A Walk About

Though Halloween is over. . .I just had to share these photos of the holiday and the fun some people have in celebrating it.   I did enjoy the "gentleman and his dog!"

So the holidays begin.  Yes, this is only the beginning!

Autumn is still glorious here.  The weather has been good, except for rains last week that brought us 5 inches.  All in all it's been grand so I intend to be glad and rejoice!

 This poor "gentleman" apparently had had enough and gave up the ghost, no pun intended.  It is so sad to see a beautiful, old tree like this just lay down.  It's hollow so it was suffering for some time. May he rest in peace.

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!

Cathy

Please join me for Mosaic Monday, image-in-ing,  Our World Tuesday. and  My Corner of the World.

Mosaic/Macro Monday

Tis the season for anticipation and reasons for giving thanks.  The family gatherings, harvest moon, and the glory in God's creation!

On the Wednesdays during the preparations for these wonderful holidays please join me for Once Upon A Recipe.  Share your recipes and tradition stories behind them from Grandmas sugar cookies to Mom's best stuffing recipe!!!  All are welcome and what fun we'll all have sharing these memories!!!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!!

Cathy

Stop by  The Little Red House and offer words of encouragement to Mary.  Mosaic Monday is postponed this week due to the devastation in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.   Visit Macro Monday,  too.  Lisa has a wonderful time planned for you.  The pictures all are an inspiration!

Halloween "Once Upon A Recipe" with Joy in Haiku

Today seems like the perfect day to share a "Once Upon a Time" Recipe. Why? Well it's Halloween, a beautiful chilly Fall day and I'm thinkin' hum...baked macaroni and cheese.

This is one of those recipes a family acquires but is never sure where it came from because it's been used for years. I started making this when we lived in Burlingame, California (just south of San Francisco) nearly 35 years ago. I have no idea how I got the recipe, I just know a week seldom went by without making it. Now it's the "Mother-In-Law" recipe. You know "The One Your Husband Asks You To Make Because His Mother Made It This Way" Recipe? So without further ado, here it is.

Baked Macaroni and Cheese

1 stick of margarine/butter

4 cups macaroni, uncooked

2 teaspoons salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

2 cups grated Colby cheese/favorite cheese

5 cups milk

1 package smoky links

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a 9" x 13" baking dish melt margarine/butter in the oven. Add macaroni with salt and pepper to the baking dish and coat with margarine. Evenly distribute macaroni mix and top evenly with grated cheese (I sometimes use more that 2 cups). Cover mixture with milk. Bake for 45 minutes. Remove from oven and top with smoky links. Return to oven and bake another 15 minutes. Cool about 10 minutes before serving.

I usually serve it with french cut green beans, and the kids always like to put ketchup on it and the "links."

Please join the fun. Share your family recipe and memories surrounding it. Make your comments here and then go to Mr. Linky so we can visit and share your recipe. Who knows your recipe might start a new holiday tradition at someone else's holiday gathering.

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Tomorrow I'll join Meri for Share the Joy Thursday.   For I believe we need to find it in my life every day no matter the realities in which we live.  God is Good in so many ways even in times of trial.

Joy comes in many forms.

And this day has the potential of
being just as grand as

Halloween!

I must be open to it!

~~~~~~~~~~

On All Hallows Eve

We gather to play and tease

Tomorrow we pray.

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!!

Cathy

Please visit Rebecca at recuerda mi corazon for Haiku My Heart on Friday. There is always more beautiful words  there to enchant and encourage!!! 

The 4th of July!!!!

Happy 4th of July!!!!!

Wishing all a grand day. Perhaps it's too hot and dry where you live to

have fireworks or parades.   Or the weather has been so bad that you're one 

without electricity.   I'm praying for you.

Nevertheless, 

Thanks be to God!!!

There's no where else on earth I'd rather live!!!

Cathy

Tea Talk with Joy

Strange how a teapot can represent at the same time the

 comforts of solitude and the pleasures of company.

~~Author Unknown~~

I'm having...Good Earth Decaffeinated tea

My teacup...is a Hallmark Norman Rockwell mug!   Will use my Christmas mugs until I must put them away.

I'm feeling... excited!!  Will be traveling to St. Louis tomorrow to celebrate a New Years Eve birthday!!!  It's always fun!

On my mind...will be baking the birthday cake,  packing and then will be on the road after work tomorrow!!!! 

Please join Ruth at Tea Talk today.

~~~~~~~

Today I also join Meri for Share the Joy Thursday.   For I believe we need to find it in my life every day no matter the realities in which we live.  God is Good in so many ways even in times of trial.

Mankind is great, an immense family.
This is proved by what we feel in our hearts
at Christmas. ~~Pope John XXIII

~~~~~~~

This day has the potential of being just as grand as the

music of the angels,   I must be open to it!


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

Candy Canes And Such Haiku

Candy cane cookies

Tasty morsels of delight

Just melt in your mouth

~~~*~~~***~~~*~~~

Grotto at Saint Meinrad Archabbey
February, 2011

The Virgin most pure

Mother of all the faithful

Intercede for us.

Amen

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God

Cathy


~~Today's diversion~~

Now visit  Rebecca at recuerda mi corazon for Haiku My Heart.

