pending...

where have you been all my life?

2011-05-27T14:40:00.000-05:00

I'm as giddy as michael scott (fast forward to 3:20) when he informed Jim he had "recently taken a lover".

I was introduced to Ambrosia on Easter, a perfect day for new beginnings, and instantly became a fan!

The coconut, the pineapple, the sour cream...all combined in yummy goodness make this, indeed...

"food of the gods".

Ambrosia

my latest acquaintance

2010-09-20T12:59:00.147-05:00

It's been a while since I've done any serious baking and while I watched the apple trees do their thing, my thoughts turned to apple cake, apple crisp and my new favorite. As the days turned to weeks and the tiny buds turned to tiny apples my heart sank. I waited and hoped the little buggers would make us proud...
Not this year:(
Deana had to collect them for apple jelly (I don't do jelly)...they are just too small and too many!
This recipe calls for Granny Smith thank goodness...the thought of monkeying with our dinky apples makes me ~~crabby~~ uneasy.

It looks overdone, but you need to bake the heck out of this cake because it is so filled with apples (6 cups), after leaving it under the cake cover overnight it's perfectly moist and gets even yummier with age ...I've kept it covered on the kitchen counter for up to 6 days with no ill effects.I was going to add rum with the orange juice, but I forgot...maybe you will.... and then let me know the result.

Can't wait for dessert!

corporal activity

2010-07-05T16:35:00.003-05:00

Auntie Florence is the last link left to the aunts and uncles of my childhood.

Donna and Paul are still alive and kicking back in Wisconsin

but the paternal rellies had more of a presence in my life

Returning home to "bury the dead".

Speaking of home...

Buddy...an endless source of good cheer.

Flower child

~Good times...

more good times~

Life of the party.

Enduring the heat.

swing high

2010-06-12T22:00:00.006-05:00

When I look at this scene I can remember how we loved that swing set. Gary looks like a typical little kid hanging on for dear life (he was only 3) while I seem all proud and sure of myself. Nicky Geist and his mother Gladys lived across the street, or was it Mrs Burke...I'm not sure who lived where...I seldom went across the road...Bristol Street wasn't paved so I consider it a road.

The coffee pot of my childhood.

snow in may...fancy that!

2010-05-16T23:20:00.008-05:00

Last Saturday we were invited to a birthday party for the little guy across the street. His parents, originally from India , have been here for about four years and should have known by now that if you plan an outside party at Gooseberry in May...it might snow!!!!
The kids had fun anyway.

Maria made lots of new friends.

By Sunday afternoon she was exhausted!

Just for fun I've started an Etsy shop. We need to do some major downsizing and Etsy seemed a good place to unload some goods. I have no idea what happens if someone actually wants to buy something...am I going to have to pack up the item, write out an invoice, go to the post office and mail it..maybe I'll close my shop tomorrow...sound like too much organization and rigmarole.

It'll all probably end up at the Goodwill...but hey, that's okay!

gun club road

2010-04-20T22:54:00.001-05:00

Rosemary decided we should hike every Tuesday and Thursday...to day was hike #1 and it was my new camera's (oops I did it again!) first outing as well.

I love these rustic steps.

She was captivated by him!

Peg, Nancy and Rosemary

(witches of eastwick?)

warm as toast

2010-04-07T21:19:00.007-05:00

I had planned an outdoor photo shoot, but the zipper on Luke's hoodie was broken , he didn't have another jacket, and it was freezing out! After I jerry-rigged a warm outfit for him to run around in, he seemed perfectly happy and so I just snapped away!

happy trails to you

2010-03-03T17:32:00.005-06:00

Colt, Fury and Jerry

It took us an hour and a half to do an hour ride in the Catalina foothills. Aimee's horse and mine would not behave! Our wrangler, Colt, warned us that if we didn't nip it in the bud right away the horses would try to eat the grass along the path and we would never get going again...he was right!

Thunder and Colt

Aimee and Preston

My horse was Boo~

We met Peggy and Al at Caruso's where we had antipasto, pasta and good conversation.

update

2010-02-09T12:37:00.000-06:00

Needless to say, Tigger is missing us terribly!!!

the hub

2010-02-08T17:09:00.005-06:00

They call this the "Village Center" here at Sunflower.

I guess only about 30% of the folks use it. It's quite gorgeous!!

poor poor tigger...not!!!

2010-01-23T11:20:00.004-06:00

It's time for an update on Tigger. He's been staying with Rosemary and has "quite the life" in his new surroundings. A letter we received about a week ago explained, in drawings, how he is coping with his foster parent.

By the looks of these photos...he's missing us bad!!!

friday

2010-01-22T12:18:00.004-06:00

When Susan and I went on pilgrimage to France, a million years ago, I wished I would have documented all the beautiful churches we visited....live and learn.

St Thomas the Apostle

Pam and I enjoyed our short sunless visit to Sonora Desert museum

note to self...make appointment with Dr. Saldona.

san xavier del bac

2010-01-16T17:53:00.003-06:00

roadrunner

The pilgrims came, caressed the head of the prone San Xavier carving, lifted it slightly than caressed his feet and quietly went on their way.

San Xavier

Our Blessed Lady

at last

2010-01-11T10:46:00.006-06:00

I've noticed an interesting sign on the way up the mountain just passed the entrance to the church...today after Mass I decided to explore.

When I got back to Sunflower I looked it up....great place for peace and quiet... and prayer.

saturday

2010-01-09T11:56:00.004-06:00

We finally found a french press at a decent price...it was only $11.95...I couldn't believe it wasn't plastic! Now to find some worthy beans...Peggy said we're going to Trader Joe's...anyone need anything?

We went to a Sweet Tomatoes for lunch yesterday and an Asian buffet for supper...life is good!Mary reminded me of the hat I had promised to make for Lindsay

...finished it at 1:30 am...

with no TV!!!!

Another day in Tucson~

around the house

2010-01-07T11:47:00.006-06:00

We don't have TV yet so I sit and crochet (it's way to dark to be wondering around outside...I'm talking scary dark!!) while the j man snores on the couch.
We thought we'd take in a bunch of movies while we're waiting for the cable guy....wrong...it cost us $30.00 the other night...luckily we enjoyed the movie..."Up in the Air". We're going to see Sandra Bullock tonight...Thursday is cheap seats!!!

By the way the project on the chair is Stevie's blanket...should be done in no time at this rate.

These are some granny squares in the making.

The sunrises are spectacular on my way up the hill to daily Mass.

January 6th is the twelvth day of Christmas so away go the Christmas cards.

dancing fool

2010-01-06T18:33:00.003-06:00

This monstrosity is in out backyard...I use it for a shade tree.

Our neighbors have grapefruit!

Backyard foliage.

I just heard that there's tap dancing lessons on Wednesday afternoons...guess where I'll be next Wednesday?

we're here!!!

2010-01-04T16:20:00.004-06:00

It took a few days to settle in but as you can see...things are going as expected.

The back door view is better in person.

