The Simple Women's Daybook

I had such a wonderful weekend that I just wanted to share it with you all. After you visit here please visit Peggy at The Simple Woman and journey along the path of life we all share.

~~Outside my window...it is dark, but cool.

~~I am thinking...what a week of anticipation this will be.

~~I am thankful for...my best friend and husband, Ron. We had such a wonderful date Saturday night. I'm still smiling.

~~From the kitchen...homemade chili in the crockpot. Did I say I really love to cook in it?

~~I am wearing...robe and nightgown.

~~I am creating...prayer card for Kellie's Confirmation on Sunday.

~~I am going...to get ready for the family gathering this weekend here in Evansville

~~I am reading...(continue) The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri J. M. Nouwen.

~~I am hoping...the weather continues to be so glorious.

~~I am hearing...mostly quiet with occasional cricket. It is lovely.

~~Around the house...dust bunnies are growing and spider webs and being created, so dusting is in order.

~~One of my favorite things...is watch NCIS and the new season starts on Tuesday!

~~A few plans for the rest of the week: 1) Work on my vacation journal;2) prepare for the arrival of Wes, Annie and the girls on Friday noc; 3) Work at Mother Teresa's Treasures on Saturday, 4) Attend meeting of Adult Formation at church; 5) Bible Study on Thursday, 6) and most importantly attend Kellie's Confirmation on Sunday.

~~Here is picture thought I am sharing...

God' Eye
North Posey High School
September 19, 2009

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

Picture Puzzle Day

Catamaran
Lake Tahoe, 2009

We were fortunate to be out on a boat with Tom and Kathleen and their friends, Frank and Kay. Lake Tahoe is a beautiful lake. It's clear and blue and BIG. We saw so many wonderful things.that day. It is so wonderful when you can see the work of the Creator on every turn. There were wonderful beaches, glorious trees, ducks and gulls, a gorgeous BLUE sky, and mountains. A grand time was had by all! And yes, even with sun screen I got sunburned...DRAT!

Here is the link to JigZone so you can create and submit your puzzle. And Mr. Linky is available below for your convenience. Please leave a comment and join in the fun!!! I can hardly wait to put your puzzles together! Remember you can change the number of pieces you wish to put together.

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

Bad Haiku Friday

Autumnal Season approaches
The artist palate revealed
Creator at work.

Saint Mary-of-the-Wood College
October, 2008

I love Fridays for a number of reasons. One reason is Catholic Teacher's Musings "Bad Haiku Friday." When I awaken I am immediately challenged to think! This is GOOD! I need to get those "little gray cells" energized! Please visit Laura and contribute to her "special day!"

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

The End of the Road...Bad Haiku Friday

Carson City's the place
I'm still amazed and in awe
Travel this time by air

I promise this is the last travel Haiku until December...when we'll be off for the wedding. Now I know what it means to be a vagabond! Who knows maybe staying at home will be a treat. Since the summer began, Ron and I have traveled to Charlotte, NC; Billings, MT; Loveland, CO; Atlanta, GA; St. Charles, MO and Indianapolis, IN. The last trip on the itinerary is Carson City, NV and Lake Tahoe. Whew!!! What a ride it has been! Loving every minute of it!

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

Rules of Cats (and Perhaps Dogs)

Sam and Duchess
ON the bed!

Sent to me by my friend, Margaret, these started my day with a SMILE! Hoping it does the same for you!

