~Weekend Wrap-up~

I'm a little late in starting as it has been a busy weekend here!  Bu here goes.


The best thing that happened to me this week was a wonderful dinner and evening with friends. The laughter and chatter and fun.

The worst thing that happened to me this week was finding out the cabinets were being delivered and we hadn't finished much of the kitchen projects.

The funniest thing I saw/heard/did this week were stories told about family antics and sharing some of my own.

The craziest thing I saw/heard/did this week was take a walk at lunch and even though the sun was out it was much colder than I thought.  I was determined to finish the walk, so when I returned to work my legs were just about numb from the cold...Everything else was well covered.  Silly me!

The thing I was most thankful for this week was the assistance of Roy and Laura in the work in the kitchen.  They have been a blessing!

Now, it's not too late for you to join Sue at In Him We Move And Live And Have Our Being for Weekend Wrap-up!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Laughter MEME

Picture by Mary Engelbreit

Sue at In Him We Live And Move And Have Our Being has challenged some to a Laughter MEME.  As she says:  

Since laughter is not only healthy (apparently), but also fun, how about challenging folks to post links to the funniest thing they've ever seen? It could be a video or a picture or a joke... but something that's sure to get folks laughing.

So here is mine!!!  I find myself laughing heartily every time I see it.  Please enjoy!!!

Now I offer this challenge to:

Daylily

My Wonderful Life

Umma's World

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!!

MEME Fun

 

I was tagged by NC Sue at In Him I Live and Have My Being last week for this MEME.  I have tried and tried to think of the top 10 most surprising things I've done.  Well it has been a struggle.  So here is my meager attempt and in no particular order, certainly not in chronological order.

 1.   I have been a nurse for 42 years and continue to work.
 2.   With the aid of a wonderful husband I have raised 5 children.
 3.  Co-chaired and parish overnight retreat.
 4.  Got my BA in gerontology at the age of48.  Told by my husband that I would be in the forefront  of my field my field.
 5.  I learned to ice skate at the age of 16.
 6.  Married my best friend 42 years ago!
 7.  I have 10 lovely grandchildren and another on the way.
 8.  Made my Cursillo in 1976 when I was 8 months pregnant with my 4th child.  That is an entirely    different story.
 9.  Have found that photography is a pleasure and I enjoy making photo books for family and friends.
10.  Having become an Associate of the Sisters of Providence has been a fulfilling experience.

Now I must tag some others.

Queenmothermama at daylily
Mighty Mom at My Wonderful Life
Laura at Catholic Teacher Musings
Pat at Mille Fiori Favoriti

So thanks to Sue for challenging me to reflect on my accomplishments.  And thank you to those I have tagged for playing along.

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Devotion MEME

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana

Esther at A Catholic Mom in Hawaii tagged me for this meme which calls me to name my 5 favorite Catholic devotions. And so it is that I begin with this reminder.

Regardless of the hour;

Whatever you have to say, 

God has time to listen

If you have time to pray.

Ken Brown

1. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.


2. Scriptural Rosary especially Rosary of Praise, A Scriptural Rosary Base on John Paul II's Rosary Meditation by Larry and Connie London


3. Meditation on the Stations of the Cross


4. Liturgy of the Hours and reflections offered in The Magnificat.


5. Novena and Litany in Honor of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus

So now I tag: 

Tracy  
Cy
Abbey
Sue
Lisa

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend and may God bless you all abundantly!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Catholic Prayer Meme

My friend Esther at Catholic Mom in Hawaii tagged me for this Catholic Prayer Meme. So here are the guidelines.

"Name your three most favorite prayers, and explain why they're your favorites. Then tag five bloggers - give them a link, and then go and tell them they have been tagged. Finally, tell the person who tagged you that you've completed the meme... The Liturgy and the Sacraments are off limits here. I'm more interested in people's favorite devotional prayers."

There are many prayers I pray daily. Often stopping to pause at work to gather myself by offering a simple ejaculation. The prayers I pray the most are these.