This is a January morning in Tucson...sunny, but chilly.
I'm frantically, maybe not frantically, looking for a cheap french press...it's all about the deal!
Maybe someone in the neighborhood has one...it feels like no body's home around here...seldom see the neighbors.
Jerry just called and said they're having highballs at Peggy's...guess that's where I'm headed...if I don't get lost~

the visitation

2009-12-21T11:23:00.006-06:00

Mary elevated the simple act of visiting to a whole new level...almost sacramental. When Gabriel told Mary that her cousin Elizabeth was six months "with child" she "traveled to the hill country in haste" to visit her.
These days usually a phone call will do or maybe a text...but is it really the same as an old fashioned visit...I think not. I'll have to work on that.

speaking of visits...

here comes Mary now!

listening to~http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRR5YrpbBe4

be still and know that I am God

2009-12-14T20:03:00.005-06:00

Gong to the ordination of our new bishop was not on my list of things to do. Tickets are not easy to come by and frankly it seemed like too much trouble. It's not like you can be up close and personal...and even if you were...what can you say to a bishop
that tons of other people can say better?
Long story short...I was invited by a friend at the last minute.
We arrived late, sat in the second to the last row of the auditorium, about four seats in from the side aisle. Toward the end we were singing a rousing Te Deum when I noticed several bishops heading up the aisle. As they were passing

(the couple sitting in the aisle seats all during the Mass had left)

I realized one of the bishops was carrying the shepherds staff...

our new bishop was passing by and giving his first blessing!

As he was walking, just inches away, giving his blessing "I thought to myself,

"I don't think I was blessed."

Just then, he turned to his left, looked right at me and gave me his blessing.

I continued singing with tears welling.

I mentioned it to Gloria later and she said "I didn't see him."
With very little effort on my part I was wonderfully blessed.

Bishop Sirba

listening to~http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jj6M00xUGl8

Lest we forget

2009-12-05T16:41:00.007-06:00

Luke was studying the cover of a little prayer book I had gotten in the mail several weeks ago. I thought it would be a good time to "cram some religion down his throat", so we looked at the pages together. One of the poems inside (they are mostly mundane little ditties) was actually quite touching in it's simplicity. My favorite line is the last one.

Luke's favorite part was the tree.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfpK6cNPF7Y

listening to~

i've grown accustomed

2009-11-27T11:26:00.010-06:00

The obsession with handbags has always eluded me...until now!

My purses have always been functional numbers with very little style...none really. Usually a shoulder strap for ease while carrying babies, groceries and diapers. Well those days have been long gone and still I clung to my handy shoulder bag.

A friend once told me she wished she could wear scarves, but felt she couldn't "carry it off". That was my perception of me with one of those bulky, double, short-handled bags.

I recently purchased a bag that took a while to get used to. It kept getting in the way... like an ugly step child. Over time I have grown to love it and am already thinking of upgrading.

listening to~http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBMjzMW0AfA

did i say green?

2009-11-15T21:39:00.007-06:00

Jerry built this cabinet to fit snugly above the washer and dryer...I ♥ it~

That's a custom made broom closet in the top photo.

Several months ago we decided to give the back entry and bathroom a makeover. I choose a color ....and went with the exact opposite...green! Actually it's called 'dry sea grass', it is definitely green...Aimee said pea green...I do love green.

Speaking of green...

listening to~http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnGPmlXDJNI&feature=related

gracious moms and dads

2009-11-13T20:05:00.006-06:00

As I approached the check out counter this afternoon I noticed a 3 or 4 year old boy , one knee on the floor, deeply engrossed in the items on the bottom shelf of (what I like to call) the "nuisance rack". I passed him and put my items on the counter while the boy's mother, who had a baby in the cart, was finishing her transaction. When she was done she called,
"Carter come on it's time to go." Carter dallied.
"Carter," I said pleasantly, "your mother said it's time to go now."
I glanced at mom quickly and said, "Sometimes it just takes another voice."
"Definitely," she said as Carter got up and joined her.
As they went on their way I heard Carter ask mom, "Who was that lady?"
"A friend", she said gratefully.

This charming scene was just begging for a camera...I didn't realize he had a sleeping baby in there until I stopped to ask if I could take a picture..

the house is clean enough

2009-10-19T19:53:00.018-05:00

My intentions were good.
Jerry was going to be gone for four days and I was going to do some deep cleaning.

Scratch that idea.

I vacuumed once, tomorrow I'm going hiking, and he's coming home Wednesday.
Saturday the weather was too nice to clean so I put some laundry in the washer, drove to one of my favorite spots and took some pictures.

My photogenic bag insisted on having her picture taken!

I was surprised to see the county guys out on a Saturday.

I discovered this sweet new path when I got back to town.

The geese were so busy pecking , they didn't even notice me.

After Mass on Sunday, the beautiful weather called for another walk. I took in the fair grounds and ended up down by the lake...as usual.

They called needing someone today for some prayerful demonstration.
So demonstrate I did.

We are women...hear us roar!!
(Actually I was with a guy this time).

Stopped in to see my favorite great granddaughter...

pulled in to town just in time to watch Zach do his magic...

Delicious!

listening to~http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmJjD33eKDU

touchy feely

2009-10-16T21:45:00.011-05:00

Not so many years ago Aimee had a particular coin purse. She would rat around, with her little fingers in that tiny coin purse until she came up with the proper change. She would say with a smile, "I love the way it feels!" Barbara has the same thing, I'm guessing, about the Desitine cap. She likes how it feels when she pops it open and snaps it closed.

The object of my affection is a little make up bag in which I keep crochet hooks, scissors, and such. Grabbing the perfect sized zipper pull with my right hand and holding the bag with my left as I unzip the small vinyl case is endlessly satisfying. It really doesn't end there...I also find pleasure in rifling through the hooks until I find the proper size. What's up with that? It must be the same principal that makes a baby want to fondle a certain blanket...not just any blanket!

We took in a movie this afternoon...The Informant. Jerry gave it a 'three'... I thought it was quirky and fun...I've never seen so many wigs in a single movie!

listening to~http://www.amazon.com/gp/recsradio/radio/B000BR6D6C/ref=pd_krex_dp_001_009?ie=UTF8&track=009&disc=001

I simply remember my favorite things

2009-10-06T12:54:00.012-05:00

The first time I tasted Waldorf Salad was Thanksgiving 1967 or '68. Steve was home from the army, where he was a cook, and came to Castle Danger, where we lived at the time, to help us
make a turkey dinner....we had no idea!

If I remember correctly, the turkey was great, the salad...not so much. Our taste buds must not have been fully developed.

When I came across a recipe for it recently, after looking over the ingredients, I thought to myself, "Who wouldn't love this?" I whipped it up today, served it for supper ... our dinner guest
loved it! Nothing wrong with his taste buds.

This is a new trick I learned from Barbara...some of my favorite Flickr photos.

listening to~http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_n-gRS_wdI

baby talk

2009-10-05T22:10:00.008-05:00

It's not easy to be on the unpopular side of an issue...it was that way when I decided to breastfeed my first child 43 years ago.Everybody used bottles back in the 60's! The only person I had ever seen nursing a baby was a gal by the name of Marie. She was from Scotland. We were all fascinated by her because she had that cute accent, loved to talk, and was lots of fun. After seeing Marie and Helga with their babies , there was no question who I wanted to emulate when I had mine.
Being a young woman (a girl really) I was easily influenced by the people around me. I was always rather contrary so it's hard for me to imagine, had I gone to college, falling for the leftest rhetoric the professors were starting to spew at that time. I was lucky enough to have been sheltered from all that unpleasantness and instead, got on with the business of raising a family...sort of an apprenticeship, with Mom and other woman I knew as my teachers.

