What I did in my second year of retirement!

In my second year of retirement I made a new discovery; took up old sports; made and lost a few friends.

Discovered Crafts

Early in 2013 I noticed a Facebook status update from a neighbor about a craft club. Crafting has never been something I was good at; nor thought I'd enjoy but seeing as we were in the dead of winter and my neighbor made it sound like fun I took a chance and signed up. What fun I've had with this new discovery of crafting! I've blogged about most of the things I learned how to make. Michael's has become my new favorite store. I could browse there for hours.

Old Sports

Golf

Spring time came and another NM retiree asked me to golf with her. She was just getting back into the sport and wanted to practice; not join a league. I have a set of clubs but wasn't confident I could even hit the ball anymore. I took lessons through the Milwaukee Rec Dept; and after those my friend and I took more lessons from a pro. We were quite dedicated from May through September getting out twice a week on the par-3 courses in town. I still don't always hit the ball but I do enjoy the outdoors, exercise and friendship. I may look into joining a league in 2014.

Bowling

As the summer was nearing an end I decided to see if I would enjoy bowling in a league again. I sent a message to Bowlero about wanting to join a team of ladies, preferably during the day. I received a call back from someone I knew in my bowling past about joining her league on Monday mornings. Two leagues were being combined and one of the team's were short a bowler so I was put on the "Tidy Bowlers" team. It was awful to begin - my starting average was 104 and I was quite embarrassed as I tied a 94 year old woman with the same average. But - watched a few YouTube videos and practiced before the next week. My average is steadily moving up - now at 134. I really think it should be closer to 150 some day.

 

Old Friends / New Friends

Now that I'm no longer in the work environment; most of my friends from that era have pretty much disappeared. Not that anything bad happened; just that life and priorities change and what we once had in common no longer exists. I do occasionally think about them, wondering how everything is going for them, but not enough to initiate the connection as I once did. I'll keep the memories from all the good times in my heart.

My new activities in crafting and bowling have brought me several new friendships. The ladies are typically ten or more years older, but that doesn't matter. I'm very inspired by how active and healthy they are. Several of the ladies are also in other activities that could be fun, so I may make a few more discoveries in 2014. Yoga anyone?

Wycinanki

During December, Julia and I took classes at the Wilson Center of the Arts to learn the Polish art of paper cutting or wycinanki (vee-chee-NON-kee). There were three classes scheduled, but we only made it to two. The goal is to develop a new skill and learn a bit about Polish culture while having fun. Once again, our instructor was Kasia Drake-Hames.

Wycinanki is a form of art that is typically very colorful, with sharp points, and very symmetrical. In the first class we followed a pattern to make Christmas Trees, them embellished them with other paper cutouts or punches. Reminded me a bit of cutting out paper snowflakes because we folded the paper before cutting. That explains the symmetry. Here are week one's final products.

Julia's tree

Grandma's tree

The last class we could either make paper ornaments, or greeting cards. Seeing as I never got around to putting up a tree, I decided to make some cards. Again, the concept is to be symmetrical so I tried to keep that in mind.  Here are the fronts of my cards.  (The bunnies are actually punch outs)

Nativity made with pattern

My favorite is this snowflake

The tree was the pattern - rest are punches

Leaf pattern

Julia finished up an ornament she had started the first week, then started a "porcupine" ornament.

I ran out of time in class, but gave the porcupine technique a try at home. I really like it, but next time will use more colorful paper. If you'd like to give the porcupine ornament a try, here is a link to the directions Polish Ornament .

Polish Star    a.k.a. Polish Porcupine

More about Wycinanki:  Wycinanki had their beginnings in the first half of the 19th century when Polish peasants, using material and tools which were at hand, made beautiful decorations for their homes. Since it was customary to whitewash the walls of their homes just before Easter, it also became a tradition to cut out paper decorations which were then pasted directly onto the walls. The making of wycinanki became increasingly popular during the third quarter of the 19th century, with certain areas of Poland developing characteristic patterns. Originally, sheep shears were used to cut out intricate and delicate designs. This Polish art form reflected the history and characteristics of regional folklore.

