Companions on the Journey

I'd like to introduce you to Super Pup and Buddy.  I met Buddy last summer when we were looking at photos of "his" trip to Hungary and Austria in November the previous year with his owner, my sister-in-law, Linda.  What a great idea, I thought.  What if Buddy could accompany us to Italy and then he could share his adventure with others.

Well, pretty soon, after we continued our travels to Yellowstone, I realized I'd have to be sending Buddy home and it would be so hard to part with him.  We met Old Faithful and I fell in love with him.  What better companion for Buddy than this delightful grizzly bear.  He had such a wonderful personality and he'd be a great protector for Buddy.  Well much to my chagrin, that just wasn't going to work.  There just wouldn't be enough room for this bulky friend of ours.  

So, to my delight, I was introduced to Super Pup.  Yes, this handsome fellow said he'd be glad to accompany Buddy to Italy and watch out for him.

So it was that Super Pup and Buddy journeyed with us to Italy.  They were together through thick and thin.  Whether they were confined to a purse or backpack.  They never complained.

They would chat about the days adventures or sit quietly just reflecting on the day.

  

They listened intently to the tour guide as we walked the streets of Italy's ancient towns.  The view of Florence was captivating.  On the steps of the Duomo Church in Amalfi they waited for their gelato while we took photos.  They were amazed by the ruins of Rome and awestruck by the Coliseum.  

In November Super Pup and Buddy parted ways when we traveled to New Mexico to attend a memorial for a cousin of the family.  They traveled through an ice storm and into the night, these best of friends.  And so it was that Super Pup returned home alone, resting in the back pack to which he had become so accustomed.

Smile, though!  There is good news.  I learned yesterday that Super Pup's cousin Vagabond (Vaga) will be arriving on Wednesday.  He's agreed that he and Super Pup should be traveling companions and he'd accompany him to France in March.  Super Pup is looking forward to his arrival.

I just couldn't leave today with our sharing another photo from our Italian adventure.  This is a panorama of the Bay of Naples with Mount Vesuvius in the background.

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Cathy

 I'm here to play and invite you to join Mersad at Through My Lens.  Should be fun!

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

I think you should take some time to visit Imagin-in-ing.  You're sure to enjoy it!

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!

Joy in the Memories

Today I join Meri for Share the Joy.   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
all that surrounds me.

I must be open to it!

           
~~~~~

It's been a number of months since I've ventured here.  But now that I am retired I am going to try to rejoin this community with eagerness and anticipation.  Joy comes to me in the strength and integrity of this tree on grounds of Saint Mary-or-the Woods, home to the Sisters of Providence, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College and, most importantly, the shrine of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, founderess of the congregation.  This tree was well over a hundred years old when it finally had to be cut down.  There is sorrow in that because an old friend has passed.  On the other hand, the joy I get from the memories far outweighs the sorrow.  I am a graduate of SMWC and a Providence Associate. Walking the campus, praying with the sisters and gathering on retreat with Associate sisters and brothers is such a JOYFUL time.  So it is that I anticipate a weekend of JOY as I "retreat" to The Woods to gather in community of prayer and reflection!

~~~~~~

Strong and gnarled tree

Comfort for the weary

Shelter for us all

For those who labor

Shade from the sun and heat

Beautiful branches

~~~

There is nothing so beautiful as memories of times past and nothing more exciting than anticipating the joy in new memories!!!

~~~^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!!! 

I will also be joining Weekend Reflections for the first time.  You might want to visit as well.

Haiku My Heart

Miner and his mule

In search of silver and gold

Hoping for riches

Seeking adventure

Looking for prosperity

But often found none.

Soon value is found

Finding what is real and true

Loyalty and friendship.