When I was a young mother, I came in contact with some strong, smart woman, who were activists in the pro life movement. In the '70's, Lake County was notoriously liberal... to be pro life in that atmosphere was very unpopular and difficult...but these woman were undaunted. They had fundraisers, marched at the capital, wrote letters, started petitions and are still fighting.
Every year I sit at the county fair, in the pro life booth. Mothers often bring their little kids over to show them the like size fetal models. They explain how the baby grows and that they were small like that once too. Often the moms will say, "Sometimes the mother doesn't want the baby to be born and so the doctor kills the baby." The little kids get the most horrified look on their faces and then the moms will say, "Yes that's a very bad thing." Young kids, innately, know abortion is wrong...what's the matter with our lawmakers?

I was asked recently to stand in front of the Building for Woman, an innocuous sounding place, to demonstrate against the abortions that are done there every Tuesday...today I and two other brave women went.

listening to~http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uFcPjILC7k

blue friday

2009-10-02T19:18:00.007-05:00

This morning, the Memorial of the Guardian Angels, Father mentioned that when he was in school, they were instructed to make room at their desks for their guardian angel, and were encouraged to name them as well. He said that no ordinary angel would do for him! He chose an archangel...Father was Michael One and his angel was Michael Too!

“See that you do not despise one of these little ones,
for I say to you that their angels in heaven
always look upon the face of my heavenly Father.”

Today the challenge was,
to post the color blue...
And after I do that,
I'll say a prayer for you.

listening to~ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsQeyDZJ_HQ

no bears today

2009-09-30T23:21:00.007-05:00

We hiked up the Gooseberry River to the Fifth Fall bridge...that's me waving!

This is the only wildlife I saw.

Pink and red are the colors of the day so I'm having my coffee

(I like to call it cappuccino)

in a pinkish cup.

Flowers from the garden across the street.

An old red fence and post on Third street in Duluth.

listening to~http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G20XdmL59KI

green day

2009-09-30T16:00:00.005-05:00

Green is supposed to be calm and relaxing...this picture certainly is.

Who is this that comes forth like the dawn,

as beautiful as the moon. as splendent as the sun?

"Anyone can count the seeds in an apple, but only God can count the apples in a seed."

listening to~http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eoBaZmmdluM

pick a color...

2009-09-29T06:03:00.014-05:00

Orange, being one of my favorite colors, made Tuesday's challenge a bit challenging...what to choose?

Should I go with nasturtiums and lawn chair (pay no attention to the pesky squirrel)...

my new "bells and whistles" purse...

or mountain ash berries?

How about the pillow from a favorite niece...

or a bowl of oranges...the possibilities are endless.

Last but not least..
Bert's nose!

listening to~http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNZmICj_dXk&feature=fvw

yellow yellow kiss a fellow

2009-09-28T08:34:00.006-05:00

Color week is off and running.

Yellow is a perfect color for such a dreary day,

and so the flowers shot on Saturday.

While we're on the subject of all things yellow...

this must be the easiest lemonade recipe in the world....

Put 1 lemon quartered, cups water, ½ cup sugar in blender.

Blend for 15 seconds.

Strain, add ice and enjoy~

gifting

2009-09-27T09:37:00.011-05:00

Over forty years ago, when I opened the Christmas present from my father-in-law, Lyle, I was....well, let's just say underwhelmed. I said something like, "Oh, a blanket." Mom quickly chastised me and said, "That's not just a blanket!" Over the years my childish naivete has turned to overwhelming gratitude and appreciation for one of my favorite things..
our Hudson Bay blanket.

Someone told me years ago, that the four black lines I thought were flaws, are called points and had a definite purpose. The more points...the more costly the blanket.

It is the last thing I would have purchased myself...but I'm thankful that our parents knew value when they saw it.

Speaking of gifts from our parents...
The apples are from one of the trees that Mom and Dad sent us years ago.

listening to~http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7810J78TmbU

make-over

2009-09-22T10:38:00.009-05:00

Why can't I just choose a nice neutral tone....then, use the bolder tones for accent? I found whereyourheartis on Flickr and was convinced that was the way to go! But instead I paint a bold color and accent with even more intensity.

It ends up up resembling a gypsy caravan,

or like Aimee says... a Rubik's cube....she also said the house looks like a shadow box.
Well I'm at it again. The back hallway needs a makeover and I can't stop thinking I need to add nooks and crannies, hooks and shelves to store and hang stuff. Barbara says there is no need to keep the snowshoes in the corner all summer long. When Marypatricia asked why I needed all the storage space I was planning, I answered, "Mittens!"
She replied sensibly, " There are only four hands living here." Mama Ocean tried to help me downsize a few years ago...to little avail.
Well, I'm trying to step out of my box and go "clutter free"!
I've got a team working with me...we'll see what we come up with.

listening to~http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFvLcCDvdEA

hands and fingers, fingers and toes

2009-09-15T20:47:00.004-05:00

She already knows how to do "ballet fingers"!

Pretty soon these little piggies will be in snow boots.

listening to~http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDucj50eQYs

beyond the sea

2009-09-13T08:24:00.014-05:00

I must admit, each time Stacy and Melissa head off for Greece I get a little envious...but not in a bad way. It's not that I don't want them to go, it's more like..."I wanna go too." Stacy's blog definitely helps quiet the green-eyed monster.

Then I heard Melissa was touring Italy...now that's a whole other story! That trip is what dreams are made of! Movies, books, songs even, have been written about such adventures. Heck, I was 56 years old when I made my first ( and maybe last) trip abroad...(or overseas, as we seniors like to say.) A trip of a lifetime, I might add.

I knew there would be no sharing of feelings and delicious anecdotes, as from her more gregarious sister. Oh wait...there was one...a cute story about several tourists from..was it Australia? But that was in Greece not Italy. I know she has the talent...maybe she's going to stun us all with a book...I only hope she's keeping notes.

Until her book- signing debut, I'll have to be content hearing bits and pieces from my informant.
listening to~http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XoRLIJJSG4o&feature=related

one two buckle my shoe

2009-09-10T19:50:00.008-05:00

A weblog is a fun and easy way to keep track of things you would ordinarily forget. Like the other day when the little guy was over. He had been here for a few hours, doing what you do when you're one and a half.

Pretty soon it was time to go...where were his shoes? We looked for a few minutes...Mary said," I left them on the chair...oh well, we'll pick them up tomorrow." She put him in the car and off they went. When I came in I noticed a pair of shoes placed neatly on the floor in a corner of the hallway.

Could the little guy have put them there...or was it the shoe fairy?

listening to~http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xv4YmL4CWmI

2009-09-07T21:46:00.005-05:00

Mary asked me to join her and #14 for a walk to Burlington Bay. He was content just sitting in the sand...

until he noticed that the kids down by the water...

had toys!

superstar

2009-09-03T16:37:00.001-05:00

While listening to todays gospel, it occured to me how weird it is that so many people deny the reality of Jesus, when even the demons know who He is.

The newest baby came to see us today. She seemed to like it here...this quote seems to fit her to a tee:

The smile that flickers on baby's lips when she sleeps-

does anybody know where it was borne?

Yes, there is a rumor that a young pale beam of a crescent moon

touched the edge of a vanishing autumn cloud, and there the smile was first born . . . .

takin' it easy

2009-08-25T19:51:00.010-05:00

Ginger had her first birthday (1 week) on Sunday...it seems to be true...