Mosaic Monday~Macro Monday

I would maintain that thanks are the highest forms of thought; and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder. ~G. K. Chesterton

Though it is hard to make him out there is indeed a little critter on my marigold!!! He's a nice contrast.

I have had one of the grandest two weekends ever!!!  Last weekend we spent time in NC with the Keller Clan there and enjoyed a beautiful Thanksgiving Holiday.  This weekend we were with the Keller Clan of GA.  Yesterday was Xavier's Baptism and the glory of God shown all round!  

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Cathy

Now please visit Mary at The Little Red House and share in the beauty offered there.   Please visit Lisa at  Macro Monday  for she also has much to offer.  The pictures are grand.

Then Joy in Tea Talk

There is a great deal of poetry and

 fine sentiment in a chest of tea. 

 ~Ralph Waldo Emerson, Letters and Social Aims~

I'm having...English Breakfast tea.  It's eye opening.

My teacup...my little halloween mug unpacked from its box for the season.

I'm feeling... refreshed.  It has been a grand week.  The kids here last weekend, The three day Parish Mission on forgiveness, and last night the  White Mass for physicians and healthcare workers offered by Bishop Thompson.

On my mind...Simply preparing for today.

Please join Ruth at Tea Talk today.

~~~~~~~

Today I also join Meri for Share the Joy Thursday.   For I believe we need to find it in my life every day no matter the realities in which we live.  God is Good in so many ways even in times of trial.

Lower Yellowstone Falls

The mist, it rises
The falls in beauty thunder
We all stand in awe!

~~~^j^~~~

 Thanks be to God!!!

 Cathy

Happy Saint Paddy's Day

It's most appropriate for Father O'Malley to be invitin' ya into my house as he is always a welcome guest, as are all of you! Please ignore the  mess.  It's a bit untidy here as we've been remodeling the kitchen lo these last two months.  I have good news though as there is now water in the kitchen and the oven is connected.  And I've been able to make my beloved Soda Bread.  So come in now and sit for awhile with a cup of tea and a slice or two the bread.

And before you leave please stop for a minute to pray for myself and yourself and all God's creatures.  It's such a comfort to know that the day is governed by the Almighty.

~~~^j^~~~
Thanks Be to God!!!

Now won't you visit Kathleen at Cuisine Kathleen for the  third annual St. Paddy's Day Blog Crawl.  I can guarantee some real Irish delights!

~~Bad Haiku Friday and Haiku My Heart~~

The little Dutch shoes

Hung on the tree just

Waitin' and watchin'

How lovely I am

As she watched and she waited

For someone to stop

She realized though

As humility won out

It's not about me!

Wishing all a wonderful weekend, with peace and relaxation as we approach the Birthday of the King.

~~~*~~~*~~***~~*~~~*~~~

Thanks be to God!!

Please visit Laura at Catholic Teacher Musings the sponsor of Bad Haiku Friday.  Visit also Rebecca at recuerda mi corazon for Haiku My Heart.

Bad Haiku Friday

Haiku My Heart

"On the Road Again"

Getting ready to travel to Atlanta to visit the kids for the long weekend so I thought I would offer you today a "Blogger Repost."  Wishing you all a grand weekend and safe travel!

This was originally posted 12/18/2008.

Important Recall Notice

The Maker of all human beings is recalling all units manufactured,regardless of make or year, due to a serious defect in the primary and central component of the heart.

This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units code named Adam and Eve, resulting in the reproduction of the same defect in all subsequent units.

This defect has been technically termed:"Subsequential Internal Non-Morality", or more commonly known as S.I.N.,as it is primarily expressed.

Some other symptoms include:

1. Loss of direction

2. Foul vocal emissions

3. Amnesia of origin

4. Lack of peace and joy

5. Selfish or violent behavior

6. Depression or confusion in the mental component

7. Fearfulness

8. Idolatry

9. Rebellion

The Manufacturer, who is neither liable nor at fault for this defect, isproviding factory-authorized repair and service free of charge to correct this SIN defect. The Repair Technician, Jesus, has most generously offered to bear the entire burden of the staggering cost of these repairs. There is no additional fee required. The number to call for repair in all areas is:

P-R-A-Y-E-R.

Once connected, please upload your burden of SIN through the REPENTANCE procedure. Next, download ATONEMENT from the Repair Technician, Jesus, intothe heart component.

No matter how big or small the SIN defect is, Jesus will replace it with:

1. Love

2. Joy

3. Peace

4. Patience

5. Kindness

6. Goodness

7. Faithfulness

8. Gentleness

9. Self control

Please see the operating manual, the B.I.B.L.E. (Believers' InstructionsBefore Leaving Earth) for further details on the use of these fixes.

WARNING: Continuing to operate the human being unit without correction voids any manufacturer warranties, exposing the unit to dangers and problems too numerous to list and will result in the human unit beingpermanently impounded.

DANGER: The human being units not responding to this recall action will have to be scrapped in the furnace. The SIN defect will not be permitted to enter Heaven so as to prevent contamination of that facility.

Thank you for your attention!

