Memories of Times Gone-by

What a family is all about is apparent when we visit family in the foothills of Colorado.  You can sit on the patio and be visited by the most beautiful creatures.  They come and sit and share the space with you.

The fawns came to say hello and mother spends time investigating the land.  "His Royal Highnesss"  

sits and pervays the domain.  It's so wonderful to see nature at its best!!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!

Cathy

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

Florida Sunrise

To say I had a wonderful time in Florida would be an understatement.  The best part of the adventure was the time I spent with family!  You can never spend too much time with your kids and grand kids.  Again, life is good!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!!

Cathy

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

This Old House

Fond memories this

A house and loving home place.

In good times and bad.

Family gathered here

Not only brick and mortar

But love filled it all!

I remember Christmas, Thanksgiving and summer picnic here.  The Folks, as they were called, always had an open door for us kids.  My grandparents had died before I was born so the Aunts and Pat were all I know as extended family.  There were so many overnights as kids. My celebration after my 1st Communion was here. My first opera, Aida, was shared with Pat.  When I graduated from high school I was gifted with a trip to Washington D.C.  with them all.  We had a grand time.  And when they sold the house, and I was in nursing school close by, I would take occasional walks by it, just to remember the good times.  For those times I am truly gratefully.

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Cathy

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

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Eagle Scout Project

Neil, fellow scouts, parents, grandparents and friends have been helping Neil with his Eagle Scout Project.  And just what is this project.  It has entailed the construction of plywood molds to make concrete planters for Reitz Memorial High School in Evansville, Indiana.  Yes, planters, and the had to make five small ones and two large ones to place on the campus.  It took two weekends to pour, set, and remove the molds.  The trailer only holds 3 small planters.  It requires a full sized tractor and flatbed truck to move the two large one.  So there are still 4 planters to be transported.  These planters are intended to hold evergreen plants and beautify the campus.  

Right now the project is on hold because Neil and his dad are camping with his troop at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico.  They return Friday.  They are hoping this will all be in place by July 18, 2015 before classes begin again August 6, 2015 at Memorial and he begins his sophomore year.

Eagle Scout projects over the years have shown me that there is no easy project and each project benefits not only the scout but the environment to which they offer their service.  Hats off to all scouts who achieve Eagle Scout status.  And to all those who support them with their time, talent and treasure I say, "Thank you very much!"

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Cathy

Please visit Judith at Lavender Cottage for Mosaic Monday and share in the beauty offered there.

I will also be joining Laura at I Heart Macro to day too.  Why not stop by and enjoy!

A Gathering of the Clan

The best way I know how to gather the Clan when we can't all be together! Oh, the memories!!! 

Wishing all dads a very special day!!!

~~~^j^~~~

AND

Thanks be to God!!

Cathy

Happy Thanksgiving!

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

Joy comes in many forms.

And this day has the potential of

being just as grand as

celebrating the beauty in

Giving Thanks.

I must be open to it!

~~~~~~~~~~

                             

Thanksgiving Cinquain

Give thanks
For those we love
Gathering together
Family

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!!

Cathy

Link to Provident God here.

Mosaic Monday

Grandpa and I get to babysit for Xavier today.  Yep, we still have it in us.  First, we all went for a walk after breakfast and Coco met her friend Potato.  The we all came back to play. . . He even helped Grandpa with his coin search.  Napping?  Yes, he's doing that now!!!  Success.  What fun we had!  And a great feeling of accomplishment for Grandma!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Cathy

The Little Red House and share in the beauty offered there.   And though I have nothing to offer at  Macro Monday  Lisa has a wonderful time planned for you.  The pictures all are an inspiration!

Mosaic Monday~~Deer Colorado

Deer Colorado,

We returned home today to Indiana.  We had a grand visit as always.  We shared time in laughter and joy with family.  We were thrilled by your deer visits.  It was in the beauty of your sunrise that God is truly in our midst.

Will return as soon as we can.

Your Native Daughter

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!!

Cathy

The Little Red House and share in the beauty offered there.   And though I have nothing to offer at  Macro Monday  Lisa has a wonderful time planned for you.  The pictures all are an inspiration!