The child born on the Sabbath Day,

Is fair and wise and good and gay.

...the fair and good part anyway.

Maria seemed happy to get her coverlet ...

but she seemed more thrilled with the lunch her dad had prepared, just for her.

Jerry's on a little overnight, so I was guilt free while sitting, crocheting and watching the Ovation channel all morning and into the afternoon.
I did manage to roll off the couch for a stroll down by the lake...it was nice to sit there and dream I was in Greece or France.
listening to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1JhKQBSyuk

ruth

2009-08-21T13:48:00.009-05:00

Father said that several years ago, while instructing a couple before their marriage, he told them that the vocation of marriage involves the whole family. The young man said, "You mean I have to take on her whole family?!"
"You do." said Father.

This is well illustrated in today's first reading about Ruth and her mother-in-law, Naomi. Instead of returning to her people after her husband died Ruth said to Naomi,

“Do not ask me to abandon or forsake you!

For wherever you go, I will go, wherever you lodge I will lodge,

your people shall be my people, and your God my God.”

From all accounts it was Ruth who was the the better person in this story...the other daughter-in-law went back to her homeland...I would have too...I am certainly no Ruth!!
Things have changed since the days of Ruth and Naomi...and probably not for the better.
The vocation of marriage is a promise to God.. promises are not always easy to keep and we seem to lack fortitude these days.

Listening to: http://www.mtv.com/videos/a-ha/7846/take-on-me.jhtml

bless his heart

2009-08-18T22:17:00.009-05:00

You would think that we would have learned our prayers from Mom...not so.

Dad was the teacher of the prayers.

I remember as if it was yesterday...the little bedroom, the parchment shade pulled, hearing the bigger kids playing outside, Susan on the inside by the wall and the crib over in the corner. Mom was probably feeding or bathing the baby, (there was always a baby) while Dad put us to bed. It was a wonderful time for us girls, and after raising six kids of my own, I'll bet it was a sweet time for Dad too.

Now I lay me down to sleep I pray the lord my soul to keep.
If I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take.
God bless Mummy and Daddy, Micky and Steve, Susan and Gary Russell, Deborah and Yvonne,
Phillip, Buddy and Mary
Make me a good girl. Amen

Whenever I heard, or saw the "Now I Lay Me" in print, it was never exactly the same as the one we had learned from Dad. I figured, I had remembered it wrong or maybe Dad had his own version...a definite possibility.

This morning, (I like to call it Pajama Tuesday) I happened upon an old John Wayne movie I hadn't seen. The storyline was sweet, the characters were endearing and I was most curious as to how they were going to feed a newborn infant! Long story short...one of the Godfathers was saying the "Now I Lay Me" and this is how it went...
"Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep.
If I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take."
"God bless my father and mother and my little sister and make me a good boy. Amen!"

Dad loved western movies, it came out in 1948, the year Susan was born...we were too little, so he probably taught it to Micky and Steve first, and by the time we were 3 and 4 he had it down pat.
I'm listning to:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L14UKBjC5Is

haste makes waste

2009-08-14T21:27:00.007-05:00

The fog rolled in so fast this morning it reminded me of the dust storm scene from "The English Patient" I made a mental note to go home, grab the camera, and make a beeline to the harbor as soon as Mass was over.

Father's 'off the cuff ' weekday homilies often outshine his more scripted Sunday Sermon. Today's gospel focused on marriage and divorce, which prompted him to mention a favorite bachelor uncle who once commented,
"If I had married, I wouldn't have been divorced, I would have been murdered!"
Father said it's the "Irish way" to comment on everything...seems to be my way too.

By the time Mass was over the fog had lifted considerably, but I rushed home, grabbed the camera and headed downtown, hoping to catch the fog before it drifted away completely. I scanned the area quickly, headed for the boat landing, made it to the dock while exchanging pleasantries with a local angler, and discovered...the batteries were dead!
Up the stairs, into the car, back to the house...trying all the while, to beat the fog!
Back to the harbor...this time I headed for the break wall...maybe I could still catch the vanishing fog. I hurried to the end of the pier...

All that was left was a distant mist.

In no hurry to get back, I stopped to chat with a little chatterbox...who loved to pose!

I couldn't believe what I saw when I got back to the parking lot...

in my haste to beat the fog, I had left the car door wide open!

note to self: Calm the heck down!

listening to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjzenEfIEyA&feature=related

click

2009-08-13T16:09:00.007-05:00

Back in the day there was one camera per family...if you were lucky. I didn't have one until I was married...probably a good thing....no embarrassing pictures of me acting foolish.

The first time I had my picture taken in a photo booth was at Woolworth's in downtown Duluth when I was about 12 or 13....the second time was this summer. I immediately misplaced them!

We were on a shopping trip a few months ago and couldn't resist stopping for a cheap photo shoot....Barbara had fun mugging for the camera.

I've kept this old thing around since the 60's...the photo too.

This is just too cute to keep in a drawer!

I'm listening to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkENeuzVtUM

summer time

2009-08-13T08:08:00.006-05:00

While the ants are over in Superior, we lazy grasshoppers took to the lake.

Jerry stresses, as Peter drives the boat ashore.

Always a smile for the camera!

He's not quite sure how this works.

Listening to~http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFvLcCDvdEA

paint job

2009-08-06T19:12:00.014-05:00

It's not easy getting a crew together to paint a house that's 2½ stories high. After two years of asking around, Jerry finally found a fellow that said, "No problem." He gave an estimate and arranged a starting date. They showed up last Saturday....No problem, my foot!
Steve, the guy Jerry had hired (orange shirt), dropped off three college kids and expected them to finish the job in three days...then left!
Mike, (bottom of the ladder) was told to caulk the cracks. Jerry came out (he was working in the shop) and discovered he was using roofing cement ( I guess it's black) instead of caulk!
Jerry calls Steve (he was on his way to another job in Duluth) and insists he come back and supervise his workers.

I knew we were in trouble when I noticed them having trouble moving the ladder.

The next day Jerry fired Steve, put on coveralls and supervised the crew himself.

I thought it was disconcerting, having them around...but that's just me.

The most dangerous part of the job was painting the peak. I was very worried...

so I left town.

I got back just in time to shoot a picture Mike earning his wages.

Kevin's smiling because he's not up on the roof.

I wonder if it'll be around in another hundred years~

What I'm listening to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEpr1x8hkac

when the weather's fine

2009-07-28T10:54:00.015-05:00

All I can say about todays readings is...Yikes!

For anyone who might be wondering how the roof water is being put to use...it works great for washing little hands and feet!

Things are warm and peaceful in Lakeside these days.

It's been ages since I've done a "burpie". We had to do them in gym way back when.

I was feeling pretty agile so... thought I'd give the ol' burpie a try....bad idea.
Owww my back!
Could I be doing it wrong? I looked it up. The first demonstration (I should have been warned when they were called 'squat thrusts') was called "Real Jock: Gay Fitness"!

Being homophobic, (I hear it's generational) I quickly found a demonstration that was more traditional. After viewing his technique, feeling confident that I could execute a passable burpie, I tried again...
Tadaah!!

Much better.

I'm going to work up to two.

Why would I want to live anywhere else when I can look across the street at this charming scene?