I'd like to give a plug to Kasia, the instructor. She is a patient instructor, and did a wonderful job. I noticed on her website she will be teaching some interesting classes at Stone Creek Coffee in Bay View early in 2014. I will sign up and am anxious to learn more interesting crafts. Check it out:  Craftea Events

The bride wore a powder blue wool dress with black accessories and a corsage of gardenias.

December 17, 1943 - My parents wedding date. The story as I was told is fascinating. My parents grew up in northern Wisconsin, and due to world events were both in the Chicago area.

In about 1941, Albert Schreiner, my father and the oldest child in his family, moved from his parent's dairy farm in Rib Lake to live with his sister and her husband in the Milwaukee area after high school to work for The Pressed Steel Tank Company. As was expected, and typical, his paychecks were sent to his parents. As the U.S. became more involved in World War II; he decided to serve his country. The line outside the Army's recruiting office was pretty long. He noticed a shorter line outside the Navy recruiting office so he enlisted in the Navy.

Harriet Guy, my mother and the seventh of ten children was raised in Medford. Several of her older siblings had married and lived in Chicago. Jobs could be found in Chicago, especially for women during World War II. After high school, probably in 1942, she moved to Chicago and lived with her parents, along with a few siblings and their spouses in the same apartment building in Chicago.

In northern Wisconsin, Medford and Rib Lake are relatively close to each other and while my parents were two years apart, I understand they did know of each other while they were in school. Another interesting point is that prior to this date, my father's cousin and my mother's brother had gotten married.

My guess is that at some time in 1942/1943 my father was either on leave, or stationed at Great Lakes, and visited his cousin Ella and her husband George in Chicago.

My imagination takes over now - I can visualize my parent's meeting up and falling in love. Seeing as it was war time, people didn't believe in long engagements.

Back to the story as I heard it...at that time a male could not get married without his parent's permission if he was under the age of 21. My father's parents, who had been receiving my father's earnings, expected him to return to the farm. They were not very excited about him marrying someone who might not want to do that. Not to mention they would no longer receive his earnings. My father turned 21 on December 16, 1943. The next day he and Harriet were married.

I've found a newspaper clipping that must have been printed in either the Rib Lake or Medford newspaper announcing their marriage. I have not found a  wedding day photograph but I did find one that has to be very, very close to when they married.

Their story continues, but I'll leave that for another time.

Al and Harriet

Rosette Christmas Tree

The Thursday Crafters' Club Christmas project of making rosette trees proved to be quite challenging. The process required a "scorer" device; paper cutters; pretty paper; accordion folds and lots and lots of hot glue.  

My first attempt was a small one. I learned quite a bit about rosette making like the accordion folds MUST be accurate and even. I also thought decorated edges would be pretty - instead I think it is too much. As you will see, there are a few lopsided layers! Don't think I'l bother saving this one after this season.

Seven layered rosette tree.

Globs and globs of glue!

The is the full sized tree and I am much happier with the results. I took my time instead of rushing. 

14 layer rosette tree

Added mod podge and fine glitter before assembling.

I'm glad we made these and also glad I invested in the equipment. There are lots of other rosette crafts to try.

Happy Mug Visits The Library

Early this year I joined an online photography group that challenged members with a different assignment each week. It was fun and I looked forward to it. It forced me to try new things with my camera and got me out of the house during the cold winter months.  Recently while going through my photos from earlier this year I remembered the assignment starting January 23rd. It was "Composition Contrast" meaning have your subject in an unusual environment. I decided my happy mug would be a good subject and stashed it in my purse while visiting the library.  Here are the results:

As I look back at these images I recognize how bad the lighting was, and some other technical issues I'm not pleased about but it is part of the learning curve.

This website no longer does these types of assignments. Too bad - I really enjoyed them.  I've tried a couple of others, but they haven't been nearly as much fun. Maybe I should start one myself!

Photo frame; Greeting cards; Photo transfer onto glass

Finally getting around to sharing a few more crafts I've had fun with.

First up is a photo frame for my new grandson Ben.  I really enjoy working with plastic canvas.