God

Please assist where possible by notifying others of this important recall notice and you may contact the Father any time by "kneemail".

*

(This was sent to me by a friend. Please feel free to share it wherever and whenever you can!)

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Today is Tea Talk and though I'm not able to share it today please visit Ruth at

 Celebrate Friendship  Share a cup of tea or a cool refreshing drink with her.

It's Really Tuesday

For the last two weeks I've had Monday off, one because of vacation, the other because of the holiday. So what's the problem, Cathy, you may ask? Well, the first day back to work seems like Monday and then the rest of the week is all MESSED up. Complaining? NO! Befuddled? YES! But I'll survive. Just understand that until I get back on schedule, I can't be held responsible for what I may or may not do because my biological calendar (is there such a thing?) is all messed up! Have a grand day!

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

Presidents' Day

Happy Presidents' Day
~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!

Once in a Blue Moon..

I have to go back to work today after being off for 10 days...But before I go back to the real world of people, places and things that have impact on my life, I thought I would share with you some highlights of the last few days. It will be hard to go back, but I also look forward to seeing friends I work with to share their Holiday tales. They are always so grand!

Aunt Rhonda turns 60 on 12/31/2009. What a grand time we had!!

My camera is on the "fritz" so in order to get the "Blue Moon" had to prove it wasn't just another "spot" on a negative.

Previewing the work of an up-and-coming artist, Neil Ackerman. Good JOB!!!

The real winter, with frigid temperatures and gloomy skies.

But it brings us all back to the Manger to which I say,
"Thanks be to God!!!

The Simple Women's Daybook

This was a grand weekend. We got to have two of the grandkids for the night while Mom and Dad went to their After Christmas Party. Then there was the quiet of a wonderful Sunday with just quiet and relaxation. It's hard to beat that! After you visit here please visit Peggy at The Simple Woman and journey along the path of life we all share.

~~Outside my window...it is dark and very COLD!!

~~I am thinking...how much fun it will be to surprise Rhonda for her birthday.

~~I am thankful for...family and friends who support and encourage me.

~~From the kitchen...leftover turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, and gravy.

~~I am wearing...red and white striped nightgown

~~I am creating...a lap afghan (knitting from one of Mom's patterns)

~~I am going...to Mass and pray for the Holy Innocents.

~~I am reading...Ringing in Murder by Kate Kingsbury (A Christmas Mystery)

~~I am hoping...the weather continues to be kind to us.

~~I am hearing...mostly quiet. It's 5:00 a.m. and I'm the only one up. Duchess is snoring at my feet.

~~Around the house...Christmas lights still brighten the darkness and the glow of the manger continues.

~~One of my favorite things...is watching old movies. I might just have a Charlie Chan Marathon. All are welcome!

~~A few plans for the rest of the week: 1) Finally working on the pictures taken on vacation this summer and putting them into a book. 2) Make sure the laundry is done. 3) Pack for visit to St. Louis and the celebration of Rhonda's 60th birthday. 4) Starting the New Year with no resolutions.

~~Here is picture thought I am sharing...

The Keller Chirstmas Tree, 2009

Holiday Interlude

Want a break from the Day After Christmas tidying? You know picking up stray bows, recycling Christmas paper, soda cans, card board and plastic? I know I do. So today I offer you this bit of diversion.



Please be my guest. Visit and enjoy as long as you wish! It's time to take a break. An if you are so inclined. Share with us your own Christmas puzzle for a Holiday Interlude. After you've left your comment Please invite us to your house to share in the fun by adding your name to Mr. Linky.

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Thanks be to God!!

Once Upon a Recipe

Today seems like the perfect day to share a "Once Upon a Time" Recipe. Why? Well, I have no wedding pictures yet (my camera bit the dust just as we arrived in Georgia) and it's a rainy day outside and I'm thinkin' hum...baked macaroni and cheese.

This is one of those recipes a family acquires but is never sure where it came from because it's been used for years. I started making this when we lived in Burlingame, California (just south of San Francisco) nearly 35 years ago. I have no idea how I got the recipe, I just know a week seldom went by without making it. Now it's the "Mother-In-Law" recipe. You know "The One Your Husband Asks You To Make Because His Mother Made It This Way" Recipe? So without further ado, here it is.

Baked Macaroni and Cheese

1 stick of margarine/butter
4 cups macaroni, uncooked
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 cups grated Colby cheese/favorite cheese
5 cups milk
1 package smoky links

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a 9" x 13" baking dish melt margarine/butter in the oven. Add macaroni with salt and pepper to the baking dish and coat with margarine. Evenly distribute macaroni mix and top evenly with grated cheese (I sometimes use more that 2 cups). Cover mixture with milk. Bake for 45 minutes. Remove from oven and top with smoky links. Return to oven and bake another 15 minutes. Cool about 10 minutes before serving.

I usually serve it with french cut green beans, and the kids always like to put ketchup on it and the "links."

~~~~~~~

Please join the fun. Share your family recipe and memories surrounding it. Make your comments here and then go to Mr. Linky so we can visit and share your recipe. Who knows your recipe might start a new holiday tradition at someone else's holiday gathering.

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~~~~~

Thanks be to God!