What I'm listening to~http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbdyrRlYR2E

perfection

2009-07-26T19:20:00.014-05:00

I think I've perfected my version of iced latte. Here's the recipe... "y. style":

pour milk to 1cup mark of blender~

add heaping tsp. Hazlenut Tasters Choice~

add 3-5 second squirt of honey~

blend while looking for ice cubes~

drop 4-7 ice cubes into blender, leaving lid on~

blend until cubes stop clanging~

pour into glass, sip from straw and enjoy!

for an afternoon beverage, add Kahlua!

It was a warm, sunny Sunday and I spent the whole afternoon sewing...go figure. I subscribe to Craft Magazine on Facebook. Their entries are usually mundane and even ssenseless...but today, maybe because it was Sunday, it was a "must do"!

As usual, I couldn't wait to get to the fabric store...hence the familiar cottons.

I'll try the pockets on the next one, but I'll have to revise the pattern a little to suit my simple nature.
What I'm listening to...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kS9Ll02CNjU&feature=fvw

look down my rain barrel

2009-07-25T19:21:00.006-05:00

My first introduction to a rain barrel was at Karen's house. Her mom used the water to rinse their hair in the sauna. Karen's rain barrel was wooden with a wood cover and no spigot...they all have spigots now. They used a dipper and a bucket to fetch the water. I have fancied the idea of a rain barrel for years...they seem so sensible in this age of water conservation...and we have tons of available roof area to collect from. Long story short...I got my rain barrel!

It's not nearly as charming as the one of my memory (is anything?), but it serves the purpose splendidly.

The river stone bed needs some tweaking...I'd like to do away with the frame altogether...but then there's the lawn mower and the snow blower to deal with.
If I dig a hole and pile rocks to the grass line...
Maybe next year...
I think I feel a sweat coming on.

RIP

2009-07-24T19:51:00.009-05:00

Martha would have loved her memorial...but I bet she's glad she didn't wait around.

I was trying to watch an interesting movie on IFC this afternoon called American Splendor . There was a lot of traffic here so I was only able to get the basic premise ...I will definitely watch for it again.

This song was worked into the plot... I liked it, hunted for it, and found it...Marvin Gaye...easy on the eyes and ears.

How great are the works of the Lord!

2009-07-17T19:44:00.004-05:00

The irresistible story of Moses is being read at Mass this week...don't miss it!

You think you've heard it all and then one little phrase reminds you that you haven't.

This morning in today's first reading when the lector said, "the LORD made Pharaoh obstinate..." I was taken aback. After listening to the rest of the text, it became clear, again, that God had a plan to save his people (all of us). The culmination of the plan was on Calvary, and Pharaoh had to do his part...I guess we all do...the trick is to discern when the Lord is beckoning...

probably always.

there's a reason

2009-07-15T07:48:00.010-05:00

It's St Bonaventure's feast day, but in his humility, he probably would rather St Francis' image be displayed today...funny story...
Father said, this morning at Mass, that until St Bonaventure came along the Franciscan community was in disarray, because St. Francis had no organizational skills..."He was always out feeding the animals, talking to birds and all sorts of strange things". Father's side notes, usually quite amusing, sometimes put a detour on my rode to holiness.
For some strange reason this song keeps playing in my head...this morning after finding the lyrics, I made a definite link to Good St. Francis.

This "stash" blanket was whipped up while watching the confirmation hearings.
Any one need a rather large crib blanket?

back and forth

2009-07-13T22:37:00.009-05:00

We had a free afternoon and decided to take a road trip to see if we could conjure up and maybe capture some old memories. We checked out the familiar Maki Road. The old homestead was beckoning, but we were too chicken to venture up the driveway, and besides we had an ultimate destination. As we drove across the highway and into Karen's driveway we were shocked at the sorry state the property was in. (It's no wonder I developed a headache later that afternoon.)The only thing I could bring myself to photograph was the tiny playhouse, where we spent so many carefree hours.

The next item on our scavenger hunt was no easy task...even with a map. We drove right past the rode we were looking for, to Kettle River and there, was given updated directions, doubled back several miles and arrived at our intended destination....Uncle Dicks'.

McGregor was next on out list. We checked out Dad's old lot, and again, were too chicken to get out and rummage around. We drove to the corner where the foundation of his one-room school house is still, remarkably, in tact. An electric fence kept us, unfortunately, at bay.

More than a little ashamed that I didn't know where Gramma and Grammpa were buried, I was bound and determined to find the cemetery. After, fruitlessly, driving around asking passersby for help, we pulled up to the American Legion and encountered an older patron who actually knew the town and told us how to get to the graveyard. We drove back and forth a few more times, but ultimately made the right turn.

The afternoon was bittersweet...I think we'll do it again next year.

sloppy joe's

2009-07-07T16:53:00.012-05:00

The concession shed for the golf course was just the project he needed to test his framing skills. I've always dreamed of a little potting shed like this...but NOOOOOOO!!!!

Off it went to it's new home.

With the coolers filled with ice, shelves stacked with liquid refreshments, the vendors were ready for their thirsty

customers!

fourth of july

2009-07-05T22:26:00.010-05:00

The fourth of July came and went with little fanfare...dining al fresco at a local restaurant with good company.

The turtle that Nathan captured at Susan's cabin, and then released at Curt's girlfriends' pond, had babies...

Nathan is a grampa!

I had such high hopes for this little blanket, but its ending up here.

fly away home

2009-07-03T23:48:00.007-05:00

As I approached this little dwelling, the tiniest little bird flew out...

speaking of flying...our latest house guests made it, safely, back to Florida.

The little tyke won't be so anxious to open those doors in a few years.

The last thing I need is a Bridgeman's across the street...I hear the Cappuccino Blast is the yummiest!

foggy blog

2009-06-22T21:40:00.011-05:00

Well it's the first day of summer, and I think I put the ol' flannel pajamas away a little too soon. The fog keeps hanging around hiding the sun and keeping the air cool and damp...a little too cool.

Some projects that I tackle are better left undone, but this one was totally enjoyable.

Mr. Turtle looks pretty grumpy...

but the kids were fascinated!

speaking of fascinated.

ikea

2009-06-15T21:21:00.007-05:00

He started last week with the beatitudes...Basically, what Jesus is telling us is..
Be nice.

Mt. of Beatitudes

Ikea is alive and well!

It was a relief to have supper and rest after finally getting out of the Twin Cities.

Granny squares were my first introduction to the wonderful world of crochet. Mom taught me 40 years ago. Given her condition the last 30 years of her life, it's hard to imagine she was, ever, able to function at that level...my kids will probably be saying the same thing about me some day.

This flowery square is more complicated than the traditional granny...smaller hook, more stitches...my eyeballs are getting a real workout**!

Tamarack

2009-06-08T10:44:00.007-05:00

It's done!

Digging up Larch seedlings was a whole new experience. We drove up to Brimson, where the little guys propagate. By the time we had each gotten a few, our feet were sopping wet! We headed back, stopping at Hugo's for root beer. We chatted with the bartender and almost left without paying the bill.

Hugo's jukebox

the kind of work women do

2009-06-03T20:52:00.007-05:00

Tobit is not having a good week. Anna isn't helping. I read that the wicked demon Asmodeus, killed Sarah's husbands out of jealousy...pretty powerful stuff!

Holy Spirit
Steeples are a favorite subject of mine...so I snapped this before going to Mass this morning.