Plastic canvas; embroidery floss; beads

I've also been finding more patterns to make "Iris Folded Greeting Cards".  I have two new friends from Bowling that are celebrating their birthday next week.  They are both named "Barb" and were born on exactly the same day.  One is 11 hours older and of course the younger one keeps reminding her of that! Anyway I wanted to personalize a birthday card for each and because one enjoys jigsaw puzzles and the other opera I came up with these.

"It's a puzzle to me...how do you stay so young?"

Sidney Opera House

Then, I saw something about transferring photos to glass and investigated a bit further.  The process is not hard and I really like the results:

• Need black and white photos - with lots of contrast!
• Must be copied or printed on a laser printer (ink jet won't work)
• Reduce in size to fit on clear packing tape with a little border of tape on top and bottom
• After photo is placed on tape; press down using a credit card or ruler several times to aid transfer
• Soak the taped photo in warm water for two or three minutes
• Peal off the paper - you may need to rub a bit...
• Let tape dry until sticky again (don't blot with paper towel or napkin!)
• Wrap tape on your item of choice

I chose glass candle holders.  One of them was frosted so the photo didn't come out real sharp but still worked.  I read the tape may come off if item gets wet like in a dish washer, so keep that in mind if you decide to do this to drinking glasses or a vase.

Passion Flower lit with a tea candle

Larger candle holder with a votive

Weaving until it hurts!

Not that weaving hurts, but when fingers aren't typically being used like this, they tend to cramp a bit.

Last Saturday, granddaughter Julia and I took Weaving 101. Turned out we were the only ones who signed up so we received individual tutoring.  Nice - especially when neither of us has experience in this craft. Kasia, our teacher, showed examples of a few techniques and we decided to try the twining first.  Using pipe cleaners, we began to weave baskets.  These photos show the start. Looks quite complicated, but as long as you remember which colors are the "spokes" and which are the "weavers", it was not difficult.  I chose blue and green for my weavers;

while Julia started with orange and pink weavers then decided to add some other colors.




The spokes aren't supposed to show through when finished, but as you can see from the next photo, I wasn't too successful in hiding them.  I think they add character to the basket though - don't you?

Twining with pipe cleaners

Next we decided to try coiling. Kasia instructed us in what I found out later is "open coiling".  We used some felt scraps and yarn.  While we did it, the result wasn't very good. In fact the one I made in class has already hit the circular file.

Still interested in the technique though, I researched the website Kasia talked about as well as others, and decided to try my hand at home using the "closed coiling" technique.  Much better results!  On Pinterest I found videos and directions on how to use plastic bags, grocery-store type, instead of fabric or clothes line. I decided to use up cording left over from another craft instead of yarn.  I think the stiffness of the cord is what made my fingers cramp up.  Next time I'll use yarn.

Coiling with plastic grocery bags & cording

This took about five hours, but is something that can be done while watching TV so it seemed to go fast. I used about 7 or 8 bags, and a lot more cording than I expected to.  I ran out of blue after weaving the bottom, so built up the sides with gold. Ended up looking like Marquette or Brewer colors.

Julia seemed to enjoy the challenge and took home lots of supplies to work on at home.  I hope she doesn't drive her parents nutty though as weaving is not as easy and I thought it would be.

In December we are taking more classes with Kasia - making Polish Christmas Ornaments.  Watch for those results.

Instructor:  Kasia Drake-Hames:  www.kdhartstudio.com
Carol's "Crafty Stuff" board on Pinterest:  http://www.pinterest.com/carolbanach/crafty-stuff/

Washer Jewelry

Early in October I joined the Hart Park Senior Community Center because they offer a weekly Craft Club. The first craft we worked on is "Washer" jewelry.  Not too difficult - just purchase some metal washers from a hardware store; cut and glue paper to them; file to make the edges smooth; add mod podge to set them.  Attach them to a chain, or cord and voila!  A beautiful necklace.

I don't wear necklaces much and found this idea on Pinterest.  It makes a nice Christmas ornament!

Because this craft is supposed to last for three weeks, I made a few more.  After several attempts I gave up on the paper/glue/filing steps and decided to try nail polish instead.  I like the results much better.