1. The prayer to the Holy Spirit. Ever since I was a child, my father taught me that in order to find peace of mind and a sense of calm, praying to the Holy Spirit was important. In times of stress and even in joy, I often ask in prayer, "Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love..."

2. I pray the rosary. Though one could argue it is a group of prayers, when I pray it I see it as unifying prayers into one source of reflection and devotion. I pray most often the scriptural rosary as I am able to contemplate the life of Christ and the fullness of His blessing He has bestowed on me and my family.

3. Finally, I call upon Saint Michael the Archangel. One should never enter the day without being prepared to do battle against the forces of evil and who better to assist in that than Saint Michael himself.

There are oh so many others I pray each day but these are the most prominent.

Now five to which I offer this gift.

1. Laura
2. Abbey
3. Bia
4. Lisa
5. Lee

Please visit these and others to learn about their prayer habits. This can only bless us all and offer new insights into prayer!

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

Celebrate Friendship Saturday

I'm joining Ruth at Celebrate Friendship today to share with you a friendship rediscovered. Bev has been a friend I've had since grade school. Ye, that long ago. We went to the same middle school (junior high school in my day) and then went to high school together. She is a very intelligent lady. And for what ever reason we really lost contact with each other after graduation. She went on to college and I went to Mercy Hospital School of Nursing. I got married and moved away, she stayed and worked in public service and education.

Bev and I stayed in contact yearly with letters at Christmas. Then much to my delight, she invited me to face book. It has been such a treat to chat! Some things never change...she is still sensitive, hard working, and gifted in so many ways! And now she and I can share our lives as if we were just across the street again!

Open Letter

Dear Bev,

I just wanted you to know who proud I am to have you as a friend. You have been a source of pride for me for some time. I admire your courage in the area of education and politics and I know that you are sensitive to the needs of others. May God Bless you heartily!!!

Yours in friendship,

Cathy


I invite you to share with her a special friend you would like to celebrate! Please do, friends need to be acknowledged and what better way to do that than by praising them publicly!

Wishing you all a grand weekend!!!

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

Say Something Nice About a Priest

Abbey at Abbey's Road tagged me for this MEME. It is not hard for me to say something nice about a priest. The most difficult part for me is to decide which one to tell you about. There are so many Men of God that have touched my life that I just don't know where to begin.

Perhaps, I will tell you about Father Gene. When we first moved to Indiana we were new to St. Philip Neri Church. We had only lived here a year when a newly ordained deacon was assigned to our parish. Deacon Gene was a vibrant and enthusiastic young man. We invited him for dinner on a number of occasions and we developed a wonderful friendship. He was ordained to the priesthood the following April and we were all invited to his ordination. It was our first (but not the last) and it made a glorious impression on me.

We have had the opportunity to share many happy hours with Fr. Gene since then. He is a wonderful friend and he has been my Spiritual Adviser for a number of years. He's a member of the family. I remember how wonderful it was when he surprised us by arriving at Laura and Roy's wedding and con celebrated with Father Ken, another family friend.

My life has been full of the presence of God through his ministers. For the most part they are men of integrity, compassion, humor, and love of their church and vocation. There job is not an easy one. Their life is full of many challenges.

My hope is that after reading this you will call your pastor and invite him to your home for dinner. You will thoroughly enjoy his company and you will find a true gratitude for your kindness. I have not met a more appreciative guest.

Now I will tag:

Tracy

Esther

Laura

My best to all and Thank your priest today!

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

The Eight Question MEME

Friend Jenny sent me this via email. I have shared this with all my email friends. Now, since it's been such a long time since I've done a MEME on my blog, I thought I would add it here today. And so we begin...

Six names you go by:

1. Cathy
2. Cat
3. Kate
4. Grandma
5. Mom
6. Catherine

Three things you are wearing right now:

1. Brown pants
2. white sweater
3. black socks/shoes

Three things you want very badly at the moment:

1. Hot tea
2. Visit with Mom
3. To shop for my dress for Jimmy and Kelly's wedding

Three things you did last night/yesterday

1. Went to Bible Study
2. Went to work
3. Did some laundry

Two things you ate today

1. English muffin
2. Hot tea

Two people you last talked to on the phone:

1. Marianne
2. Ron

Two things you are going to do tomorrow:

1. Work at Mother Teresa's Treasures
2. Finish laundry


Your three favorite beverages:
1. Hot tea
2. Fresca
3. Raspberry Iced Tea.

