Wonderful Holiday Weekend...

I had such a nice weekend. It wasn't hectic, just nice. Attended Mass Saturday evening at St. Joseph's where Kellie, our grand daughter, received the Serra Award. Sunday went to Anna's graduation picnic!!! Monday was just quiet...

Mom sent me this via email and so I think I will share it with you as we start back to work for a "short week" and take a walk down memory lane. At least it's memory lane for me as I graduated from high school in 1965...Please enjoy!

Cars We Drove


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For the good times and the not-so-good times
Thanks be to God!

Imagine...

The Duke

Belle, Wally and Duchess.

Yes, just imagine 4 dogs and 3 adults. I realized this weekend that having that many dogs in one space at the same time, well...leaves me speechless. You might say, "Why do you have that many dogs?" This weekend was Ron's birthday, and though three of the kids and their families had some distance to come, Marianne came from INDY.

Let me explain. We have two dogs, The Duke and Duchess of Keller. Duke the patriarch, being 15 years old, really is not interested in play and the antics of his young friend, Duchess. Marianne has Wally, the Earl of Keller and his friend, Belle, and were coming for the weekend to celebrate Dad's birthday. Well, if you can imagine the barking, posturing, and rivalry of three of the dogs with the Master simply looking on. (Oh! and Sam, the Secretary of State--the cat, who is the epitome of diplomacy, merely avoiding the entire group.)

This was a tremendous learning experience for us and in all honesty, except for the first 30 minutes after their arrival, Duchess and Belle got on pretty well. Except when Belle, woke up in the middle of the night lost and frightened in a new environment with a blood-curdling howl. The girls especially liked running in the muddy backyard together. (Yuck!!!)

Blackberry Pie Birthday Desert

The party was grand and after dinner we played party games. We played Rummiekub and Clue and it was late enough that the decision-making during Clue became laughable at best. We had so much fun and really hated to see it end.

All in all it was a grand weekend.

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Thanks be to God!

Seven Random Things About Me!

Eileen at Eileen on Him...at least, I try! asked me before Easter to do this and I postponed it until now. I know there are those out there who have been just holding your breath to acquire this information about me. First I must say thank you to Eileen for tagging me...Now I must THINK (not an easy task some days) of seven things you absolutely must know about me.

First, here's the list of rules....

1. When tagged place the name and URL on your blog.
2. Post the rules on your blog.
3. Write 7 non-important things/habits/quirks about yourself.
4. Name 7 of your favorite blogs.
5. Send an email/comment on their blog letting them know they have been tagged.

Well, here goes...

1. When I was a freshman in high school I was playing softball with some classmates. I was tall and "skinny"--at the time--I'm still tall, but "skinny" has been gone for some time--At any rate, I hit a home run. The supervising teacher yelled, "Splinters, I didn't think you had it in you!!" Thus, the nickname.

2. I have five children, two girls and three boys. The girls are the oldest and the youngest with the boys sandwiched in between (the meat between the delicate bread).

3. God planned the family that way...He knew I would need at least 10 years between the girls in order to plan the weddings. He did such a good job that the youngest is still a maiden and her sister is now married 16 years. (but I see a wedding in the future...)

4. None of the children wanted to go into nursing. They were most adamant. Just didn't want to work in the medical profession...like there mother. So, Wes is an athletic trainer who works for orthopedic physicians and is a trainer and cast tech. Marianne works for Eli Lilly as a study coordinator working with physicians on a regular basis...Yep, and I'm still working as a nurse.

5. I love to travel. And though our trip to Ireland has been put on hold until next summer (we WILL be going) we plan trips to Montana and New Mexico this summer, all family related! Yeah!!

6. I love to knit and crochet. I'm working on the baby afghan for David and Kelly's new arrival in August. She will be my 4th granddaughter.

7. Finally, I really, really like the West Wing and think Martin Sheen should run for President!!!

Since I realize that nearly everyone who is reading this will have already done this MEME, I will invite those who are new to my blog to pick this up and run with it...It was great fun and hope if you do you will let me know so I can read yours.

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Thanks be to God!

This is REALLY good!!!

A Crust Creations Meal by Pillsbury.

Taco Fiesta Pie

Prep 20 minutes
Ready in 30 minutes

1 (15 0z) pkg Pillsbury Refrigerated Pie Crust

Filling
1 lb. ground beef (ground turkey or ground chicken works, too)
1 (15 oz) can spicy chili beans undrained
1/2 cup salsa
1 small can chopped green chilies (I added)
6 oz (1 1/2 cups) shredded Cheddar cheese ( or cheese of your choice, I like shredded Colby)
1 cup shredded lettuce
1/2 cup chopped tomato

Optional: green onion slices, sour cream,
ripe olives, chopped jalapeños.

