Saturday, February 27, 2010

Celebrating Friendship

I'm a bit late in posting today as it is our Saturday to volunteer at Mother Teresa's Treasures. This is wonderful opportunity to work, share and chat with others who find this a grand way to spend time. This is also a day I am reminded of a dear lady, Margaret, to whom I owe a lot through her friendship, charity, and her wish to make life better for all.

These pictures were sent me by a friend in an email. They are awesome and cause me to be awe-filled. Niagara Falls is a place of power and might and yet it was still and unmoved in 1911. I share this with you because Ron and I were privileged to travel with Margaret and Bill to Quebec, Canada in 2000. On the way we stopped by Niagara Falls. It is Magnificent!!!!! And we had such a grand time.




This also reminds me how much I miss Margaret for it will soon be three years since she passed from this world into the one of Our Father. Good Friday always remind me too of a lady who was valiant and strong to the end. A true model of life's dignity.

Niagara Falls
June, 2000


So today I want to remember a friendship gone for the time being but the prospect of meeting Margaret again one day is one which I anticipate with happiness!

Please treasure your friendships. They are far more valuable than gold...

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Thanks be to God!

I invite you to join Ruth at Celebrate Friendship and other friends in this special celebration.

Friday, February 26, 2010

Bad Haiku Friday


I love the cookies.
Shamrock shapes I cannot eat.
Lenten fast is good.


I love the cookies.
I look at them and wonder.
No cal'ries for me!

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Thanks be to God!

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Tea Talk


"You can never get a cup of tea large enough

or a book long enough to suit me."

C. S. Lewis

Welcome to my house. Come in and linger. There is nothing like a cup of tea between friends.

I'm having...Namring Upper Estate tea steeped for 3 minutes. It was gift from daughter, Marianne. The first time I prepared this tea I steeped it for 5 minutes. I drank it and was wired for the entire day. It's not a feeling I am particularly fond of. That's when I learned that the time you steep your tea is most important.

My teacup is... a favorite mug of mine. It is white with simple white roses on it. When I drink from this mug I am reminded of my friend, Fay, who spent many hours with me drinking tea and chatting for hours. The mug recalls one of those visits.

I'm feeling... a bit tired. Amazing isn't it that after a retreat one should feel fatigued, but here it is three days after I returned from Saint Meinrad and I'm bushed. I guess it's haveing to return to the real world and all its challenges.

I'm wishing you all a wonderful day! Sun is supposed to shine today, so in anticipation of that, I say, "Enjoy!" And...

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Thanks be to God!!
Now it's time for you to visit Ruth at Celebrate Friendship is hosting Tea Talk at her house. I'm wishing all a grand day!

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Anticipation...


Thought that it would be good to have some diversion. Spring is a mere 4 weeks away. Looking forward we are a people of hope, and so it is that I thought I would offer a puzzle that might be fun and offer some hope of spring. So here it is for your pleasure.

Click to Mix and Solve

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Thanks be to God!



If you'd like to add to the diversion by adding your picture puzzle of spring please allow us to visit you and play along.

Monday, February 22, 2010

Mosaic Monday~St. Meirad Archabbey

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Saint Meinrad Archabbey
February, 2010

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Thanks be to God!
Please visit Mary and The Little Red House. Her pictures are grand and so are the pictures of others!

Friday, February 19, 2010

Retreat at Saint Mainrad Archabbey


St. Meinrad

St. Meinrad, martyr is venerated as the patron and in some sense the founder of the Benedictine abbey of Einsiedeln in Switzerland which has kept an unbroken continuity since Carolingian times. He settled as a hermit at Einsiedeln, where he was murdered by two ruffians to whom he had given hospitality in 861. His feast day is January 21st. (Catholic Online)

Feast Day: January 21

I'm off to a time of prayer, instruction and community. May God bless you all most abundantly this weekend.

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Thanks be to God!

++Today's reflection is at Provident God++

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Tea Talk

It's Thursday after Ash Wednesday. A perfect time to reflect on our journey this Lent with a warm cup of your favorite tea. Join me, won't you?

I'm having...Irish Breakfast tea this morning.

My teacup is... is a plain white cup. No frills. A reminder of the simple life we are called to

I'm feeling... happy in anticipation of the retreat I begin tomorrow at Saint Meinrad Archabbey.

Pray with me this Prayer For A Lenten Journey found in Lent and Easter, Wisdom from St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi. Compiled by John V. Kruse.

Almighty, eternal, just and merciful God,
give us miserable ones
the grace to do for You alone
what we know you want us to do
and always to desire what pleases You.
Inwardly cleansed,
interiorly enlightened
and inflamed by the fire of the Holy Spirit,
may we be able to follow
in the footprints of Your beloved Son,
our Lord Jesus Christ,
and, by Your grace alone,
may we make our way to You,
Most High,
Who live and rule
in perfect Trinity and simple Unity,
and are glorified
God almighty,
forever, and ever.
Amen.
~St Francis of Assisi~
"A Letter to the Entire Order," 120-121

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Thanks be to God!