Always happy to have an excuse to lunch, I met up with the birthday girl (she turned 20 3months ago) who seemed thrilled with the Dollar Store towel I gave her, while Maria devoured the pickles that were on her plate.

I was given a sewing project to do...hopefully I can finish before summer is over.

late to the dance

2009-05-23T11:27:00.011-05:00

I hope it's not too late to get on the novena bus! As usual, other things got in the way of my prayer life. Celebrating Ascension Thursday on Sunday, doesn't help matters.

The Acts of the Apostles is great reading...it would make a super novel. I wonder what's going to happen to Apollos? I could read ahead, but it's more interesting to see how the church laid it all out for us in the daily readings of the Mass.

The contrast of the windswept lake and the calm of a single tulip depicts, perfectly, the weather drama on the north shore of Lake Superior.

2009-04-28T20:32:00.006-05:00

Our second trip to Staples was just as pleasant as the first. We must have passed 6 ice cream stores between McGregor and Staples...but, because of our cargo, we were not able to stop for a frosty treat.

After checking in to the hotel, we changed and headed for the church.

Everyone looked festive as we chatted before entering the church. We all witnessed the couple take their vows, congratulated them, took a few photos...

and headed for the party. We had a great time at the dinner and dance.

I took lots of pictures, got home, edited, uploaded, and then deleted the best one of the bride and groom:(

celebrate

2009-04-20T18:56:00.008-05:00

She was more interested in the wheels at first..

but with a little coaxing from Dad, she was soon in the saddle

Pizza Mia was a big hit with the Birthday Girl!

A shot with Mom and daughter would have been nice...but Mom said...

"we don't do photos very well"... Maybe next year.

holey mary

2009-04-16T13:35:00.015-05:00

I've been asked to relate my Easter story.
They came early on Easter morn all ready for Mass. She smiled and mocked what I was wearing. "Your pants...maybe they're just too short." I lost some of my usual self -assurance, but changing clothes was out of the question. We arrived at church, secured a pew for four and waited for Mass to begin.

When we got home , Barbara and Maria soon arrived, bearing daffodils for the table and pies for the feast....to celebrate the Risen Lord.
I mentioned to Barbara that, earlier, Mary had been chiding me about my clothes.
At this point Mary pointed out, in uncharacteristic cattiness ,
"The back of her jacket is 'cinched'!"
I, at this point, uncharacteristically, held my tongue, and restrained the urge to describe her Easter outfit.

Pet the rooster!

walking to emmaus

2009-04-15T11:10:00.001-05:00

It is so easy to relate to toady's gospel.
Karen and I would walk and talk, endlessly, on the road to Esko.
We never discussed religion...mine was quite foreign to her and rudimentary to me. Long walks, on a country road, in the warm afternoon sun, with a good friend is as good as it gets...unless you run into Jesus on the way!

And it happened that, while he was with them at table,he took bread, said the blessing,broke it, and gave it to them.

It was a nice day for protesting...I preferred shopping.

.Activists out in full force

She's a rebel.

Rally # 2

This lap blanket has put a nice dent in the yarn stash...making room for next fall.

Magnificat-kins

2009-04-09T22:00:00.009-05:00

I wonder when this ice, covering Sunset Pond, will sink.

The April moon was on the rise as I made the home stretch.

These willow catkins are a welcome harbinger of Spring...almost as welcome as the birds singing outside our bedroom window this morning

With Holy Week approaching , I was looking forward to following along in my trusty Magnifcat magazine. I've been a subscriber for about 5 years or more and have become very dependent on it. It arrives a whole month early and I always put it in a place of distinction while finishing the current issue. Special editions for Advent and Holy Week are a welcome treat. I love everything about this little digest...the small size, the super thin pages, the format...everything.
It took a few days (I was behind in my reading) for me to realize that my special Holy Week edition was missing. I didn't search very hard because I figured... if it wasn't where I always put it...it wasn't anywhere.

I checked a few drawers halfheartedly, and had pretty much given up the search, time was running out...it was already Spy Wednesday ... halfway through the week.
Someone suggested asking St. Anthony for help. Two hours later I shuffled through a stack of neglected magazines and there it was!

“Tony, Tony, Look Around -Something’s Lost And Can't Be Found.”

♫ little birdie ♫

2009-03-31T12:30:00.012-05:00

The inevitable birthday snow storm hit today...only three days late.

Father Pacwa made me chuckle this morning during his homily. He was saying that the children of Israel were complaining after 38 years of wandering in the desert and wanted to go back to Egypt (and slavery) because the food was better there.

This morning I caught myself behaving like the snotty Israelites.

Because of the nasty weather, Jerry said "This would be a good day to bake cookies."
" What for...I can't have any...it's Lent?" I replied snidely.

Making chicken cacciatore for supper was almost therapeutic, after my morning outburst of selfishness.

Speaking of chicken...

This little chick sitting on my kitchen window sill was looking pretty bewildered because of the snowy weather...or maybe the ice on the window reminded him of the time his buddy saved the day.

sixty two and counting

2009-03-29T09:08:00.015-05:00

Many years ago I started receiving mailings from AMM. I have ordered many medals from them and spread the devotion whenever possible. I even went on pilgrimage to France because of my association with them. I wore a gold Miraculous medal for many years and lost it about 2 years ago and have been without one... until now.

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.

Liam Neeson has been a favorite ever since "Ethan Frome"...he was definitely the best part of that movie and so with every thing he's in. We saw "Taken" yesterday...Jerry gave it a "10" which he usually reserves for "Star Wars".
We dined Italiano at Valentini's, where I tried my first ever martini...it warmed the heart but left the stomach in distress.

It's always a treat to go to Mass at Mary Star of the Sea...today was no exception...we had to rush home after losing at Bingo to help Tigger celebrate his 13th birthday with a photo shoot.

I wonder if he's pondering his life.

Feast of the Annunciation

2009-03-25T17:06:00.008-05:00

The angel said to her, "Mary, you have found favor with God."

Father said, "So, too, have we."

spring has sprung

2009-03-23T09:56:00.002-05:00

Hello Spring!

This ad on my homepage this morning reminded me of an encounter I documented several years ago.

2009-03-20T15:42:00.007-05:00

St. Patrick gets all the attention on the 17th, while humble St. Joseph (who's feast day is just two days later) probably wouldn't have it any other way.

It's called a prayer shawl... nice idea.

I've been thinking

2009-03-13T11:40:00.018-05:00

Mary, the child of my old age stepped out last night, so I was in charge of getting her little one to bed. When he tried pulling "blanky" out of his crib, I knew it was time for bed. I got him into his bed clothes, and put him into the crib. He screamed the "I'm not ready for bed!" memo. He was not happy. I let him fuss for several minutes, went back in and picked him up. We sat in the big chair by the fire to relax and regroup. He tried getting comfortable ratting around in my lap, occasionally resting his head on blanky... he knew something wasn't right. He wandered around the house, yawning and dragging his trusty blanket from one room to the other, trying to figure out how he was going to make this work. He toddled into his room and was in there for several minutes. I peeked around the corner so he wouldn't see me. There he was lying next to his crib clutching his blanket. I had an instant feeling of extreme disappointment, thinking selfishly...."I'm gonna be sad if he falls asleep there, preferring the floor to my lap."

I waited... pretty soon he walks out of his room, over to my chair, blanky in hand. I pick him up, he nestles in, I put him in his crib. This time he was OK with it... all was well.