The miner and his mule are Stinky and Bernadine.  They are a reminder of the exciting past Virginia City once had.  A delightful man with a wonderful sense of humor and tales to tell.

~~~^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!!! 

The 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...Chia Latte  Oh my how tasty!

My teacup...is really my favorite pot and mug duo.

I'm feeling... I'm feeling excitement in the anticipation of what has become for me an annual get-away.  Tomorrow I begin retreat at Saint Meinrad Archabbey with fellow friends and "companions on the journey!!!"

On my mind... preparation for tonight's Bible Study.  I still need to pack too.

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

as a winter sunrise.  I must be open to it!

~~~^j^~~

Thanks be to God!!!

Cathy

The Joy In Tea Talk

There is a great deal of poetry and

 fine sentiment in a chest of tea. 

 ~Ralph Waldo Emerson, Letters and Social Aims~

I'm having...English Breakfast tea on this brisk morning.

My teacup...Have packed up my Halloween mug and am back to the one that is sure to tell everyone who I am.

I'm feeling... refreshed.  It's been a good week and we've had some glorious weather!!!  But will start anticipating a "change in the weather."

On my mind...Simply preparing for today.

Please join Ruth at Tea Talk today.

~~~~~~~

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

~~~^j^~~~

 Thanks be to God!!!

 Cathy

Stylish Blogger

My friend, Esther, at Catholic Mom in Hawaii has generously gifted me with this award.  I have found awards like this one causes me to reflect on who I am and that's a good thing.  So here's what I must do.  I am to share 7 things about myself.  ant thin I must honor  5 other bloggers.  Again thank you Esther for thinking of me.

1.  I really wish I lived where the summer humidity is low.  This last summer here in Indiana was just miserable.  Some days the humidity was 90% and the temperature was in the 90's.  Oh, that trip to Montana and Colorado was a real blessing!

2.  I enjoy knitting and needle work, but sometimes there is just not enough time in the day. 

3.  I enjoy listening to Old Time radio programs.  My XM radio is a treasure.  I remember listening to the radio before we got the TV.  And even after that if there was a radio program the Folks enjoyed listening to the TV was not turned on.  We didn't have a radio or TV in every room of the house so the living room was the place to be.

4.  I love being a grandmother, but if you read my blog you already know that, huh?

5.  I've been married for 43+ years and find my best friend and I still enjoy doing all sorts of things together, especially traveling.

6.  I graduated from college at 48 with a degree in gerontology.  To which my afore mentioned BEST FRIEND said, "You'll be in the forefront of your field."

7.  Finally, I feel myself blessed to have learned a long time ago that the grass is not always greener on the other side, and have tried to Bloom Where I've Been Planted.

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!!

Cathy

Five of my favorite places to visit are listed below and I offer them this award in thanksgiving, but oh there are so many more I enjoy!!!!


Daylilly

Time for Reflections

Jackie's Life in Surrey

St. Nicholas and Christmas-all year long

Are We There Yet?

The Joy in Tea Talk

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...Good Earth decaf original tea.  It has such a wonderful aroma and it tastes so very good.

My teacup... one of is my favorite cup.

I'm feeling... energized.  We started a new upgrade for the computers at work yesterday and after some initial glitches that were resolved the day went rather well.  Looking forward to todays adventure!

On my mind...Bible Study tonight and and RCIA presentation the needs some revisions.  Have an entire weekend to work on this so it should be good.

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.

~~~

We had a lovely gentle rain last night.  None of those high winds and branches being blown from the trees kind of rains.  Just the earth pampering rain.  It's been a long time since we've had one of them.

Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience. 


Ralph Waldo Emerson 


 ~~~^j^~~~ 

Thanks be to God! 

 Cathy

The Joy in Tea Talk

I'm having...Vanilla Carmel tea this morning. 

My teacup... is my everyday cup.

I'm feeling... content being who I am.  These moments are true blessing.

On my mind...excitement in anticipation of Marianne and Daniel's visit this weekend.  Coming to visit us allows Dad to concentrate on completing some remodeling at home.  I love remodeling as long as it's not my house that's torn up...Such a mess!   I am grateful for the roses in the garden that can be brought inside to be cherished.

