to me. We had to smile at the shared memory.

When we got to the restaurant for brunch, we began our conversation talking about the church. Both of us were sad. The pews were mostly empty. I counted fewer than fifty people in the sanctuary...and there were no children. Not one. Most of the people were our age or older. We felt like we were attending a dying church and we talked about it for quite a while.

I know there are many reasons why people no longer attend church. Heck. I've been one of them. We live in a rural area. Things to do at home, and while Handsome and I are spiritual, there were changes in the church that we didn't agree with. Even so, Sunday is going to live in my head for a while. I'm going to discuss it with my husband, and I'm going to pray on it.

I know this isn't at all my usual sort of post, but I'm wondering what you might feel about organized religion and attending church these days. Is church no longer important in our lives? No judgment whatsoever. Please share your thoughts if you're so moved - and thanks in advance.

Taking Care Of Mama Cat & Kittens...

Brynwood Needleworks - Mama's Kittens

 

I made some tough, but unselfish, decisions yesterday...and it was pretty emotional for me. I made a phone call in the morning, based on recommendations from local cat people. I contacted Critter Junction Pet Rescue and had a conversation with one of their volunteers, Renee.

I had lots of questions about how I might get help for Mama cat. I'd actually written a post on FaceBook for our local town group, and Renee had been tagged by someone else, hoping she could help me. By the time I called, she said she'd seen my inquiry - and Mama kitty had already been the topic of conversation prior to my call.

She told me, 1) If the foot was broken, it could cost me upward of $2,000 to have surgery/casting/care (I gasped.); or 2) with her being a feral/full time outdoor cat, if her foot is broken, the likely option would be amputation. (I gasped again.). Neither option was palatable to me (cost or possibility of amputation), and I told them so. Then, Renee told me that there was one more option.

I could take Mama and her kittens to the rescue. They would get her vetted and get the best treatment for whatever is going on with her foot, let her stay with her kittens until they're weaned, and then place the kittens with loving homes. Mama would then be spayed, vaccinated, treated for fleas/ticks...and returned to me, because the farm property is her home. I've heard that if the adults are moved and manage to get out, they'll do their best to return to their original home (which would put her at risk of injury from any number of hazards). 

Understand that I was doing my best to keep my composure during the telephone conversation, but I had already considered the fact that as the kittens got bigger and started to explore their surroundings (outside the Compass Barn), they could be at risk of injury from predators - or curiosity from the dogs. More importantly, I needed to get Mama checked and treated for her paw injury. My voice broke numerous times, and toward the end of the conversation, the tears freely flowed.

So, I made the decision before I hung up with Renee to release Mama and her kittens to the rescue. When the call was finished, I blew my nose, told Handsome what I was going to do, and then I went to the barn.

Mama's been caring for her kittens in one of our dog kennels that I'd filled with straw before she had them. I originally had it in a south window so the winter sun could keep her and last season's kittens, Crystal and Leo (thanks for reminding me, Shelly) warm. I had taken the kennel door off, as it wasn't needed.

 

Once the kittens started opening their eyes, I moved that kennel down onto the barn floor, on top of and surrounded by more straw to insulate them from the cold floor. So, when I went outside, I gave Mama some warm milk to drink, and when she'd had her fill, I picked her up and put her in my lap. She let me cuddle her as I explained the plan.

I took the kennel door off the hook on the wall, moved some of the straw out of the way, and reinstalled the door. When I was finished, I picked Mama up and gently placed her inside with her babies. I spoke softly to her the entire time, and then placed the towel (that's been over the vents all winter) in front of the door to calm her as I put her into our truck for the trip to town.

When we arrived at the shelter, I went inside without them, and after introducing myself, asked more questions. She'd be able to stay with her kittens until they are weaned, right? (yes) She'll get the veterinary care for her paw, right? (yes) ...and if it's just a thorn in her paw or a laceration, should I come back and get her and her babies? (no. They'll still take care of her, placing her babies, and spaying her for me) Did I say they'll do all that at no charge whatsoever to me? That's right. And I'll still get her back to bring her home after all that. Then I asked if I could see where she'd be while in their care. 