Haiku My Heart~Vacation

Vacation begins

into the sunset we drive

Anticipation 

Family gathers

Catching up with everyone

Glory be to God!

Looking forward to seeing Mom, Phil, Deb, Linda and Norm.  It's been a year and it's time to sit and chat and just experience being with them.  I am so very blessed!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Cathy

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

Joy in Tea Talk

Strange how a teapot can represent at the same time the

 comforts of solitude and the pleasures of company.

~~Author Unknown~~

I'm having...My very favorite Good Earth Tea


My teacup...is my fun mug.

I'm feeling... tired and in need of some time to focus.  I feel disorganized and clearly need to take time to look at the next week and what I need to do before we venture to Atlanta next week.

On my mind...is the weekend.  It will be busy, especially on Saturday.  We will attend early Mass, attend this week's session of Catholicism and work at Mother Teresa's Treasures, St. John's thrift store.

Need to work in the garden, but it doesn't fit into the next two week's schedules. Oh, my!

Please join Ruth at Tea Talk today.

~~~~~~~

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

Joy comes in many forms.

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

family.  I must be open to it!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!!

Cathy

Haiku My heart

The Season's arrived

Gathering family and friends

Gratitude abounds!

There's turkey and rolls

Sweet potatoes, pumpkin pie

Best by far the hugs!!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

We'll be traveling to Charlotte, NC next week to share the love, joy and presence of the Creator and give thanks for all the treasures that abound in our lives with kids and grandkids.  Take time to reflect on the treasures you have been granted.  Mine are to-many-to-count!!!

I want to dedicate this post to Spadoman Joe.  He is a delight.  I treasure his visits each Friday.  Praying that the Spirit of healing will descend upon him and offer peace, tranquility and love knowing that family and friends have a treasure in him.

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!!

CATHY

Visit also Rebecca at recuerda mi corazon for Haiku My Heart.

Travel Journal 6

“A man practices the art of adventure when he breaks the chain of routine and renews his life through reading new books, traveling to new places, making new friends, taking up new hobbies and adopting new viewpoints” ~Wilfred Peterson

Wishing all a Rocky Mountain High Day!  Today is our 43rd Wedding Anniversary.  It been a Great Adventure!!  Thank you to all along the way for making it so wonderful!!!

A Colorado Rockies game tonight and a day spent with family!!  What could be better!!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Cathy

~~Mosaic Monday~Macro Monday~~

~~~~~~~

Have waited for most of the summer for the first water lily blossom...It was well worth it.

