photo from Aunt Isabelle's party...thanks to cousin Sue

highlights

Just a few highlights.

weary folk

The group got back safely to Fondy. Paul uploaded over 1000 photos. I'll find some good ones.

thanks Krissy

No new updates on the travelers. Thanks to niece Krissy we have these photos of her ski group from Wisconsin Dells. They had their first show, and I think these pics are from the rehearsal. Krissy is an OB nurse, but enjoys skiing in her spare time. Looks like fun!

Waterford day

Today the tourists visit Waterford (and hopefully will buy Mom something crystal) before touring Glendalough. Elle and I were super busy this weekend with a birthday party for True and Tatum, complete with a bounce house and parachute fun. Today Elle marched in the parade and her Symphonic Winds group played for the ceremony in the park afterward. It was very nice, with our Father Jim doing the prayer to start things off. It's the first time in a while that a Thelen girl hasn't sung the national anthem. Even one of Elise and Eva's former teachers said they missed them this year. How nice. Aliyah enjoyed a girl's sleepover here last night, and we watched movies and had popcorn late into the night. Tomorrow the schedule returns somewhat to normal. Time to relax...

Blarney Castle

Paul and Eva are preparing to tour Blarney Castle later today (the 24th.) and then they have a concert at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Blarney. On the home front, Elle and family friend Rick played tennis today before the rain, and I unplugged a drain...oh boy, do I miss Paul! I also need to cut the grass soon. It's not that I mind doing it, but Paul always says he does it with a push mower for exercise. I've always wanted a riding mower. Between the 2 lots here, there is enough lawn to merit getting one, but Paul doesn't think so:( Oh well, I can always use the exercise, too. Elle's friend J. Henry is coming over tonight for movies and popcorn, so I took a little time today to really clean...floors, bathrooms, rugs, etc. It's always a nice feeling when that's done.

update

Paul called today at 6PM (Killarney time, noon here) to say that the concerts have gone well so far. There was a little disappointment at Moher when a thick fog rolled in, but most of the group got to see the magnificent cliffs. Paul's rooming with Dr. Plummer, and the two are perfectly matched with their corny sense of humor, so are having a terrific time. Tomorrow they're off to the Ring of Kerry and the Muckross House tour. This is so neat for me because it is very close to our itinerary 2 years ago. It was such a wonderful tour then and I'm happy that Paul, Eva and our friends can experience it:)

Cliffs of Moher

Today the Marian group is off to the Cliffs of Moher. Later they are taking a coach to Killarney, by way of the Bunratty Castle and Folk Park.

Galway

Today the Marian group performed at the Galway Cathedral during a mass. Paul said he would send photos...nothing yet; this photo was found on internet of the region. Tonight Elle and I welcomed family friend Rick for the evening, and his wonderful dog Indy. She reminds me of my childhood dog, Belle. Also tonight we wish friend Sarah a great holiday weekend, as she camps at Emerald Lake. Sounds like fun. When my girls were young, we camped often:)

Bon Voyage

Today we say good-bye to Paul, Eva and the Marian choir as they begin a musical tour of Ireland. Right now they are over Montreal, having left Chicago 2 hours ago. Aer Lingus # 122 is the flight number if folks want to follow the route. Another update tomorrow:)

Congratulations to Kelly

Our little Kelly graduated from UWO this weekend. We are so proud of her...she has an education degree and has accepted a job in North Fond du Lac. Thanks for the photo Kelly. xxooxxo

Happy 65th!

Last evening we celebrated with Aunt Isabelle and Uncle Wilmer on their 65th. wedding anniversary. It was very nice to see the family all together for this special occasion. Late last night, we also celebrated with Dan (Elle's sax prof) who is a 20 year cancer survivor. His party had a live band and went very late into the evening. Dan's Mom was the official picture taker, so hopefully she can share photos soon. After the masses today, Paul, Eva and Elle culminated the contemporary choir year with an afternoon of mini golf and pizza for the group. Elle's bell choir also delighted the church congregation today with a selection they performed at state. It was very nice. Hope everyone has the chance to get out today and enjoy the lovely weather. Spring has finally arrived:)

pictures from this afternoon

working and playing weekend

After all the excitement with Debby winning the house, it's difficult to get back to real life. Today I'm heading to sister Jo's in Chilton for the annual spring outdoor clean-up. Elle and I made several varieties of Rice Krispie treats to fuel the gang. Paul and Eva have to play for the graduation mass at Marian this morning, and then they head out for a wedding this afternoon. Later this afternoon, the family is attending (and playing for) Paul's Aunt Isabelle and Uncle Wilmer's 65th. wedding anniversary celebration. It's scheduled from 5-8 PM. At 9 PM, we're attending a celebration for a friend who is a 20 year cancer survivor. There's a party at the bowling alley, and a musician's jam session afterward. I think the hot tub will look good after that:)

SUPER EXCITING

Congratulations to dear friend Debby who just won the Samaritan Clinic house raffle! It was so exciting to hear her live on the radio...I had to pull over. It couldn't have happened to a nicer gal:) Here's the story from the paper:

Deborah Ashenfelter, of Fond du Lac, was drawn May 13 as the winner of a new $270,000 house or $135,000 in cash as part of this year's Samaritan Health Clinic House Raffle, sponsored by the Agnesian HealthCare Foundation.