 

Days of wine and roses laugh and run away, like a child at play.

~Johnny Mercer~

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 for me today is remembering the visit to the butterfly garden and OH the exultation I felt at the beauty of God creation!  The butterflies were various and abundant!!!  

To share the joy I've  posted a puzzle from my gallery at JigZone.  I hope it offers you enjoyment and a bit of a distraction from today's concerns.

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Cathy

~Tea Talk~

No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow. 

~Proverb

I'm having...Island Mango Peach White Tea from Lipton.  It's very flavorful.



My teacup...is one I got at Cracker Barrel a few weeks ago. Had breakfast with a friend and we got mugs to savor our tea at home and remind us that friendship is a real treasure.

I'm feeling...So very grateful.  The cabinets are in and the counter top will be measured and in another week or two it will be in place.  The kitchen is coming together and my how wonderful it is.  I am grateful to all who helped with this process from beginning to the middle here...not quite the end.  But the kids and Ron and the contractors from Lowe's have been just grand.

On my mind...is the weekend retreat at St. Meinrad Archabbey.  It's that time of year again when women from the church gather there for two days of prayer, instruction and community.  It's how I get ready for spring.  

Sam's personal inspection of the new cabinets. 

  Wishing all a wonderful Thursday!!

~~~^j^~~~

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~~

Drinking a daily cup of tea will surely starve the apothecary.  

~Chinese Proverb~

I'm having...Pomegranate Pizzazz herb tea With a bit of Splenda to sweeten the beginning of this new day.


My teacup...My favorite!!!

I'm feeling...disorganized.  Knowing the remodeling will begin in earnest soon, I feel the chaos of the moment...What to do next!


On my mind...is my preparation for the RCIA presentation I will give January 31 along with the preparing for the discussion of that Sunday's scripture reading.  I always need prayer!

Wishing all a wonderful Thursday!!

~~~^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~~

"On wings of hospitality,

she flew to brew the tea."

A Cup of Christmas Tea by Tom Hegg

I'm having...Good Earth tea. It's icy outside this morning.  Roads are awful and just waiting to see if the office will be open.


My teacup is...is a plain white mug.  But the tea in it warms the hands and heart.

I'm feeling...Warm and cozy in my kitchen, waiting to see if the office will be open after this ice storm during the night.


On my mind...visit to INDY this weekend. We are going...YEAH.  Hoping to go to the Indianapolis Children's Museum.  Oh what fun we will have!!!!!

Ornament given by Wes, Annie 

and the girls.  Adapted for the 

20th Anniversary of

A Cup of Christmas Tea.

Wishing all a grandday!!!  Thank you all for your hospitality and this time for tea with you all!

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

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~~

Tea is drunk to forget the din of the world. 

~T'ien Yiheng

I'm having...mango peach white tea.

My teacup is...The mug I used yesterday.  I just now took it out of the dishwasher.

I'm feeling...refreshed.  I' glad because Thursday has become a very busy day at work.

On my mind..Projects for the weekend, too numerous to count!

sun shining through the trees

~~~^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~~

The mere chink of cups and saucers tunes the mind to happy repose. 
~George Gissing, The Private Papers of Henry Ryecroft

I'm having...Lipton Bavarian Wild Berry tea.

My teacup is...delicate and familiar as I use it often.

 

I'm feeling...rested.   The morning is cool and the air is crisp.  Looking forward to a wonderful day.

On my mind...is the anticipation of this weekend's journey to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.  I will be meeting with Sisters of Providence and Associates with whom I can share my Journey of Providence.  We gather, often monthly, and this month we will spend 2 days at at The Woods.   And, oh, how The Woods will be transforming with Autumn knocking at the door.

The Woods in Summer

Hoping all will be as refreshed and ready for the day as I feel!  Wishing you all well!

~~~^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.