Some of the other ladies in the club added beads and charms which really dressed them up. I'd like to learn more about making jewelry, perhaps I'll take a class at Jo-Ann's or Michael's.

Next up at craft club is a paper wreath, then a rosette Christmas Tree.  If they turn out I'll share the results.

Old World Wisconsin

My new favorite place for photography is Old World Wisconsin in Eagle.  I recall going there as a grade school chaperon more than 20 years ago. I've always thought about going back, but only recently made the trip. So far I've been there two times since Labor Day.

 It truly is the place to travel back in time.  There are re-created settlements dating back to the 19th and early 20th century and organized by a variety of immigrants who settled in Wisconsin.  I've briefly explored most of them:  German, Polish, Norwegian, Danish and Finnish areas.  What I really enjoy are the "interpreters".  Men and women are hired to portray the people of the times.  They wear the clothing of their time period, and spend their days doing the things that would have been done at the time.  The hours are limited for the rest of the year, but will re-open daily next May.  I expect to be visiting the location again and again....

Here are a few of my favorite photos...more can be found by exploring my flickr set "Old World Wisconsin".

It was delivered today!

No, not our grandson, but my birthday camera!  I took it outside for a few quick shots before opening up the "how-to" manual and was quite pleased with the results!

Tomorrow I'll test drive it around town.  It's "Doors Open Milwaukee" weekend!  More photos to come.

UPDATE!  Click on this link to see the Doors Open photos.  I had a lot of blurry photos, due to my learning curve with the new camera.  And, I wore my cool boots while walking around today - resulting in a nasty blister after three hours.  Only hit four places so I'll be returning next year wearing my walking shoes!

Name Guessing

Three and half weeks to our grandson's due date and I've been thinking hard what his parents will name him. Albert seems to run in both sides of the family, but I doubt they'll use that one.  But there are lots of variations, like Alan, Alberto, Alfie and my favorite Alistair.

On the other hand, "J"'s seem to be popular for our grandchildren...we already have a Julia and a Jacob so perhaps Jameson, Jesse, or Joshua?  

Royally; William, Harry or George could work.  I do like Anthony too - having a "Tony" in the family would be a lot of fun!  Cooper is fun to say, but I think the kids at school will probably give him a nickname that rhymes with that one.

Whatever his name is, I know I'm going to love it!

PS:  Too bad "Gilbert" is already taken.

Happy Birth Season!

It's that time of the year again - close enough to my birthday to begin celebrating.  It is also time to upgrade my camera and couldn't be happier with this selection by sweetie. He spent a lot of time researching my next camera.  This one is definitely ahead of the curve in the camera innovation market.  Only downside is it is coming from Japan, so will take about 6 weeks to arrive.

Check it out!  The reviews are fantastic.

FUJIFILM X100S | Fujifilm Global

http://www.masonmarsh.com/blog/2013/6/fujix100s

SPAM

Do you have a special folder for SPAM emails?  I do. Yahoo does a pretty good job of filtering these junk messages for me.

Daily I select "all" and delete them permanently. However, I've noticed myself doing this more than once a day so I decided to let them accumulate for a week to see just how many show up. This past week 150 emails showed up in my SPAM folder. That is more than 20 a day for crying out loud!

Today I sorted this list by "sender" to see if this was being caused by only a few senders. It turns out there are 70 different "senders".  But...that is only what it looks like.  Actually what appears to be duplicate senders are not - the spammers use a slightly different address each time they send a message. What a pain!

Yahoo allows me to BLOCK 500 addresses from even getting into the Spam folder.  I'm up to 126 after this week.

2013 State Fair Winning Photos

1st Place
Tropical Flowers

1st Place
Wisconsin Landscape

2nd Place
Fruit & Vegetables

2nd Place
Apples

2nd Place
Weather, Snow

2nd Place
B&W Seeds

3rd Place
Eyes

4th Place
Weather, Fog

4th Place
Forks

2013 State Fair Winning Photos, a set on Flickr.

If you're visiting the 2013 Wisconsin State Fair, these will be displayed in the Horticultural Building, but I'm never sure quite where...its a scavenger hunt!