1. Unfold pie crust; place in 9-inch pie pan. Prick bottom and sides wit fork;flute edge. Cut 13 (1-inch) triangle pieces from remaining crust; place around crust edge. Bake at 425 degrees for 9-11 minutes or until light golden-brown.

2. In large skillet, brown ground beef; drain. Add chili beans, salsa and 1 cup cheese; mix will. Cook over low heat for 2 to 3 minutes or until cheese is melted.

3. Spoon meat mixture into baked shell. Top with remaining ingredients

16 servings

!!!!!~~!!!!!

It was really easy to make!
Thanks be to God!

Again, I have been remiss...

Both Esther of A Catholic Mom in Hawaii and Lisa at
Are We There Yet have honored be in different ways. First Esther bestowed on me the honor of The Bloggers of the World award some days ago. This new and coveted award! I have been asked to bestow this on 10 others. And so I will do my best.

1. This I Do. Mike in England
2. Sailing by Starlight. Though she will be not be posting until after Easter.
3. Beyond Horizons3. Pia in Italy.
4. What I Choose Today... From Colorado
5. Are We There Yet. Another Colorado site I love to visit
6. Budapest Daily Photo. Brings beauty into my life.
7. Norwich Daily Photo. Brought me my first crocus of the year.
8. Prayer Poetry and Praise. Brings me serenity and oft times inner peace.
9. Contemplative Haven, asylum for a refugee soul. Brings me to reflection.
10. A crocus in the valley. Though she too will be on sabbatical until after Easter as well.

Now Lisa from Are We There Yet tagged me for The Saint MEME. I have enjoyed this one because it caused me to contemplate more deeply the lives of those saints I do admire. Thank you, Lisa.

1. First saints you met. Saint Catherine of Siena and Saint Therese of Liseux .

2. Favorite saints. St. Therese, St. Catherine of Siena, and St. Theresa of Avila.

3. Patron saint for the year. St. Stanislaus Kostka

4. Favorite book by a saint. Interior Castle by St. Theresa of Avila

5. Saint book you are reading now. The Kings Good Servant, But God's First (St. Thomas More)

6. Favorite movie about a saint. Thomas A Beckett

7. Favorite autobiography/biography of a saint. The Story of A Soul by St. Therese

8. Favorite novel/book of a Saint. Mother Theodore Guerin, A Woman For Our Time

9. Saint (besides your favorites) you'd want to meet. St. Padre Pio, St. Thomas More, St. Maximilian Kolb.

10. Saints you look to for help. St. Anthony, St. Padre Pio, St. Francis Xavier Cabrini

11. Favorite saint quotes. ""Love is a debt you owe to everyone." St. Catherine of Siena; "We shall steer safely through every storm, so long as our heart is right, our intention fervent, our courage steadfast, and our trust fixed firmly on God." St Francis de Sales

12. Favorite holy card(s).


13. Favorite story about a saint. About St. Patrick as he drove the snakes out of Ireland.

14. If you could go anywhere on pilgrimage to what saints homeland, where would it be. Ireland and all it's saints.

15. any Blessed or Venerable you would like to become canonized. Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta

I will tag:
1. Ukok's Place
2. Mommy of Four
3. Grandma's Musings
4. And anyone in my Group on Tuesday night.

My thanks to all who have challenged me to grow and improve who I am, as Matthew Kelly would say, "A better-version-of-myself."

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Again I say, "Thanks be to God!"

What a weekend!!!

Astronomers in training, Ainsely, Neil, and Lindsey

"I can't see it, Grandpa."

"Where, Grandpa?"
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We had a grand time!!! Ron was safely delivered home from his trip to Arizona for the Rock and Mineral Show by Wes, Annie and the girls. Annie and Wes went to her 10th reunion at USI (University of Southern Indiana, across town) and the Girls and I got to play.

While Ron was gone to the Source and Summit High School Retreat as part of the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus honor guard, we were joined by Roy and Neil for a visit. Laura called while they were here to tell Roy that the Memorial High School Decathlon Academic team came in 2nd in the state with an opportunity to go to Nationals...in Hawaii! And even though Kellie (my granddaughter had only been on the team for two rehearsals due to a team injury) the Memorial girls dance team came in 6 out of 7 teams (just the first of the competitions).


Well, the topic of looking through Grandpa's telescope apparently came up during the trip home yesterday, so about 7:30 last noc Roy and Ron took the telescope outside (1st time the sky had been clear in some time) so the girls could see the stars...No moon, it was too early. Neil quickly pointed out the constellation Orion (he's almost 8) and the task of positioning the telescope started. But woe, it was not to be. The girls, 5 and 3 years old respectively, could not see the star. Ainsley and Lindsey, did not know how to view through the eye piece. One doesn't consider that as a skill to be learned, but indeed if you are that age I guess there should be some lessons in "Looking Through a Telescope Eyepiece." At any rate they gave it a try and the girls were happy no matter the outcome.