 

They showed me the enclosure that was already waiting for her. A nice bi-level with towels that they change every day, fresh water, self feed dry food, plus daily wet food, and a nice litter box for her personal needs. Being satisfied that she and her babies would receive the best care, I agreed to go out and get her.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Mama and Kittens

I didn't uncover the kennel until we were in front of her new, temporary home. It was suggested that I hold her kennel in front of the "apartment" and the lady helping me would open the door to the kennel so Mama could go right in the upper level. Once she was in, we got all the babies out, to put them in the bottom so Mom would know there's a second floor when she went to her babies.

 

Before putting the kittens in with her, I asked for a photo with them, which is the first picture in this post. I left my glasses on so you can't see the tears in my eyes. Her babies are beautiful, and upon re-inspection, there are two boys and two girls. (I'm glad they're in care now. I was already thinking of names for them.)

 

By the time the babies were ready to go into the lower level of the enclosure, Mama was already there, waiting for them. She stayed on the lower level shelf as her kittens were placed on the bottom below her. I told her she'd be getting the best of care, and that I'd be back for her soon.

 

Before I left, the ladies recorded my name and phone number so they could contact me to come get her in a few weeks. Then they asked me Mama's name. Well, because she has that sweet moustache marking on her face, I'd originally called her "Poirot" after the PBS detective series. (I thought she was a boy until her belly started to swell.) I then learned that Shelly was calling her "Groucho". Today, I decided this sweet Mama deserved a more fitting name, so I told them, "I'm going to call her "Claudette"...a nod to the French name I originally gave her. "

 

And so, with tears falling down my cheeks - a sniveling, sniffling mess, I told her I was leaving her behind so they could help her paw, and I'd see her soon; asked them to take really good care of her; and that I'd soon be making a donation to their rescue, I went out to my vehicle and cried a little more before coming back home to the farm.

I took food out to Leo and Crystal tonight. I put Claudette's kennel back up on the south workbench where they like it, in front of the window where the sun shines in during the day. I told them their mama would be gone for a little while, but she'd be back soon. Leo meowed at me. I cried a little more, and went back inside.

 

Call me a soft touch, but I like taking care of these tough, little cats. I like that I was able to earn their trust enough to be able to cuddle them instead of only catching glimpses of them as they'd run and hide from me. I went to sleep knowing I'd done the best thing for Claudette and her sore paw, and that her kittens would be loved and safe in forever homes, instead of living a rough outdoor life. I'm grateful that I could find a place that was willing to help.

I'm going to be making donations to Critter Junction. In the event that you might like to contribute a little something, HERE is a link to their website. They have a "Donate" button, but I know that many rescues also accept gifts purchased and shipped through Amazon to their door. A list of their "needs" also appears on the site. If you choose to contribute, I'd love it if you mention your donation is to help their rescue because of their care for Claudette and her kittens, with my thanks.

One more thing, they'll update their Facebook and website with pictures of Claudette and her babies soon, plus they said I can contact them to find out what Claudette's paw diagnosis is, or anything else I want to know. As they give me updates, I'll share those with you, too. She never made a peep before I left. I think she knows she and her babies are safe. Because she's okay with that, I am, too. I still have tears in my eyes as I write this, though. Happy tears.

 

Happy Independence Day...

Brynwood Needleworks - Old Glory Table Mat

 

We'll be enjoying time with family and friends. I the rains hold off, Handsome will be performing with the Concert Band at Fond du Lac's Lakeside Park Bandstand. Fingers crossed.

Wishing you a safe and happy Independence Day, from our family to yours.  

An Evening of MSO in FdL...

Brynwood Needleworks - Milwaukee Symphony

Last night, Handsome and I were able to sit together in the audience as Yaniv Dinur conducted the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra at Buttermilk Creek Park in Fond du Lac, WI. Usually, Handsome is on the stage when he's at the park, but we weren't going to pass up another chance to see the Symphony perform in town.

Brynwood Needleworks - Sunset Over Fond du Lac (WI)

 

The program began at 7:15 pm, and the sunset was appropriately wonderful as the orchestra played "Hymn To The Fallen" near the end of their concert. If you have a chance, go to YouTube and do a search on this piece of music. It's so hauntingly beautiful, made even more so, as the sun set over my hometown. It was a lovely evening for a concert.

I had a busy, tiring day, so I apologize for not getting my patterns listed yesterday. It's first thing on my agenda for today (after my cup of coffee)! See you tomorrow.

It Was A Great Party...