Here's what you're supposed to do. Copy and past the questions into your blog. Then delete my answers and type in your answers. Send this to 5 people and link the answers so that we can all enjoy the fun!

I invite:

Anita

Eileen

Bia

Queenmother Mama

Lisa

And two (2) for good measure

Abbey

Sue

Wishing all a grand Saturday!

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

Honored and Humbled...

I have been both honored and humbled by Lisa at Are We There Yet who offered me the opportunity to participate in the Queen of All Things Meme. This is a difficult task, as unlike other memes that ask me to tell you something about myself, I must offer you something quite different. I must share with you what makes me special, and without sounding as if I am boasting. And so it is with much humility that I offer you my list of seven. First, here are the the rules.

Rules:
1. List Seven Things That Make You Awe-Summm!
2. Pass the award on to seven bloggers you read religiously.
3. Tag those seven bloggers.

Cathy's Wall of Honor:

1. I am a good public speaker. I spoke at my high school graduation and have been called upon to speak before groups and I find it a pleasure to do so.

2. I was a den mother in Cub Scouts for 10 years.

3. I am my children's and grandchildren's most enthusiastic supporter. (After Marianne had graduated high school, we went to a basketball game, I was told I was missed because the mother's section needed my enthusiasm...Marianne always thought I was TOO enthusiastic! If you polled the rest of the kids they would tell you the same!)

4. Baking bread is a gift I learned from my mother and Great-aunt Ida. I do love to bake bread and sweet rolls. Just don't have as much time to do it right now.

5. Photography is a passion. I love to take pictures!!! God has created such beautiful art I just have to acquire it!

6. I am most happy with my faith community and endeavor to contribute time and talent as well as treasure as often as I can.

7. Finally, I am a compassionate nurse. I love the people for which I care, and I think they all know I enjoy my work.

*******

Now the difficult task of offering this Meme to others. I would gladly have given this to all I know. But what follows is only a preview of all the grand women out there who have much to offer us all!

1. Tracy at A Catholic Mom in Minnesota.

2. Esther at A Catholic Mom in Hawaii.

3. Theresa at Aussie Coffee Shop.

4. Abbey at Abbey's Road.

5. Yvette at A Journey Through His Garden.

6. Bernie at On My Own.

7. Jennifer at My Chocolate Heart.

And one for good measure!

Eileen at Umma's World.

Thank you again, Lisa!!! This was grand! Please all who visit here visit with these ladies as well! They are grand company!

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

One Word Meme

Art by Mary Engelbreit

THE ONE WORD MEME!

Lisa at Are We There Yet offered this challenge...And it was a challenge! ONE WORD! I could write a book re: some of these questions. And so for a "babbling brook" this will be a challenge! Enjoy!

>> Copy and change the answers to suit you and pass it on. It’s really hard to use only one-word answers. Be sure to tag the person who sent it to you!

1. Where is your cell phone? purse
2. Your hair? short
3. Your mother?Loyce
4. Your father? William
5. Your favorite food? spaghetti
6. Your dream last night? hamburgers
7. Your favorite drink? tea
8. Your dream/goal? retirement
9. What room you are in? office
10. Your hobby? knitting
11. Your fear? drowning
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Newburgh
13. Where were you last night? home
14. Something that you aren’t? patient
15. Muffins? blueberry
16. Wish list item? Prius
17. Where you grew up? Colorado
18. Last thing you did? read
19. What are you wearing? nightgown
20. Your TV? off
21. Your pets? two
22. Friends? dear
23. Your life? exciting
24. Your mood? sleepy
25. Missing someone? yes
26. Car? Camry
27. Something you’re not wearing? watch
28. Your favorite store? Kohls
29. Your favorite color? blue
30. When is the last time you laughed? today
31. Last time you cried? good-byes
32. Who will resend this? readers
33. One place that I go to over and over? work
34. One person who emails me regularly? Kay
35. My favorite place to eat? Rafferti's

I am not passing this tag to anyone just as Lisa did not but if you feel like participating, feel free to do so. Just let me know so I can add your link and visit you.