And as in all families there are those moments when laughter is so healing...We could not find Lindsey's other shoe before Mass this morning. Try as we might, and pray as we did, we could not find her shoe. So, Lindsey was carried into church. No one seemed to notice this shoeless child, so she was no worse for wear. And the shoe was found almost immediately after we returned home...where else but in the closet!! Don't ya love it?!

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For all the hugs and "I love you, Grandma"s I experienced this weekend, I say,
"Thanks be to God!!"
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An Aside: If anyone has visited the site in the last two days, you have seen me experiment with the picture for my profile...Looked high and low for one that would be appropriate, but wasn't quite happy with them. Sure enough I sat down here just now and there it was all along. These three little guys have been on my computer for sooo long that I had overlooked them...So I introduce to you, Pat, Ian and Sean! Good day to you all!!

I was tagged...

before Christmas by Lisa for the Book Meme. Before I wait another day and I realize somewhere over Denver that I did not reply to this, I am going to do it now. It was really fun to do because it allowed me to think and reminisce about the books, new and old, that I have read. At my age it is good to challenge the memory. So here goes:

*1. One book that changed my life: My Other Self, in which Christ speaks to the Soul on living his life, by Clarence J. Enzler. I don't know if is still in print but it is much like Thomas a Kempis' Imitation of Christ, but I found I could identify with this interpretation better.

*2. One book that you have read more than once: Rome Sweet Home, by Scott Hahn. (not to mention all of Jane Austins books).

*3. One book that you want on a desert island: The Holy Bible.

*4. One book that made me laugh: If life's Bowl of Cherries,What Am I Doing In the Pits?, by Erma Bombeck. (A women who could help you find the humor in parenting.)

*5. One book that made me cry: The Diary of Ann Frank. Enough said.

*6. One book I wish had been written: Statistics for Dummies. I could have used it at SMWC as it was mandatory for graduation and I struggled to get that passing grade...and a more grateful student God has never seen!

*7. One book I wish had not been written: I don't know of any book I wish had not been written, but there are a few books I wish I had not READ.

*8. One book I am currently reading: Sweet Revenge, by Diane Mott Davidson. Her books are great books if you need a Colorado fix (and I usually do since I live in Indiana so far from my roots) and if you like mysteries.

*9. One book I've been meaning to read. Okay, I have tried to do the one book thing for as long as I can. So I have 4--count them 4--books I've been meaning to read. 1) A Christmas Beginning (a mystery and yes, I know it is no longer Christmastime) by Anne Perry; 2) Parish Priest by Douglas Brinkley and Julie M. Fenster; 3) Living the Catholic Faith, by Charles J. Chaput, OFM, Cap.; and 4) Murder on K Street, by Margaret Truman.

So there you go...I gave it my best shot. Now I must try to tag someone who has not already been tagged. If any of you whom I have tagged have already done this you can always pass it on for me to someone you know has not been tagged

Here are my choices Lisa at Unexpected Journey, Maria at Mommy of Four, and Danette at A crocus in the valley. I will drop in on these ladies and let them know what I have done. They are new pages to me and maybe this is a good way to welcome them to my "family". Good day to you all and ...

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Thanks be to God!!!

I Have Always Loved Playing Tag...

This has been a pretty important week for me! I feel really special. I haven't felt so important since Marianne played basketball in high school and people would come up to me and say, "You're Marianne's mother, aren't you? SHE's a very good basketball player." It is really thrilling for me to open this blog and see a comment. I get as excited as a little kid.So to receive the Emmanuel Award and then being tagged for the MEME is quite a treat...

(Picture by Mary Engelbreit)

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HERE GOES:

1. I love to play Scrabble especially with the grand kids. My mom always said it is the best way to learn to spell, learn your vocabulary, and have fun at the same time.
   
2. I can be a poor sport and poor looser (but not at Scrabble) when it comes to watching Denver Bronco football. These roots are deep.
3. Sometimes I play solitaire. That's my remedy for avoiding poor sportsmanship when the Broncos are playing.
   
4. I was scared to death of dogs as a child. Now I have two.
5. I am dyslexic when it comes to numbers. (eg. I weighed a patient today whose weight was 232 lbs, and in the computer he weighed 323 lbs. when I got through.) Luckily I have a boss with a good sense of humor and patients who know me pretty well.
6. I graduated from St. Mary-of-the-Woods college in 1994 with a degree in gerontology at the age of 48. (To which my husband remarked, "At your age, you will be in the forefront of your field.)
   
7. When I was in college, three of my children were in college at the same time.
   
8. I find the greatest joy in waking in the morning knowing that I start it with a clean slate and at the end of the day see how much chalk dust there is on the eraser. Some days are better than other.

And one for good measure...I love a good cup of hot tea.

Now my journey begins to "tag" others...hoping they have not already been tagged.

~*~*~*~
Good evening to all and Thanks Be To God!!!!!