Class of 1973 - photography by Ken Bauer

Saturday night was full of fun, friendship and surprises. It was the 45th class reunion for my high school graduating class. I was part of the planning committee, so I helped with anything that needed to be done prior to, during and after the party. There was still lots of time to visit, dance and catch up.

Not everyone who attended the party (and was a member of our class) is in this photograph. I noticed twenty or more people who chose to stay outside to visit or watch us taking the photo. (It was really hot outside, and worse inside.) I think they were just more comfortable not huddling next to the classmates that were posing for the picture (or perhaps they were camera shy).

Dr. Cyd Quarterman and me - BFFs for 57 Years and Counting

When I spoke with my oldest, best friend a few months ago, she told me she wouldn't be able to come as she planned to be in Wisconsin a few weeks prior and wouldn't stay on or return. I was disappointed, but completely understood.

I was sitting with my stepsister (also a classmate and long-time friend), Sher, when I glanced up to see my BFF walk across the room. She had decided to surprise me and come back to Wisconsin (from Georgia) for our reunion! She brought her younger brother as her "plus one". I've known him since he was a "pup", so we also got a chance to talk.

I couldn't have been happier to see her, and to spend time with her brother. She really blessed me by taking the time to come back to town for our reunion celebration, and we're planning to get together later this week at her mom's before she heads home.

Planning Committee Volunteers (L-R: me, Mary Schingen, Karen Suhs, Karen Courtney)

Mary, Karen S., and Karen C. were all busy Saturday night. The reunion really was the work product of Mary and another classmate, Rose Reigert. They called for volunteers to help plan the party, and that's how I got involved.

The night of the party, it was all hands on deck to make sure food and drink were available, a fun photo area with props was set up, and of course, end of night cleanup was accomplished. There was also plenty of time for committee members to eat, dance and be merry. (I'm sorry we didn't get a photo of all the committee members and volunteers together. This wouldn't have happened without them!)

John Freund and me

John is the younger brother of one of my old high school boyfriends. John was in my class, and he and I had time to share what's been going on in our lives since we last spoke.

We shared a couple of old stories, and he told me what his brother is doing in the northwest part of the country, too. Lots of changes (although not unexpected) since we graduated and his brother and I went different ways. It was nice to learn that they're all doing well.

Rose and Me

More than a few classmates passed since our last reunion (five years ago), but Rose Roberts is the younger sister of one of those who passed in the last year. She came to the reunion to visit with some of her sister's old friends, and we ran into each other.

We visited for quite a while, catching up on friends and relatives, and she's still as lovely as she always was. Rose always had a quiet elegance, and a great sense of fun. She seems to have become even more so over the years, and we hope to see each other again soon.

All in all, it was another memorable time with so many old friends. The next time we're all together, we'll celebrate our 50th. It's so hard to believe, when so many of still feel like thirty year olds inside. Sure, we have a new ache here, or a little "hitch in our giddyup" from time to time, but our hearts and minds are all still vibrant and fun filled.

I'll continue to work with the committee to plan the golden anniversary of our graduation, and pray that all of us alive today will be able to celebrate together in 2023. What a celebration it will be!
 

Tuesdays With Tag - The Drive-In...

Gilles in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin

 Hi, Everybody!

Yesterday, Mom, Dad, Boo and I went to our favorite place in Fond du Lac (Wisconsin).

We had all gone to Appleton to pick up Dad's amplifier for his stereo system, but instead of goin' the short way home on the east side of the lake, we headed right down the west shore to go to Gilles. (Mom says it "Gillies")

Pullin' In To Our Parkin' Spot

Gilles is a great drive-in place that's only open durin' the nice weather. Sometimes they would open up to sell custard for one day around Christmas, but usually, they're only open when it's nice.

Tag Knows Where We Are

Dad chose a great parkin' spot, close to the kitchen so I could watch them makin' our lunch. Those guys really scurry around in there. They were busy makin' ice cream cones, burgers and fries. Bella and I could smell 'em from our car.
  

Gilles Kitchen

There's plenty of space in there for lots of people to work. That's a good thing, 'cuz the parkin' lot is full most of the time. There are cars in the parkin' lot from the time they open until the time they close. Their food is that good - and Mom says they've been in business for a long, long time...like since before she was a teenager. That's like a 100 years in dog years!