Visit:
Marcy at Blessings Each Day
Melissa at Shabby Blue Bungalow
Lee at View from the Choir

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

Crazy Eight

I was challenged by Sarah at Journey of Truth to Jump in with both feet. Well, here is my """Splash"""

8 Things I'm Looking Forward To:

*1 Watching Neil play soccer today.
*2 Going to INDY to see Ainsley and Lindsey play soccer (do you see a pattern here?)
*3 Going to Charlotte in June to visit David, Kelly, The Boys and Maddie.
*4 Visiting my mother, Phil, Deb and Megan in July
*5 Visiting Linda and Norm in July, too. We're not flying this year. We're driving from here to MT and home through CO or.....maybe the other way.
*6 Finishing Laura's birthday present.......4 years in the making a Counted x-stitch (red faced!!!!)
*7 The CAJE (Congregations Acting For Justice and Empowerment) Annual Assembly meeting 4/30 at St Benedict's Cathedral.
*8 OH! Watching Kellie perform in OKLAHOMA in July...(July is a busy month!)

8 Things I Did Yesterday:

*1 Played Scrabble with Dot
*2 Worked
*3 Worked on the Laura's counted x-stitch
*4 Watched Murder She Wrote rerun
*5 Had lunch with girls at work
*6 Said "good-bye" to Christine, the office manager, who was leaving us after 10 years. [sadness]
*7 Visited my blog neighborhood.
*8 Thanked God for the opportunity to share time with others.

8 Things I Wish I Could Do:

*1 Swim
*2 Play the harp with skill...and motivation to do so.
*3 Visit Ireland again soon.
*4 Add subtract, multiply and divide.
*5 Volunteer more time in service
*6 Meet Jenelyn our sponsored child through CFCA
*7 Visit all the kids more often
*8 Sew. My mother is a gifted seamstress and I was passed over with that gene.

8 Shows I Watch:
*1 NCIS
*2 MONK
*3 Journey Home (EWTN)
*4 Masterpiece Theater
*5 Numbers
*6 Murder She Wrote [reruns]
*7 Matlock [reruns]
*8 TCM


8 I name to carry on the tradition:

*1 Lisa at Are We There Yet
*2 Suzy at Sailing by Starlight
*3 Lisa at Unexpected Journey
*4 Marcy at Blessings Each Day
*5 Danette at A Crocus in the Valley
*6 Tracy at Catholic Mom in Minnesota
*7 Eileen at Eileen on Him...at least, I try!
*8 Kelly at Musings


I would add here that if any of the above have already done these please link so we can read them. And all others who wish to jump in the water with us, know the water is fine!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Tagged Once More

I was tagged by Tracy and RoyalTLady some time ago to do two different MEME's but very much the same in some respects. Catch up is what this is called and I think I can combine them without offending anyone, because they ask me to consider things about who I am.

So, dear friends, these are the rules slightly altered to condense time and space.

1. Link to the person who tagged you.
2. Post the rules on your blog.
3. Write six random things about yourself and things that make you happy.
4. Tag six people at the end of your post and link to them.
5. Let each person know they've been tagged and leave a comment on their blog.

6. Let the tagger know when your entry is up.

So here it is. I will tell you what makes me happy and tie it to that random thing that brings our that happiness.

1. My faith. I am privileged to be lector in my parish of St. John the Baptist.

2. My family. I love family reunions. Laughing, loving and telling stories.

3. Sharing my faith. I am in awe of those I meet each year who wish to enter our faith community, as I am privileged to work in the RCIA process at St John's.