The winning ticket was drawn by 2009 house raffle co-chairpersons Karen Meyer, MD, Fond du Lac Regional Clinic obstetrician/gynecologist, and Kevin Twohig, vice president of Twohig Flooring America.

The three-bedroom, 2,229-square-foot ranch home, located at 1599 Mistral Lane, Fond du Lac, was built by Ralph Gulig Construction.

“The Samaritan Health Clinic is truly blessed not only with the individuals who helped make this year’s fund-raiser a success, but for the countless medical providers who help each week provide important healthcare services to those in our community in need,” says Meyer.

Thanks to the fund-raiser, 7,772 tickets were sold and the Samaritan Health Clinic will receive more than $64,000. A final figure will be known once all prizes are awarded.

According to Twohig, the Samaritan Health Clinic’s annual house raffle is the main source of funding for the clinic’s operations. All proceeds help provide patients with important diagnostic tests, medications, health services and supplies the clinic needs for daily operations. These patients may not be eligible for medical assistance or have limited or no insurance.

“Once again, the Fond du Lac community has rallied behind the Samaritan Health Clinic, and we are very grateful for their support,” Meyer says. “We thank everyone who purchased a ticket this year. Their investment shows a strong desire to ensure that anyone in need of healthcare services can receive that help.”

Happy Birthday to Tatum:)

Today we celebrate with my lovely niece Tatum, as she turns 5!

awesome

This is the first tree we planted when we moved here in 1990. It gets more beautiful each year.

funny kitty

Astrid, our adopted cat from Stan's farm, has taken a shine to sleeping in the sinks. Last night we found her in the little pantry sink. On a more serious note, today I'm meeting with the company CEO and his partner at work. I haven't seen them for 18 months, so I'm a bit nervous. We've a lot on our plate to cover, so I hope it goes smoothly. The company is being restructured, so we have many improvements in mind. Even said a few extra prayers for good measure:)

Happy Mother's Day

I had a very nice weekend...spent some time in Manitowoc, and am finishing the day off with dinner at Salty's. Elle cleaned the house while I was gone this morning, so that was very nice to come home to. Wishing a Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms out there:)

all the fuss

Several folks were wondering why the tornado sirens were blaring last night just after 6. Apparently, this funnel cloud was sighted near Hwy 49 south of town, not far from friend Stan's farm. Thank heaven it didn't last long.

calm before the storm

The birds spent a little time in the outdoor cage before the bad weather. Today was very pleasant also at work. We were outside all day and played ball, blew bubbles and made sidewalk pictures. Just a fun relaxing day:)

Eva all set...

Went shopping today with Eva for everything she'll need for the Ireland trip. We had very specific instructions...khaki pants and black tops, dress jeans and colorful tops, and walking shoes, concert shoes, etc. I think we managed to find almost everything. Afterward we made some scrumptious tuna burgers (Grandma Marilyn's recipe) and watched one of Eva's favorite movies, with Kevin Kline. Funny how I loved him in Pirates of Penzance, WAY before I had kids, and now they love him too. I don't know if I should feel young or old:)

Aliyah's recital went well

The young kids had their recital last night at the PAC at the high school. This was very nice, as in the past, all the kids were together and it was just too long. Last night the recital lasted only 1 1/2 hours. Now Aliyah is finished for the summer, and Elle's recital is scheduled for the 20th., after which she'll be all done too. The only glitch was Minnie's new video camera, which froze up in the middle of the first number. I pulled out the batteries and put them back in, and that did the trick for the remainder of the show. Liyah's cousin Cameron came along, and at only 2 he was all over the place. Between Elle and Minnie and I, we managed to keep him occupied until the end:)

Always nice...

I love this time of year, especially when it comes to uncovering and preparing the pool for the summer. Elle and I worked outdoors all day, getting things ready and draining the winter's snow and rain off of the cover. Paul was busy with concerts, but still had time to grill out for lunch and cut the grass. It was funny how he had to change his clothes from church suit to jeans, and then back to a suit for the concerts, and then back to jeans. Such is the life of a musician. Elle and I took a nice walk after she finished with hand bell practice.

Remembering Sadie...

This evening let's remember friend Mary Jo who lost her beloved black lab Sadie, after 13 years of companionship. My girls will remember her from several trips to Atlanta. Sadie really was a friendly girl. We will miss her. Thoughts go out to Mary Jo.

May Day

A quiet evening is planned tonight. Yesterday Steven (our blind dog) collided with me in the backyard while playing, hurting my left leg. I think a long soak in the hot tub is in order. Poor Steven just bounces right back, accustomed to such mishaps. It's my own fault, as I usually wear jingle bell ankle bracelets so he knows where I am:(
Elle is in Green Bay this evening for a jazz competition, and Paul is finishing up music week at Marian with a series of concerts and gigs. When he's finished with this busy weekend, He and Eva can get ready for the Ireland trip:)