The Rules

1. The cat is not allowed in the house.

2. OK, the cat is allowed in the house, but only in certain rooms.

3. OK, the cat is allowed in all rooms, but must stay off the furniture.

4. The cat may get on the old furniture only.

5. Fine, the cat is allowed on all the furniture, but it is not allowed to sleep with the humans on the bed.

6. The cat may sleep on the bed, but not under the covers.

7. OK, the cat may sleep under the covers by invitation only.

8. Well, OK, the cat may sleep under the covers every night, and on the pillow.

9. Humans must ask permission to sleep under the covers with the cat; only the cat may sleep on the pillow.

Found this in this month's Catholic Digest

~~~^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!

Montana Sky, Nature's Summer Best

Montana Sky, Nature's Summer Best
Originally uploaded by moonjazz

Arrived in Glorious Montana and found it cool and the clouds have character. There is so much glory o be seen in the work of the creator is only we would only take time to reflect on the beauty. Stop and look! It is truly grand!!!!! I have so much I want to share and soon I will be able to do so!

Thanks be to God!!!

Montana Sky, Nature's Summer Best
Originally uploaded by moonjazz

I fear my pictures are still in the camera. Will share mine when I get home. But the sky is glorious here!!!!!

Gold Fever Part I

This last weekend we spent Father's Day in North Carolina with David, Kelly, The Boys and Maddie. I cannot tell you how much fun it was for us. It was a weekend full of fun and surprises. The first surprise came Saturday morning when David announced we were going to Reed's Gold mind. Ron's eyes lit up and his ears turned red.

Background: Ron is a '49er! Born too to late but a '49er non-the-less. He has dredged for gold in Colorado instead of attending classes at Colorado School of Mines. He has dredged for gold in California, from the American River to dry creek beds on the Monterey Peninsula. He and his children, all, have panned for gold in Indiana at Gold Creek. (no kidding...that's the name.)

So, you see when David told his dad of this adventure, Ron was up and ready to go. The following are videos of Dad/Grandpa panning and instructing.




"There's gold!"

Grandpa teaches them how!

*******^j^*******

It was a glorious day.

Thanks be to God!!!

Bad Haiku Friday

mush (365/72)
Originally uploaded by Jordan Kiley

Bad Haiku Friday
I tried to write one today
But the brain is mush.


~~^j^~~
There's always next Friday.
Thanks be to God!

Visit Laura at Catholic Teacher Musings, the originator.



Picture by Jordan Kiley

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!

Lemonade in January!!

I've been blessed by having this award bestowed on my by Lisa at Are We There Yet. I have been late in posting this but receiving it makes me pleased to know others think I can "make lemonade from lemons" and not just walk around with "sour" disposition. Life is way too short to allow the "sour" lemons to win! Soooo, get out the pitcher, squeeze those lemons and put in sugar (or Splenda if you must) to taste and the SMILE!!!!! Thank you Lisa!

I now offer this award to:

Christ's Rose

Spreading Joy

Unexpected Journey

Catholic Mom in Minnesota

~UKOK's Place~

Crocus in the Valley

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God

Tracy and RoyaltyLady do not despair. I'm thinking about those "6" things.

The "G" Challenge

Well it happened. Laura at Catholic Teachers Musing challeneged me to list 10 words using the letter G in honor of GrandmaK. I'm supposing that's one G I can't use. To begin:

Gauntlet
It's been thrown down and now I must accept the challenge. (At least there was no "double-dog-dare!)

God
The one and only, three in one Triune God. The essence of life.

Grandchildren
Being a grandmother is a badge of honor. I wear it with pride. It's also a continuation of this fabulous gene pool.

Gladiolas
A gorgeous flower with strong stems and beautifully fragile flowers.

Grace
This means many things to me. Prayers before and after meals. Gratitude for so many gifts. It is the way one carries herself with dignity.

"Good Grief!"
My favorite comic strip is Peanuts and Charlie Brown my favorite example of humility.

Glorious
Sunrises, sunsets, days, nights, and life.

Grand Canyon
One of God's greatest works of art. You cannot explain the grandeur (bonus G-word) unless you've stood and taken in the beauty.

Green
How can it be anything but my favorite color? Is there any other color if you family roots go all the way back to the Emerald Isle?

Great day...
it is and you all have one, too!

**
*****
***
=
~~~~~

Thank you Laura
and
Thanks be to God

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

Could Not Resist...

You Are Apple Pie

You're the perfect combo of comforting and traditional. You prefer things the way you've always known them. You'll admit that you're old fashioned, and you don't see anything wrong with that. Your tastes and preferences are classic. And classic never goes out of style. Those who like you crave security. People can rely on you to be true to yourself - and true to them. You're loyal, trustworthy, and comfortable in your own skin. And because of these qualities, you've definitely earned a lot of respect.

What Kind of Pie Are You?

Thanks to Lisa at Are We There Yet I took the TEST...Now I WANT some pie!!! What kind of pie are you all?

*******^j^*******

Thanks be to God!
Don't you just love Thanksgiving Time?

What Board Game Are You?

You Are Scrabble

You are incredibly clever and witty. You can talk your way out of (and into) situations easily. You are an excellent decision maker. You are good at weighing the options in front of you. You're the type of person who can make something out of nothing. You are very resourceful. You know a lot of things. Most importantly, you know when people are wrong - even when they won't admit it.

What Board Game Are You?

This was incredible...How did they know that my FAVORITE board game was Scrabble?!?!!! Thank you Therese at Aussie Coffee Shop.

~~~^j^~~~

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.

First Things First

Picture by ONE/MILLION

AutumnRose at Christ's Rose thought this was fun and I was tagged. I found she was right so here are my "first things first":

• 
  
• The first thing I thought today: If I could only sleep in
  
• The first thing I ate today: a bowl of granola cereal
  
• The first thing I drank today: a cup of Good Earth tea
  
• The first thing I said today: my morning prayers
• The first action I did today: gave Duchess her treat when we came into the house
  
• The first thing I read today: My Daily Catholic Bible reading...I'm still behind but I'm catching up
  
• The first item of clothing I put on today:my robe ans slippers (to take Duchess outside)
  
• The first person I spoke to today (apart from God, of course): my husband
• The first chore I did today: I put the dishes away
  
• The first blog I visited today: A Catholic Mom in Hawaii. I went to visit and found I had been tagged for another MEME

Add some more if you want to!

I tag:

Catholic Mom in Hawaii

View from the Pews

Made for Joy

Sailing by Starlight

Are We There Yet

A Trucker's Wife

Have at it all anyone else...takes so little time and even less thought. Doesn't use up too many gray cells. Have a grand day!!!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Aside: I mailed my application for Provident Associates, please pray. Thank you!