4. My grandchildren. From oldest to youngest they make me so happy. Happy because I can see the love and warmth with which they are nourished by their parents.

5. Bible Study. I've always been curious about the Bible and its wealth of instruction. Now I belong to two groups that are nourishing me.

6. My job. I cannot think of a time when I didn't want to help someone. When I was little I would read the monthly Maryknoll Magazine and tell Mom I wanted to be a missionary. Well, Providence led me to nursing. And in a way I'm a missionary as I must help and aid others daily, even to the point of prayer.

I hope this works and no one is offended by this combination but for me this was a wonderful time for reflection on how these two topics really are one. Thank you!

I choose to tag:

CY

ANN

PIA

ABBY

JOY

MARIE & GINNY

~~~^J^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Picture is by tomate d'spingles with thanx!

The Year In Review MEME

Saw on Therese's site Aussie Coffee Shop and will give it a try.

How to Play. 1) Look back to your archives for 2008.) Collect the first sentence you wrote every month for the whole year. (This doesn't have to be the literal first day of the month--just the first post.)3) Entertain us on your blog, link back here, and post a comment here with the link to your blog. (And if you're blogless, just remember the first sentence you spoke every month for the whole year and post it here.

Here Is my contribution.

January Do you remember this picture, those "neolithic-looking" rocks, that I thought were so ugly,The Traveler is Home? Link

February I would ask you all to visit Kathleen at The Daily Grotto for the entire story but needless to say this young lady, Melissa, is in need of our prayers. Link

March By e-mail I got an update from China Little Flower and the work Shannon Walsh is doing for those unfortunate children she works with. Link

April We sometimes forget that there is more to Easter than the celebration of our Lord's Resurrection Day. Link

May Simply put, this is a day in which we can all come together in communion with all faiths to pray for the "health" of our nation. Link

June I was wondering what I was going to say after I had posted The Last Lecture. Link

July I've been tagged again. Link

August mother cradles child,,, she caresses her with love...that's what mothers do. Link

September It time for the most recent newsletter for China Little Flower. Link

October When it's your one of your namesakes feast day you find ways to celebrate. Link

November Well, wouldn't you know? Link

December Even with viruses going around everywhere, it seems that one never expects the one you rely on heavily to get one. Link


Well, as you can see. I had quite a year. The blessing about doing this MEME is that I had the time to reflect on the year by not only going to the 1st post of the month, but also stopping by to read some of the others and read the comments of those generous friends who came by to pay a visit.

I say thank you to Therese for this MEME opportunity and I encourage others to do it too. It is a wonderful tool for reflection. If you choose to do this MEME please let me know so that I can come and reflect with you!!

*The MEME started here at Amy's Word from the Herd
*Visit also Linda at ~~A Truckers Wife~~, Peggy at A Catholic Notebook

~~~*~*~~~

Thanks be to God!!!

There Is no significance attributed to the picture I just wanted to use it because I like it. It's called The Cherry Tree, Cherry Willingham, Lincolnshire by Lincolnian

The Season of Thanks

Many moons ago, before Simon became ill, I was offered the opportunity to share with you six reasons I am happy. Now with his return I can reply. Thank you Esther for this opportunity.


According to the rules, I have to post six things that make me really happy ... and pass it on to give six more people a reason to be thankful!


1. My husband, Ron and, 40 years of marriage, and this my birthday, 62 years. (I know that's really 3).

2. My five children and 9 grandchildren

3. An occupation in nursing that gives me the opportunity to serve

4. A Parish family that gives love and support at every opportunity.

5. Good friends

6. Having the freedom to love and worship God and share my Catholic faith with others.



I have tagged:

1. Kelly

2. Laura A

3. Laura

4. Suz

5. Yvette

6. Tracy

~~~^j^~~~

For you all, I say,

"Thanks be to God!"

I Have Been Blessed!

On my arrival home here at A Bit of the Blarney I find that I have been given the I Love Your Blog Award. So it is with gratitude that I accept this from Autumnrose at Christ's Rose and Kimberly and Our God Is An Awesome God. Thank you both so much. You are both dear and I do so love to visit with you

For the I Love your blog award there are rules. Here they are…you have to answer the following questions with one word answers and one word only! Then I must pass it on to seven others!

• The questions are as follows:
  • Where is your cell phone? ~ purse
  • Where is your significant other? ~ eating
  • Your hair color? ~gray
    
  • Your mother? ~ alive
  • Your father? ~ deceased
  • Your favorite thing? ~ laughing
  • Your dream last night? ~ none
  • Your dream/goal? ~ retirement
  • The room you’re in? ~ office
  • Your hobby? ~ knitting
    
  • Your fear? ~ rejection
  • Where do you want to be in 6 years? ~ traveling
  • Where were you last night? ~ RCIA
  • What you’re not? ~ "old"
  • One of your wish-list items? ~DVD
  • Where you grew up? ~ Colorado
  • The last thing you did? ~ slept
  • What are you wearing? ~ robe
  • Your TV? ~ off
  • Your pet? ~Duchess
  • Your computer? ~well-used
  • Your mood? ~ sleepy
  • Missing someone? ~ no
  • Your car? ~ Camry
  • Something you’re not wearing But that you love to wear? ~ earrings
    
  • Favorite store? ~ Target
  • Your summer? ~ wonderful
  • Love someone? ~ husband
  • Your favorite color? ~green
  • When is the last time you laughed? ~ yesterday
  • Last time you cried? ~ yesterday

I now nominate Eileen at Eileen on him...at least I try!, Freddie at a friars style, Danette at A crocus in the Valley, Angie at Sonflower, The Dutchess, Isadora at Budapest Daily Photo and Joy at Made for Joy.

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God

Holy Card MEME

It never occurred to me that I would ever be considered for sainthood. That being said, I continue with this MEME with a great deal of trepidation. Therese at Aussie Coffee Shop tagged me for this two weeks ago...I'm still a little anxious about taking this step. So I begin. Heaven help me!

Here's the question: What picture would I use for my holy card, should I make it to sainthood, and of what cause(s) would I want to be patroness of?

I think I would like to be known as the Patron Saint of Music Lovers Who Wish They Had the Talent to Play,( not play-at whatever instrument they would like to play). I LOVE music...and like to play, alone. I'm not as gifted as many and therefore, it is a lot of hard work and practice to just play a song on the instrument with mediocrity. St. Cecelia has nothing to worry about in this area.

Tagging for this will be most difficult. I don't know who has been tagged and who has not. If you have already been so sainted please forgive me.

I would tag:

Bia

Suzyq

Marie

Gabrielle

~~~~~~~

Thanks Be To God!!

Quirky is as quirky does...

Laura at Catholic Teacher Musings has tagged me for the Quirky MEME. Well, I have to tell you that what you might consider quirky I might consider normal...Just keep that in mind when you read these and don't forget the magnets on the freezer door. And so I begin.

1. I love to play solitaire. Since I am so competitive and such a poor loser I try not to play games that will embarrass me in front of others by throwing a tantrum when I lose. I just deal the cards and prepare to lose again, no tantrum involved.

2. I love watching reruns of Murder She Wrote...my family still teases me about Cabot Cove the murder capitol of the world.

3. I am captivated by old radio programs and can now listen to them frequently since I subscribe to XM radio.

4. I love to crunch on ice...My dentist said I have to STOP! It's an addiction with the ramification being you can lose your teeth and I still have all of them. The dentist is right! DRAT!

5. I enjoy a HOT cup of tea even in the middle of summer...and in the middle of the day!

6. I have no sense of direction...I have to go in and out the same door of a store or I am completely lost...It all happened when we moved from Colorado where I could find my direction by looking west into the Rockies...In Indiana I am completely at a loss!

So there you have it. I keep thinking one day you all will know everything there is to know about me and then I think of just one more thing.

The rules:
1. Link the person who tagged you.
2. Mention the rules on your blog.
3. Tell about 6 unspectacular quirks of yours.
4. Tag 6 following bloggers by linking them.
5. Leave a comment on each of the tagged blogger’s blogs letting them know they’ve been tagged.