Now it's time for you to visit Ruth at Celebrate Friendship is hosting Tea Talk at her house. I'm wishing all a grand day!

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Award and Ash Wednesday

Beautiful Blogger

This morning I awoke to a wonderful surprise and one that has set before me a dilemma. You see if I had gotten this yesterday I would have had no trouble accepting it...It wasn't the first day of Lent. Today it is. I am committed to offering up prayer and sacrifice in preparation of the Resurrection. As I was raised that this time of penance and not for celebration, what am I to do...

What would Jesus do? He would be gracious, kind, and grateful. And so it is with gratitude that I say, "Thank you, Jackie, so very much." Her home is The Way of the Upright Is the Highway.


Here are the rules:

~~Thank the person wo kindly passes this to you and link your award back to them.
~~List 7 thing about yourself
~~Pass it on to 15 Beautiful Bloggers

About Me...
1. I like to knit, but have to have a reason, so I have started knitting baby booties as the Elizabeth Ministry at church is wanting them.

2. I'm going on retreat at St. Meinrad Archabbey on Friday for 2 days.

3. I love cream of tomato soup with melted cheese and Ritz crackers.

4. I have sincere hopes of returning to Ireland again!!!

5. I miss the Colorado Rocky Mountains!

6. My family is the most cherished treasure of my life!

7. I believe in miracles!!!!!!

My 15 bloggers:

Laura
MightyMom
The Duchess
Bernie
Sarah
Tracy

Lisa
QMM
Zuzana
Squelly
Abbey
Valeri
Anita
Suz
Sue


Now please visit these generous people and basque in their beauty!






I cannot leave today with out offering my Ash Wednesday Post!

Today we begin reading the Passion Narrative of mark. One way to pray the Scripture is to 'take someone with you' and talk with them along the way. For example, Mary Magdalene, or Peter, or Mary the mother of Jesus. (from The Little Black Book)


Give this serious consideration. If you need a Companion On the Journey, who better to spend time communing. A good way to meditate on Scripture.

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Thanks be to God!!!

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Mardi Gras or Shrove Tuesday...


Tradition. My years are filled with earthly and spiritual traditions. They are welcome landmarks along the journey.

Here are just a few that I'd like to share.

MARDI GRAS

Mardi Gras is said to have come to the New World in 1699, with a Canadian explorer named Pierre LeMoyne d'Ibersville, who founded the colony in Louisiana.

D'Iverville's father had been an indentured servant when he arrived in Canada and grew wealthy in Montreal. His son, Pierre, distinguished himself as a soldier during efforts to keep the English our of the Hudson Bay area. Soon, the French asked him to find the mouth of the Mississippi River along the gulf and to establish a fort there.

On March 3, 1600, d'Iverville landed on the shores of the Mississippi near the Gulf. He name the spot Point de Mardi Gras, in honor of the holiday being celebrated that day in France.

PANCAKE DAY

For Catholics in some regions of the world, the day before Ash Wednesday is Pancake Day. Some suggest that serving pancakes on this day became a popular way to use up fat, butter and eggs before Lent got underway.

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In England, a Pancake Day Race has been held on this day before Lent for over 500 years--begun allegedly when a woman cooking pancakes heard the church bells summoning her to services. In her hast, she rushed out of her house still holding her frying pan.
From the Little Black Book 2009/2010

Please share your traditions. How do you prepare for Lent?

Tomorrow the Lenten Journey begins in earnest. Inviting you to be a companion on the Journey to Calvary.

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Thanks be to God
Beautiful picture courtesy of Holly at Banner Haus.

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Happy Valentine's Day



It brings comfort to have friends
in whatever happens.

Saint John Chrysostom


It has occurred to me after all these years that this "LOVE" celebration is not or should not be solely for "lovers." It is a celebration of friendship. For it is my opinion that lovers should be friends.

It is said very well in Ecclesiastes 4:9-10.

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for thier work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up!


So to all my friends I say Happy Valentine's Day and...

~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!


Friday, February 12, 2010

Bad Haiku Friday



The bird's chirping
Outside my window he sings
He, too, wants Spring.




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Thanks be to God

Now it's time to visit Laura at Catholic Teacher's Musing for her Bad Haiku Friday!!! Please join in the fun...It's grand!


Thank you to:
Artist of picture (unknown)
and
Graphic by Peniwigs

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Tea Talk


"There is a right time for everything."
Ecclesiastes 3:1
The Living Bible

This morning it is really COLD!!! It is a perfect morning to warm myself with a cup of hot, aromatic tea. Join me, won't you?

I'm having...Good Earth tea. It is naturally sweet with the flavor of cinnamon and spice. It warms my whole being.

My teacup is... is a mug I have as a reminder of a wonderful weekend shared with a daughter-in-law. Often the vessel from which I drink reminds me of times cherished and remembered. It is also at this time that I remember family and friends in prayer.

I'm feeling... glad that this week has been a treasure in which quiet time has been restful!

I found this wonderful recipe in the book A Tea For All Seasons by Mary Pielenz Hampton.

She writes.

