12/26/24

 Thursday, December 26, 2024

D+51

1862 Largest mass execution in US history: 38 Dakota men were executed via hanging in the aftermath of the U.S.-Dakota War in Mankato, Minnesota 

1924 Frances Gumm (later Judy Garland), age 2½, billed as 'Baby Frances', made her show business debut at her father's vaudeville theater in Grand Rapids, Minnesota

1954 "The Shadow" aired for last time on radio

1957 Swedish film "Wild Strawberries" was released, written and directed by legendary filmmaker Ingmar Bergman, considered one of his best

In bed around 11:00, awake and up around 5:30.   

Prednisone, day 226, 7.5 mg., day 41.  Prednisone at 5:50.  Other meds at 9:40.  

Christmas dinner was wonderful with Steve and Nikki, David, Sharon, and Ellis.  Rib roast, well mashed potatos. creamed spinach (Ina Garten(, asparagus, banana cream pie, and cherry pie.  Wow.  The dinner conversation again was led by Steve and David hilariously recalling their (mis)adventures in their school days.  Before dinner I again enjoyed a good conversation with Sharon about Luigi Mangione, the health care insurance system, the media, etc., a continuation of the discurssion of the night before.  After dinner, I had a long conversation with Steve, and then with him and Geri, about family history, memories, gratitudes, etc.  I went to bed at 11, leaving Steve and Geri still schmoozing.

I spent quite a while emptying and refilling the dishwasher this morning, hand washing pots, pans, and other things, and generally cleaning up after our grand repast.  I topped off my morning prednisole with a piece of Trader Joe brownie.

Big Day.  Steve and Nikki's 15th anniversary.  Drew's 12th birthday.  Michael Reck's birthday.

Anniversaries thoughts.  First, Mankato MN, only 150 miles west northwewest of LaCrosse, WI.  Today's anniversary reminds us that the Euro-Americans war against indigenous Americans wasn't restricted to the Great Plains and Western states.

Second, Judy Garland was born in the same hoospital in Grand Rapids, MN, as my mother, 64 days after my mother.  What different lives they were to lead.

Third, I remember listening to 'The Shadow' on the radio when I was a kid.  "Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men?  The Shadow knows!  The weed of crime bears bitter fruit.  The Shadow know!"

Lastly, "Wild Strawberries," an old professor reflects on his life, refully.  Hmmm . . .

Afternoon Errand Odyssey.  Firt to Usinger's to pick up some weisswurst.  Then west on State Street through Miller Valley to 5504 W. to MOR Bakery to check out Gluten-free menu, but it was closed.   On the way back to the freeway, I drove down Kilbourn and passed this elegant old mansion between 24th and 23rd Streets. Then up to Costco for some fireplace logs, blueberries, raspberries, and 2 loaves of Dave's Bread.  Then to the Dunkin' on Port Road in Mequon to see if they carried any gluten-free products, but the answer was 'no.' Then home.  I forgot to stop at the Hallmark Store for a birthday card for Drew for their Saturday visit.  During the afternoon and evening, I complete washng the dishes, glasses, pots, and pans from the Christmas dinner, a slow but steady process.  We had leftovers (rib roast, creamed spinach, mashed potatoes, and shrimp w/ cocktail sauve for dinner.