I tag:

Aussie Coffee Shop
Made for Joy
Our God Is An Awesome God
A Crocus in the Valley
A Catholic Notebook
Unexpected Journey

To you all I say, "Enjoy!"

~~~~~~~
And as always,
Thanks be to God!

The Unspectacular Quirk MEME

My daughter-in-law, Kelly, tagged me. And it's only fair that I respond because I have tagged her so many times...

So, here goes...

1. I always have cold hands...Mother said the only reason I got into nursing school was because I passed "the cold hands test."

2. I was reminded this last week just how much I dislike hominy. It was served with every Mexican food dish I ordered this weekend. (Ron was in "hog heaven" because he got to eat all of mine!)

3. I hate to iron...Thank goodness for Downy Wrinkle Release Spray.

4. I love to travel but darned if I know why I clean the house before I leave. I'm not going to enjoy this while I'm gone.

5. I realllllly hate good-byes!

6. I become distraught when newscasters and reporters cannot use proper grammar. I throw my hands up in despair and frustration. Does that bother anyone else?

~~~~~~~

So, there they are, and now I will charge 6 others to do the same, including, but not limited to , No Body Said Life Was Fair..., Crocus in the Valley, A Truckers Wife, Aussie Coffee Shop, Made for Joy, and A World of Beauty.