"The cookie, of Scottish origin, lives up to its name. Make these as a reminder that while time may be short, it can be very sweet if we learn to appreciate the beauty of the moment."

Melting Moments

1/3 cup butter
1/3 cup sugar
1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg
1/14 cups self rising flour
about 1/3 cup quick-cooking rolled oats or lightly crushed flakes

Preheat oven to 375 degrees

In a medium bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and egg and neat well. Fold in flour until well mixed.

Make batter into 1-inch balls (about 1/2 tablespoon of batter) and roll in quick-cooking oats or corn flakes.

Place balls on greased baking sheet and make for about 10 minutes or until tops are light golden and and bottoms are very lightly browned. Coll briefly on baking sheet then remove to wire rack to cool completely. Makes about 2 dozen (recipe can be doubled). Melting Moments nice with a ginger or almond-flavored tea.

Now it's time for you to visit Ruth at Celebrate Friendship is hosting Tea Talk at her house. I'm wishing all a grand day!

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Thanks be to God!

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Hope of Spring

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Thanks be to God!

Still playing with a new software and OLD pics...Wishing all well!!

Tuesday, February 09, 2010

The Song Birds of Winter

Add Image
It was snowing when I went to bed last night I knew to what I would awake. But much to my surprise I did not expect to awaken to this and song birds I captured on video.

Much to my chagrin, the movie I had hoped to upload was alas too long so it could not be added. But if you want to see a pretty cool picture of birds visit Mrs. Poogle's World. It will be fun! I have to try again later.


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Thanks be to God!!!!!

Monday, February 08, 2010

Mosaic Monday

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It's Mosaic Monday again! Only just got the new camera yesterday. Only doing some clicking, nothing artistic (Me? Artistic? NOT!) Just having fun with this Canon PowerShot.! I had fun with Duchess. She seems to love having her picture taken. New because she used to look away from the camera not too long ago! At any rate enjoy today!!! Another treasure offered and accepted.

Please visit Mary and The Little Red House. Her pictures are grand and so are the pictures of others!

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Thanks be to God!

Saturday, February 06, 2010

Celebrating Friendship





When I say good morning I mean to say:

G-
od
O-
ffers us His
O-
utstanding
D-
evotion to

M-
ake us
O-
bedient &
R-
eady for a
N-
ew day with Him.
I-
nspire others, and
N-
ever forget
G-
od loves you!


And so it is that I write to my dear friend, Kay. She is the one who offered me this pleasant Good Morning. We have been friends for, oh, so many years. She has been there for me in good times and bad. During the mourning and the celebrations. Providence brought us together over 30 years ago.

Dear Kay,

For all the times you have been there for me I want to say, Thank You! You are a most compassionate and caring lady. We have laughed so hard we cried. You have been a true "sister" to me, someone in whom I could confide. I also know that I can always rely on your forthrightness and honesty.

I have wonderful memories of shopping and picnics and bonfires. There was Keller's Corner on Labor Day, the parade and the eating and community we shared. There are trips to the State Fair and sitting in the grand stand watching your kids show their cattle. There is nothing like being with friends and celebrate life with them and in many ways you have offered me the most memorable celebrations!!!!!

My dear friend this note is to tell you how very much I appreciate you and love you!! May God bless you always, my dear friend!

Cathy
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And for all my Friends I say,
"Thanks be to God!"



I invite you to join Ruth at Celebrate Friendship and other friends in this special celebration.

Friday, February 05, 2010

Bad Haiku Friday


My Friday just doesn't seem the same if I don't write a Bad Haiku! So here is this Friday's offering.

Peanut butter and
Kids clamoring for sandwich.
On white bread or wheat?

No jelly but jam
Can bring smiles to their faces
With a glass of milk.

If you have the chance stop by Catholic Teacher's Musings and join in the fun. Laura is a gracious host!Wishing all a Happy Peanut Butter Sandwich Friday!!!

~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!

Thursday, February 04, 2010

Tea Talk


Teapot is on, the cups are waiting,
Favorite chairs anticipating.
No batter what I have to do,
My friend, there's always time for you
Author Unknown
from Take a Little Time for Tea
by Kathy Hatch



Ruth at Celebrate Friendship is hosting Tea Talk at her house. I do enjoy a good cup of tea. And this is just the perfect time to celebrate! Yes, first thing in the morning before the mind gets muddled with all the things it has to process. So visit Ruth, have a cup of tea and then share with us.

I'm having...Irish Breakfast Tea from Taylors of Harrogate. It is great on a cold morning as it warms me from the inside out.

My teacup is... actually "tea mug" that was given to me by Ron's sister and brother-in-law along with the Irish Breakfast tea. It's very plain with a bold shamrock and simply the word Ireland on it, but it means a great deal to me for it was given with love.

I'm feeling...invigorated. Yesterday was my meeting with Sister Dorothy for Spiritual Direction and I feel renewed.


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Thanks be to God!



Now dear friends please stop in at Ruth's delightful and cozy "tearoom" and enjoy! The book, Take a Little Time for Tea is a delightful book with recipes and sayings by the wise and learned.