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

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

~Tea Talk~&~Share the Joy~

Sometimes, during my hours of prayer, I picture myself as a piece of stone before a sculpture who intends to make a statue our of it.  Presenting myself like this before the Lord, I beg him to form form in my soul his perfect image and make me wholly like Christ.  ~Brother Lawrence~

~~~~~~

I'm having...Brown Palace Crown Jewel Tea.

My teacup...is a plain white mug.

I'm feeling...Refreshed.  Well rested and looking forward to this new day.

On my mind...is The weekend celebration and the arrival of the kids and their families!  Oh what fun we will have!!

Wishing all a most enjoyable and happy 4th of July!!!!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Wishing all a wonderful day and plans for a beautiful weekend!  And won't you please join Ruth at Tea Talk today.

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

The joy of the first dance.  Oh, how it fills the heart with excitement and happiness for the young couple as they begin this new adventures.

Please remember to mark your calendar for this year's Adventure Tour Express.  It begins again next Wednesday! 

~~Baton Rouge~~

So the 12-hour trip to Baton Rough waw uneventful except for the torrential rain.  The rain was so heavy at pointswe couldn't see the car in front of us.  Rain forcasted for the rest of the week so we'll be running between th rain drops.  Makes no difference.  It's a time for family and celebration!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God

Cathy

~~Tea Talk~~

Iced tea is too pure and natural a creation 

not to have been invented as soon as tea, 

ice, and hot weather crossed paths.  

~John Egerton

I'm having...A cup of Brown Palace Crown Jewel Tea.

My teacup...is the "make life Tea-rrific" mug.

I'm feeling...grateful to my brother for the care and attention he always gives my mother, but more so today.  My mother lives hundreds of miles away from here and when she had to be hospitalized this week he did an exceptional job of taking not only care of her but also keeping all her kids well informed.  Mom goes to rehab today and starts PT soon.  Before you know it she'll be home again!  Kudos to my brother!!!!!

On my mind...is our trip to Alpharetta.  Leaving very early Saturday morning and will spend some wonderful time with Jimmy, Kelly and wee Xavier!

Last Tulips of Spring

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God

Now won't you join me and visit Ruth at Celebrate Friendship is hosting Tea Talk at her house?  Share a cup of tea or a cool refreshing drink with us.

~Tea Talk~

Stands the Church clock at ten to three?
And is there honey still for tea?
~Rupert Brooke~
"The Old Vicarage, Grantchester," 1912

I'm having...Irish Breakfast Tea.  Tis the season!

My teacup...is my foolish one.  Just feel that way today!

I'm feeling...excited as tomorrow Marianne and Daniel will be coming to spend the weekend.  She's  gonna help "sissy" with wallpapering while I get to play with Daniel!

On my mind...wondering if there will be enough wallpaper to do the area of the kitchen we want to paper this weekend.  Also, hoping I can maintain my goal of posting my Lenten reflections at  Provident God.  I haven't been very good in the past.

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Now won't you join me and visit Ruth at Celebrate Friendship is hosting Tea Talk at her house?  Share a cup of tea or a cool refreshing drink with us.

~Mosaic Monday~~

Sabers, Rifles and Flags

You are the music while the music lasts. 

~T.S. Eliot~

The results of the District Band Competition were not as we had hoped.  But that doesn't detract at all from the grace and the music performed.  Marching band requires skill in many areas and long hours of practice.  It means giving up time in the summer to practice.  If you are guard member it means learning the dance and maneuvering the saber, rifle, and flag with grace and this leaves me in awe.  I cannot tell you how much I admire these young people, all, who do their best and entertain as well.  

Memorial Tigers

Well Done!

And Kellie, especially, thanks for the memories!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Visit Mary at The Little Red House and share in the beauty offered there.   Lisa at  Macro Monday  also has much to offer.  The pictures are grand.

I would also like to remind you that Wednesday is Adventure Tour Express.  Be thinking about the adventure you would like to share on our journey together!

~~Adventure Tour Express~~

 ~~~~~~~

Do you remember your very first trip?  My first memory of a trip was to visit my great grandparents in Manzanola, Colorado.  Grandpa and Grandma Elliott lived on a small farm with chickens, cows, and a donkey.  There was no running water.  Water was pumped from outside.  I do remember though that Grandma had a pump by the kitchen sink.

There was no indoor plumbing.  I remember making sure that I had used the outhouse before I went to sleep because it was dark with no lights and I was frightened of critters that roamed the night.

Breakfast at the farm was so good.  Grandma made fresh lard biscuits with bacon and fresh eggs.  The oatmeal was a little stiff though.  The milk was always warm.  I always thought that the ice box must not work until one day when Mom told me that the milk had just come straight from the cow.  I often wondered how they "cleaned" the milk before I drank it.


I will not romanticize life on the farm because as much as I loved to visit, I was glad to go home.  It is hard work living and working on a farm.  I had it made at home.  We had TV, running water, TV, indoor plumbing, TV, and ice cold milk.  And don't forget we had just gotten our TV.  This was in 1953.


To all farmers and their families, I would like to say thank you for all the hard work you do to keep our tables covered with wondrous foods provided by you and our Creator!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

I look forward to your adventure tales.   Just link below to share your story.  As always your words of wisdom are also welcome.

Wizard of Oz-- If I Only Had A Brain

My granddaughter, Kellie, is performing in the summer production of the Wizard of Oz. She has been working every evening for the last month preparing to perform. She dances as a poppy, flying monkey, and tornado. She loves to dance and has since she was old enough to walk.

Grandpa and I will be going to Saturday evening's performance and we are truly looking forward to it. Oh, the benefits of being a grandparent.

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