It's so good to be back. When I get the pictures all sorted and ready to show from the wonderful travels I have enjoyed, you'll be the first to share them!

~~~^*^*^~~~
Thanks be to God!

Feel free to check my grammar...I usually need help, too.

FOUR, FOUR, FOUR, FOUR MeMe

I've been tagged again. This time by Lisa. The daunting FOUR, FOUR, FOUR,FOUR! It was a lot of fun and now you know even more about me...I'm also learning more about me with each new MEME. Please feel free to laugh and make comments!

A. Four places that I go to over and over:

1. Church
2. Work
3. Target/Kohls
4. To the Ackerman House because we are lucky they live so near, otherwise I'd be at all the kids houses all the time.

B. Four people who email me regularly:

1. Kay
2. John (Ron's brother-in-law)
3. Karen
4. Catherine

C. My favorite 4 places to eat:

1. Rafferty's

2. Texas Roadhouse

3. Cracker Barrel
4. Olive Garden

D. Four places I would rather be right now:

1. Visiting all my kids wherever they may be.
2. Visiting Mom in Montana
3. The mountains of Colorado
4. On the road with Ron to wherever the travel takes us.

E. Four people I think will respond:

1. Bia
2. Cy
3. Tracy
4. Linda

F. Four TV shows I watch all the time:

1. Masterpiece (Mystery) Theater
2. NCIS
3. Monk
4. Journey Home (EWTN)

G. Four words that describe you:

1. inquisitive
2. considerate
3. gullible
4. funny (well, I think I am)

H. Four favorite "old school" Hollywood actors/actresses:

1. Jimmy Stewart
2. Paul Newman
3. Katherine Hepburn/Audrey Hepburn
4. William Powell/Myrna Loy

I. Four favorite "old school" television game shows (since I went back to work 22 years ago I not sure if some of these are still on TV:

1. The Price Is Right
2. Concentration
3. Hollywood Squares
4. Password

J. Four favorite "old school" television shows:

1. Perry Mason
2. That Girl
3. Alfred Hitchcock Presents
4. Bonanza

K. List four things you liked best about Christmas when you were a child:

1. The decorations
2. Putting up the Nativity set
3. Christmas music
4. My birthday and dinner out with Pat, my dad's cousin.

L. List four things you liked best about Halloween when you were a child:

1. The school Halloween Party
2. Candy (though it was never very much because we were only allowed to Trick-or-Treat in our neighborhood.)
3. Answering the door to see the "scary costumes" and give the candy
4. Listening to everyone's tales and adventures the next day at school

M. List four things you did not like about growing up:

1. Ironing
2. Tennis lessons (I wasn't very good and I can be too competitive)
3. Practicing the piano when my siblings got to play outside
4. Having to walk to school when friends were driven to school

N. List 4 events that impacted your life:

1. The assassinations of John Kennedy/Martin Luther King/ Bobby Kennedy
2. My marriage
3. Wes' diagnosis of diabetes at age 9

4. The privilege of being the mother of 5 children, who cause me to thank God daily for each and the treasure they are to me.

The Five Little Kellers And How They Grew
(adapted from the book, The Five Little Peppers and How They Grew)

I tag those listed in letter E.

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!!

What better day to do an MEME...

Seems as good a time as any, it's Friday, the work week is ending, and I'm too tired for any deep reflection. Thanks to bia for tagging me.

The Alphabet MEME

A is for age: 61

B is for burger of choice: Been a "couple" of years ago now, but an In and Out Burger. Can only get in California and since David, Kelly and the boys have moved to Charlotte, I don't expect to get one soon...by the way the fries are wonderful too. Oh, Ron wouldn't want me to forget the Redtop Hamburger in Colorado Springs...IT IS HUGE!!!! and good to boot. (Do I get paid for this advertising?)

C is for what kind of car ou drive: 2000 Toyota Camery

D is for your dog(s)'s name: Duke and Duchess (of Keller)--Sam the Cat is the court jester.

E is for essential item you use everyday: My stethoscope, it hangs around my neck from 8-5.

F is for favorite TV show at the moment: Monk (in summer mode will return SOON)

G is for favorite game: any live-in-the-stadium/arena sport. And at this moment to play: Apples to Apples.

H is for home state: Colorado and its "Rocky Mountain High!"

I is for instruments you play: piano, though I've attempted the harp and for lack of practice and sheer motivation have not practiced in some time...perhaps this weekend would be a good time to tune her and start again.

J is for favorite juice: Cranberry, Orange Juice, and Grapefruit juice.

K is for whose butt you'd like to kick: This could take some time so will move onto the next letter.

L is for last restaurant at which you ate: HMMM, it was last Saturday night when we went to dinner with Father Jason in Vincennes. It's a new restaurant and I don't remember its name. DUH!!! My baked spaghetti was wonderful though!

M is for your favorite Muppet: Fozzy Bear...I love his hat!

N is for the number of piercings: 2, one in each ear

O is for over night hospital stays: 9, one for each child, two miscarriages, a broken foot and skin graft on the foot. Oh, for got the gall bladder surgery (10).

P is for people you're with today: Drs., NP, staff and patients

Q is for what you do with your quiet time: read, knit, pray, blog, oh and not to forget watch OLD movies.

R is for the biggest regret: Cannot say I regret anything. No, I'm not a Pollyanna but with my life and its ups and downs, there's not a thing I can say I regret. I think I am better for what I have had and experienced.

S is for status: Married 40 years this July.

T is for time you woke up today: 4:30 a.m., Ron leaves for work at 5:00 a.m. now that he is car pooling to work.

U is for what you consider unique about yourself. Hmmm, what makes me special? I've moved and lived in five states and actually moved 5 times in one year from CO to VA to CA while we were in the Army. I've visited most of the continental US states. I think I've only missed traveling to Washington, Oregon, Idaho, North Dakaota, South Carolina, Florida, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. (Gee that's not so unique, I've still got to visit 9 states not including Hawaii and Alaska!) HUM

V is for vegetable you love: Asparagus, fresh tomatoes, and SWEET corn-on-the-cob

W is for worst habit: Nagging...(I hate it when I do that! It's not part of my thought process, I just do it!)

X is for x-rays you've had: Let's see. Dental, hip, foot, kidneys, and the one I deem most important is the MRI of the brain...Now I can PROVE to my children I have ONE!

Y is for yummy food you ate today: Fresh strawberry pie I made! YES!

Z is for Zodiac sign: Sagittarius

Now I will tag Tricia, Kelly and Laura

Have a grand weekend and enjoy the summer sun.

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!