Conversation Club Chatter

Today Matthew, Davie, Delaney, Ella and I drove over to King’s Island - it was a very hot and humid day, so lots and lots of pop and water was consumed! We got there about noon, and went straight to the children’s ride area - the girls both went on the first several rides, then it quickly became “The Quest” to find more roller coasters that Ella was tall enought to ride! She wanted to go on the huge wooden coaster - no dice. Then a steel coaster - nope, too short. And on it went, one after the other she was not tall enough. And the tears came!! Normally it would take fast talking to get a child on alot of the rides, but not Ella. (Delaney, yes - she is still very cautious at age 9.) Ella has only just turned five mind you, and she can’t get enough of speed and motion! We did manage to go on quite a few rides that were wild enough for her, but when the rest of us were totally done for after 6 hours of walking around in the heat and humidity Ella wanted to keep on riding! She sure takes after her Uncle Matthew, who would go ride coasters every day of the week if he could!

Barb and I had a great trip to Munster. It was so much nicer, for both of us, to go together. The trip sure goes fast when you have someone to talk to. Barb got together with her Mom and Sister to help plan her Mom’s 80th birthday celebration. I really enjoyed going to my nephew’s 5 year old birthday party and visiting with friends and family. I talked with my cousin Linda and she decided to come, tonight, to visit until tomorrow . Elliott, Neil, Dora, cousin Linda and I are going to Library night at the Indian’s game. It will be one of the last times, before Matt switched jobs, that we get free tickets. While I was in Munster Elliott went to the baseball game yesterday afternoon. He sat in the press box with Matt. I hope all of you had a good weekend and I’ll see you Wednesday.

Webmaster’s error - I told him Wednesday July 30 but he put Thursday July 30 on the website. I’ll tell him to change it.

I’m Maureen ( not really, it’s Carol Fay) and inviting anyone who would like to meet, for dinner, at Chili’s, Trader’s point, at 6:00 today. There are four of us going already, Barb is one. Then we are going to see Mama Mia ( either 7:10 or 7:40) at Keresotes, if you just want to meet for the movie. You can either answer me on our website or leave me a message on my home phone. I think all of us have each other’s home phone Numbers.

After only 7 years, the motor on our dishwasher is failing. We can probably use it for another year before it burns out… the squeak will just get louder and louder. I am so disappointed in the quality of goods “now a days”! A new motor costs about the same as a dishwasher so …. anyone have recommendations? Ours is a Kenmore elite which apparently should have lasted longer!

Elliott took the computer to the shop on Michigan. The Modem was acting up! I’m emailing from work. Kate, Barb did buy the tote. Jen bought the place matts, for her Mom, and a purse for her. I’ll get the monet to you this weekend. We picked Jen up, from the airport, at 10:45 PM. She came here from covering the All Star game in New York. She stayed at our house until Matt came home from covering the AAA All Star game in Louisville. He didn’t get here until 2:30 AM! Jen and I had a very informative talk but I’m wiped out today. It’s hard staying up that late. Barb and I went to the RCA Tennis last night! We enjoyed it but the second MAtch was cancelled. The Russian player got hurt in practice so he had to with draw from the Match. BArb and I got free tickets for today. I gave mine to Jen. She plays tennis and enjoys watching. I hope to have some good news about Matt, tonight, I don’t want to jinx it so I’ll let you know, tomorrow

Whirlwind 6 days in the cities and in New Ulm, but alot of fun with the girls - they have very much enjoyed getting to know their great grandparents. Steve flew home on Monday, the girls and I drive up to the airport (from my folks in New Ulm, about 2 hours)tomorrow and get back to Indy in the late afternoon.

Susan, if you want to have CC again next that’s great. Did you all decide on a date? (If you have it on the 24th I won’t be able to come.)

I worked yesterday and today read for an hour at the CM. It was volunteering for my women’s organization. It’s the Hadassah Read-to-Me program at the CM. Kate, I tried calling you, today, to come over to take pictures of the crafts. Then I’ll send the pictures to Jen. What evening is good since I couldn’t get you today? Maureen, Elliott and I road bikes, today. I’m sure we didn’t ride as far as you and your husband but I enjoyed it!! Bobby spent last night with Rachel and her parents while Donna and I went to the Fever game. Elliott ran the scoreboard. Donna and I had great Comp. tickets on the floor. We felt like we were almost on the court with the players! Bobby left by 6:00 AM to go to NAshville Tenn. to work anoth baseball camp. MAtt had a long weekend working the baseball games. He said he doesn’t feel good and has a sore throat. That seems to be going around. Bobby had it and so did Rachel. How was your weekend?

Kathy, I just copied and pasted the Amani info. I put it in an email and shared it with Jen. Did I tell you she went, with her church, on a mission to Afghanistan, about six or months ago. She showed me pictures. The church bought a sewing machine to help the women support their families. I just got another very informative email from her. She is goig to New York, to the Baseball All Star games. She is also going to Broadway, with two friends, to see the play Wicked ( her second time seeing it)! I won’t bore you with the rest of her news but I’m really enjoying hearing from her! Judy and I are going to a movie, tomorrow, but I will plan to go to Sue’s unless it just gets too late. Since I’m really not able to do much traveling, right now, Movies are my getaway. I have been going to Munster and Chicago alot, lately,but that’s not the same as all the traveling the rest of you are doing.

Amy and I hosted an Amani Gathering while she was here. I still have quite a few lovely bags, etc. that I will have to send back if I don’t sell them. Would it be alright to bring them to Sue’s to see if any of you are interested? All of the money goes back to African women and the centers over there. There’s a short video I could play. It is mostly refugee women who are able to support their families and school their children with the money they earn sewing.

The sun is peeking through after a rainy and cool morning - unbelievably enough it is only 61 degrees right now where normally the temperature would be roasting us on the 4th of July!

I have been listening to patriotic music and recordings all morning - never fails to give me the shivers and bring tears to my eyes. I am glad for that actually because it means that despite all the things that are wrong with the USA, overall I am proud to be an American and appreciate the sacrifices that have been made for me to live here in freedom.

I love Kate Smith’s “God Bless America” ~
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r26_CSzk3Xw

Happy 4th of July!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dave and I are planning on going to see “GLORY” at the Art Museum July 4th … having a picnic dinner before the movie. Anyone interested in joining us? Gates open at 6. Tickets are purchased at the gate… 8.00. Film begins at dusk