June 20, 2013

A June newsletter, if that is what we call them.

On June 16^th, the Sheboygan Branch of Celtic Women International celebrated Bloomsday, our third time, at 52 Stafford in Plymouth.

There were eleven of us. Joan and Richard Kramer, Joan Schwabe, Peg Payne, Rosemary Mugan, Kathy Plath, LuAnn Cleary Benninghaus Elaine Plummer, Felicia Reindl, me and Paul Hanson, my friend and our speaker.

Peg brought a bottle of Burgundy and I brought Gorgonzola Cheese and crackers which seems to be the customary food for Bloomsday as Leopold Bloom at that for his lunch in Chapter 8. I also brought Banbury biscuits which are mentioned in Chapter 8 also. I found that recipe in a book that Maureen Smith lent me called the Joyce of Cooking. So we set that up on a table for appetizers and grazing. After a good visit, we ordered dinner. The food was excellent as was the conversation. After we ate, Paul Hanson, my friend and our speaker, talked to up about James Joyce and the book. He entertained us with information from it during the meal also. Paul has read Ulysses TWICE. We are thinking, Paul and I, of having a 24 hour reading of Ulysses somewhere next year. They do in some parts of the world on Bloomsday. Perhaps in conjunction with a writers or literary or book club.

So it was good. By next year I fully intend to have read Ulysses through. A goal. Just what I need - another goal.

Now, on to the future.

When Debbie and I went to Chicago for the Brigid Celebration with the Chicago Branch in February, we got the information on how to make Brigid Beads. I threw this out to the group in my last note. So far only two people have responded that they are interested. I think it would be a really fun thing to do and we could watch a movie too. I have a couple movies, including, The Way which might be fun. Anyway, I would be available on either Saturday, July 20^th or Sunday, July 21^st. Are either of these days good for a majority of you and would you find this interesting? We were absolute fascinated with the beads Michael McDermott, brought two sets that he and Pat Monaghan had made side by side when she was so very sick. I will find Brigid Medals for the beads if you let me know ahead of time and will print the prayers on in a lovely presentation for you all.

Beyond, July there is a lot happening.

Beth Dippel of the SCHRC is sponsoring the Gathering of the Clans at St. Michael Catholic Church in Parnell on Sunday August 11, 2013 from 12:30PM to 5PM. I will get a flyer out to you as soon as I figure out how to download it. I told Beth that we would be able to help with our usual bringing of desserts. The SCHRC is always there for us at our public functions and this is marvelous way for us to help her in an event. It will feature live music, photo displays, food and door prizes, beer and soda and more. We also get to mingle with the Irish from Mitchell, Osceola, Lyndon etc. Lots of old timers and new timers. We will frolic among the tombstones.

August 16 – 18 – Milwaukee Irishfest. I will be going both Saturday and Sunday. I am leaving early Saturday for Sussex to meet my niece, Suzi, at her home and we are going together on Saturday. Then I will spend the night with her and go back the following morning in time for Mass and stay at the Fest until after the Parade, where we can again march in glory. Be sure your calendar is marked. '

That is all I have right now. More will be following on Irishfest and the Gathering of the Clans. Just let me know how many people want to make Brigid Beads and I will order Brigid Medals. That will be the only fee.

Dia Dhuit

Mary Kunert

920-893-5139