The imagery in today's first reading is intoxicating ...."a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead, their camels laden with gum, balm and resin."

I wonder if Joseph's brother, Reuben was the inspiration for a song I learned years ago in school. It's amazing how politically incorrect it is in this day and age. First of all to find the words "queer" and "gay" used in their original context made me wistful. The last stanza is truly the sweetest proposal I've ever heard.

Reuben, Reuben I've been thinking
What a fine world this would be
If the men were all transported
Far beyond the Northern sea!

Oh my goodness gracious Rachel
What a queer world this would be
If the men were all transported
Far beyond the Northern sea!

Reuben, Reuben I've been thinking
What a gay life girls would lead
If they had no men about them,
None to tease them, none to heed.

Reuben, Reuben stop your teasing,
If you've any love for me,
I was only just a-fooling
As I thought, of course, you'd see.

Rachel, if you'll not transport us,
I will take you for my wife,
And I'll split with you my money
Every payday of my life.

2009-03-11T09:14:00.003-05:00

Picking out an image of St. Joseph for out home is on my "things to do list". St. Joseph Prayer for protection
O St. Joseph whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the Throne of God, I place in you all my interests and desires.

O St. Joseph do assist me by your powerful intercession and obtain for me from your Divine Son all spiritual blessings through Jesus Christ, Our Lord; so that having engaged here below your Heavenly power I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of Fathers.

O St. Joseph, I never weary contemplating you and Jesus asleep in your arms. I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart. Press Him in my name and kiss His fine Head for me, and ask Him to return the kiss when I draw my dying breath. St. Joseph, Patron of departing souls, pray for us. Amen

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Any difficulty with Church teaching should be not the end of the matter but the beginning of a process of conversion, education, and quite possibly repentance." Cardinal Pell
Amen to that!

Fargo

2009-03-04T21:51:00.010-06:00

Quincy's full of vim and vigor!

Lucy loves KitKats, and so do I.

We enjoyed a pleasant dining experience Monday night for Louis' 39th birthday

with Ari, Shari and Dag.

simple pleasures

2009-02-27T22:34:00.006-06:00

I think I'll read this every day during lent to keep me focused.

We behold Christ as the Bridegroom of the Church,
bearing the marks of suffering,

yet preparing a marriage feast for us in God's Kingdom.

No fasting for these two...only abstinence.

The waxing crescent moon and Venus setting in the west...very cool.

declaration

2009-02-24T11:02:00.006-06:00

I can't get enough of this instruction from St. Paul:

Today was all of those things.

maundy monday

2009-02-22T12:10:00.009-06:00

A week ago she could hardly hold a spoon...

and now she's shoveling it in like a trouper... or maybe a super trouper!

The new do looks, relatively, tame in the morning..but by the end of the day it's pretty wild.

What a fun thing to try with a dumb mini-blind!

quote the raven

2009-02-18T10:28:00.011-06:00

While listening to today's first reading, I got hung up on the raven...strange, that the raven would be the subject of Father's short homily. He related an incident that had occurred years ago. It seems there were two ravens "dancing" on the lawn where he lived. They came closer to him and he said, "They started making fun of me." I chuckled as he went on to explain how ravens are rascals and apparently always were. I did a little research on the subject and found this proof.

"St. Jerome called the raven, which was sent forth and did not return, the "foul bird of wickedness" expelled by baptism; more enduringly, the dove and olive branch came to symbolize the Holy Spirit and the hope of salvation and, eventually, peace."

The text that goes with the above illustration (from 1905) adds to the raven's bad reputation

OH, HAPPY DAY!

obi-wan

2009-02-14T22:22:00.010-06:00

Our favorite West Enders made supper for us on Valentines day...we had enough Shrimp Pasta for the whole weekend!

Another thing comes to mind when I think of the Selma Hyak incident is a movie I saw on IFC ( off beat films mostly) ...Tsotsi . I remember I watched it on a hot summer afternoon and the characters stayed with me for the rest of the day.

To a much lighter subject, my yarny projects have kind of taken a back seat to the sewing machine. I purchased a pattern , quickly stitched up a top, and discovered my new favorite accessory... the obi.

I found a pair of shoes that will fit my injury.

good and evil

2009-02-13T19:53:00.012-06:00

Is this coincidence... good-god...evil-devil?

Today's gospel was fitting for Friday the 13th. Listening to the account of the "happy fault"" I was, surprisingly, moved to tears. I'm sure the disappointments that crop up unexpectedly in life, had something to do with my melancholy mood.
After Mass Joanie treated me to a short stack at "The Bean" which helped chase the blues away. I motored to Duluth for a nice long afternoon of selfish, uninterrupted shopping. (see Minor Screw-ups)

While I was taking a smoothie break at Target this afternoon, a young mom sat next to me and proceeded to nurse her tiny baby girl. It was rather coincidental, because just yesterday Stacy had posted an interesting video on facebook and the subject of breastfeeding was in the front of my mind. I asked if she had seen the video. She had never heard of Selma Hayek...come to find out this was her sixth baby... 5 girls and one boy. I asked the name of baby, she told me a name I had never heard, and said that it was Hebrew. I said, rather dumbly, "Are you Jewish?" She said she was. She asked me if I knew anything about humidifiers (she had just bought one because her baby seemed congested) I told her the little I knew and she seemed satisfied. By then Aimee had emerged from the break room and my little encounter was over...what a pleasant 10 minutes...totally made up for the two hours in JCPenney.

Speaking of babies I find this room immensely enchanting.

consider this

2009-02-08T12:57:00.015-06:00

My new sewing machine is ready and waiting for its first project. While browsing Etsy, I came upon this little shop. I love this style. Now to find a pattern...I wonder what "high- twisted cotton" is.

Everything about this painting is appealing, especially the title... "Considering Vermeer"

Casino Royale has been showing up on the Dish lineup lately. We refused to see the original back in 1967.... How dare they spoof James Bond! We did go to the remake a few years ago and loved it. It had the usual beautiful scenery, gorgeous women and nefarious plot. I gave it a 10 and he an 8...only "Star Wars" get 10s from him. He had a general idea where Montenegro was... I had none, so I looked it up when we got home ....who knew?

b a b y s i t t i n g

2009-02-04T22:19:00.010-06:00

Obviously, the mantle isn't far enough from trouble to sleep with both eyes shut. =^-^=
It was strange to see them leave before the sun set....could it be a harbinger of Spring?

I spent too much time virtual shopping this morning ...it can be as satisfying as actual shopping...I left some items in my cart...wonder if they'll still be there tomorrow.
The pile of yarn I inherited is slowly dwindling. After diving into a favorite pattern, I had to be refreshed on the fpdc.

good old days

2009-01-28T17:14:00.004-06:00

The sun was shining brightly as we pulled into the driveway of the cabin with this on our minds.

The little green house was beckoning as we approached

Susan was pleased at such an inviting scene as we entered the humble abode.

Should old acquaintance be forgot,and never brought to mind ?Should old acquaintance be forgot,and old times since ?
CHORUS:
For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we'll take a cup of kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.
And surely you’ll buy your pint cup !And surely I’ll buy mine !And we'll take a cup o’ kindness yet,for auld lang syne.
CHORUS
We two have run about the slopes,and picked the daisies fine ;But we’ve wandered many a weary foot,since auld lang syne.
CHORUS
We two have paddled in the stream,from morning sun till dine† ;But seas between us broad have roaredsince auld lang syne.
CHORUS
And there’s a hand my trusty friend !And give us a hand o’ thine !And we’ll take a right good-will draught,for auld lang syne.
CHORUS

don we now our snow apparel

2009-01-20T12:47:00.014-06:00

Viewing the "shards" was a priority Monday morning. We donned the correct apparel and off we went.