Bella's On To Our Plan, Too

Boo was interested in the menu board. She asked Dad if she could have some custard, but he didn't want her to get an upset stomach. We always get a french fry (or two), but ice cream would be pushin' it. Even so, it didn't hurt to ask.

 

I'll Have One Of Everything Please

I love those french fries, but truthfully, I wouldn't have minded a whole hamburger to myself. Dad said, "Absolutely not! You'll barf." hee hee. He's probably right. I've never had a whole hamburger, and I'm not sure I'd know what to do with one, even if I stole it off a plate! 

Our Cute Carhop

Our carhop was a really nice girl named Monica. She was so friendly when she came to the car. She saw me and said, "He's so cute!" I liked her right away. She knows "cute" when she sees it. Bella stood up when she started talkin' to me, so she talked all sweet to Boo, too.

We'll Be Back!

Of course, I got right in on the action when she brought the food to our truck. After Dad paid her, she handed him a treat for the Black Dog and me. Oh, yeah. Mine was tasty, and Bella must have liked hers, too. She didn't spit it out or anythin'.

I'm lookin' forward to the next time we go there. I hope Monica is there to wait on us. Mom said we won't be back for a while. We don't go to Fond du Lac very often. We mostly head toward Plymouth and Sheboygan, but we decided it's okay to go to Gilles every once in a while. I hope next time, Dad let's me order. I'll make sure there are some pupper-friendly additions to our meals!

Thanks for stoppin' by today. I know. You're hungry now, right? 

I'll see you again in seven. 'til then...  

"Chase A Dream - Or A Squirrel".

God Knows...

God always knows best what I need and when I need it...and He always takes care of me. This I know. Today was a perfect example.A package arrived in the mail, but I was in the middle of something, so although I saw it on the counter, I didn't immediately go to see what it was. When I did...I was immediately filled with excitement. You see, the package was from my oldest and dearest friend, Cyd.

I'm blessed to have a handful of women I call dear friends, with whom I've shared the majority of my life...Cyd, Laura Ann Elizabeth, Linda, Jill and Lee. Each one has been a trusted and loving friend who has known my heart and my deepest thoughts for over twenty years, but I've known Cyd the longest.

We've been friends since the first day of first grade - nearly fifty years! On that first day of school, she walked into the classroom with her strawberry blonde braids. As I gazed upon her beautiful face, she looked at me with my equally long, but dark-haired braids. In our classroom, the teacher, Mrs. Kerr, always assigned a "seasoned" student to accompany the "new kid" for the day. She said, "Donna, will you be Cindy's friend today?" and as Cindy looked at my face, I replied that I would. We became fast friends from that moment on.

We shared all our grade school years together. We walked to and from school, had sleepovers at each others houses, shared crushes on the same boys, waded through the creek at the hospital, rode our bikes home with wet hair (that turned to icicles in the winter) after hours swimming at the YMCA, laughed, cried and shared our deepest secrets. Even our parents became friends.

As we grew older, we had separate interests, but always knew our hearts were safe with - and belonged to - each other forever. We didn't need to commandeer each other's time. In fact, we've gone years without a word, just knowing that we're always there for each other. I don't ever remember a hurtful word uttered from one of us to the other. We've always been friends who respected each other too much for that. That's not to say we didn't disagree, but we always did it with consideration for each other. I can't remember when we've ever not loved each other...in spite of all the years and distance and separate families.

Today, I opened that box and was filled with emotion.
A note from my friend and gifts from her past, given to me.
A beautiful vintage valentine and wedding card...
Old laces...
crocheted doilies, coasters and dresser scarves...

precious hankies, embroideries and vintage linens...

and antique cardboard advertising fans with the sweetest images...

I was literally overcome with emotion. Emotion knowing that this incredible woman thought of me and sent this box of precious memories to me. Emotion knowing that we'll love each other as the dearest of friends until we die. Emotion knowing that God sent her to me all those years ago, and keeps her safe and in my life as we grow older. This dear, precious friend for all my life. God knew just what I needed today. Yet again, I am blessed.

The photo of me with Cyd (she'll always be "Cindy" to me, as I'll always be "Dee" to her) was taken in 1965 in my parent's living room. (I was 11 years old. Cyd slightly younger.) We had spent the day ice skating at the rink on Fourth Street in Fond du Lac (Wisconsin). We always stayed out until our feet froze, and when we got home, there was a roaring fire in the fireplace. Those were the days...