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.