Checking out the die hard fishermen.

The sun was trying to shine.
He's thinking ,"I wish you were Thumper."

getting closer... and finally...

The shards.

ladies day

2009-01-18T21:28:00.005-06:00

We're waiting for the day when the birds come to feast on the Mountain Ash berries.
When we tried to fit three babies together in the sled we were met with much protest.
Maria was at the bottom of the pile so she got to stay.

low ride

2009-01-16T13:40:00.014-06:00

Father, being type a personality, said, "Imagine the consternation the owner of the house must have felt when they broke open his roof."He aptly commented that the paralytic depended on the "borrowed faith" of the four men who lowered him...a very comforting thought.

It's the end of the world as we know it....

now that he can climb the stairs.

Why am I obsessed with learning to knit socks when I can get these for a dollar a pair?

all is vanity

2009-01-14T23:35:00.007-06:00

When I was a kid all the older ladies (sixty-ish, probably) wore these little felt hats that just sat on the top of their heads. Those women , most likely, were the inspiration for my love of hats. I don't wear them as often as I'd like...hair issues mostly, but it also takes nerve to go out in public wearing the kind of hats I like.
I figured Mass on a cold Wednesday morning would be friendly territory to sport my favorite felt hat... maybe it would provoke a positive comment from one of my fellow older-lady-friends, perhaps a smile or a wink.
I hadn't anticipated Rosemary's typically sardonic remark...
"Is it Amish day?"
Maybe next time I'll try the beret.

saturday

2009-01-08T16:34:00.009-06:00

Daily prayer is a good habit to get into, but lately I have allowed the computer to lure me away from my prayer book. While listening to today's gospel I was reminded of one of my favorite silent exhortations, "He Must increase, but I must decrease." It's a phrase that you can take with you all day, as the Lectio Divina method of prayer suggests.

My prayer book must increase, but the computer must decrease.

Amen

The second- go-round beret

long winter's nap

2009-01-05T09:51:00.013-06:00

The other morning as I started making my bed, Mom instantly popped into my mind.
For her, bed making was an art...I don't think I ever saw her bed unmade unless she was in it. She would just smooth the bottom sheet so there were no wrinkles, unlike my brushing out errant cat residue....unfortunately, the cat sleeps on the bed ...Mom was much to civilized to allow such a thing!

Admitting to failure is not an easy thing...but I just couldn't figure out this pattern...But as Scarlet said...Tomorrow is another day!

This yarn makes me feel more clever than I am. The pattern doesn't show up as well when crocheted.

The Hooded Poncho...sans hood.

My second try at Trifle

It didn't take long...

Holy Mary Mother of God

2009-01-01T18:18:00.004-06:00

Pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death.

Amen

My first mittens!

Valerie's bib.

bye bye '08

2008-12-31T12:47:00.015-06:00

good riddance...

presidential election

old carpet

newspaper subscription

mascara

haircuts

microwave popcorn

noise

novels

People magazine

cooking turkey

If last night was any indication, tonight's' sky should be dazzling!

This cutter (that's what Dad called them ) is fit for a king...or queen.

Lyle brought the sled years ago on one of his visits..he always had some gadget or other piled in his truck.

"Wadiya mean it's all gone!"

easily amused

2008-12-29T22:53:00.008-06:00

It was like magic... to watch this...

become this...

Feast of the Holy Family

2008-12-28T23:41:00.013-06:00

This detail of Caravaggio's 'Rest on the Flight into Egypt' is too sweet

Speaking of sweet...

Uncles and aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins of all ages came for the annual 'Feast of the Holy Family' get together.

We missed everyone who couldn't make it.

Feast of the Holy Innocents

2008-12-28T12:12:00.002-06:00

This painting brings to mind how Mary and Jesus felt when hearing of the slaughter of the Holy Innocents...and to think it's still going on.

The Incarnation

2008-12-25T10:51:00.004-06:00

Kenosis was first explained to me over 20 years ago by Bishop Sheen. His explanation of the word was less convoluted than this.

I guess it's a comfort to know I'm blessed, but it would have been awesome to have been one of those shepherds.

these are a few...

2008-12-23T11:56:00.006-06:00

Contenders for 'My Favorite Christmas Card' of 2008.

The elves just delivered these yummy confections...just the thing while perusing some old favorites.

first day of hanuakka

2008-12-22T22:58:00.009-06:00

Rosemary served us breakfast fit for Santa himself.

This ethereal scene of the Lake was visible all along the shore, and set the mood for Mass.

Samuel was about three when Hannah left him at the temple...imagine that.

I was running late, when my perfectly dressed sister asked me to join her, and my charming, well put together, niece for a brevé at the local café. When I arrived, they had already been there for hours, but insisted I needed caffeine for the strenuous afternoon of shopping I had planned, but I hesitated while considering the long line of crazed caffeine addicts ahead of me. So I did the unthinkable... I gave the first person in line $2 and asked her if she would mind ordering me a plain cup of coffee. She looked at the two bills and handed one back..."I can get you a deal, I work here...will that be a small, with room for cream?"

She then, brought it to our table. I, of course stuck the other $ in her bag.

all is calm

2008-12-21T12:29:00.010-06:00

Father spoke today of the "panic' Mary must have felt when the angel Gabriel visited her in Nazareth. He feels that the modern artists renditions are probably more accurate than those "of old". . As I listened to Father's homily I was trying to visualize a 'panic stricken', Mary full of grace. For the life of me I just can't imagine it...distress maybe, but not panic...not Mary.
Even in this pretty 'far out', modern painting she looks quite calm.
One of the artists he mentioned was Henry Tanner so I looked up his depiction when I got home, half expecting some wild-eyed girl filled with terror...what I saw was a sweet, humble maiden, in her cozy bedroom listening intently to what was being asked of her. Actually she kinda reminds me of someone.

My latest attempt at creativity.

a reactive reactionary

2008-12-19T12:27:00.016-06:00

Gary once said I was reactionary....Is that so wrong?
I always thought it meant that I react to things in an extreme way ...which I do. I finally looked it up and he was right.
While I was at it, I researched the antonym for the word 'proactive' (would it be antiactive?), it wasn't in the dictionary, so I googled 'Proactive, antonym' and found this gem (warning: go beyond definition #2 at your own risk) hence my new favorite phrase..."unnecessary neologism".
Onward and upward... to the heart of the story.
Once in a while there's an irresistible photo in the newspaper that I clip and save. This one was taken at Memorial Park , West Duluth (where I learned to skate a million years ago) in the early '90's.

While shopping in Target years ago I spied one of the workers that looked like the gal in the photo. I had many opportunities to inquire about the photo, but never did because, to be perfectly frank...it was too cumbersome. But I always wondered.
Well...all things come to those who wait...
Aimee got a job at Target and was talking about her fellow workers...one thing led to another and guess what?! Her new friend, Mary, is the mom in the picture.
If I had been more proactively aggressive the mystery could have been solved years ago...but I'm lazy, and like this story better anyway.