Memories of Antonia Plantation

We were able to spend time at Antonia Plantation when my niece was married there four years ago.  It's really a lovely place.  The land was granted to Pierre Lebert in 1793.  The plantation still belongs to the family

I'm getting ready to travel again, this time to Baton Rouge to visit with my brothers and sisters-in-law.  So I'm offering a link as a preview of the trip!   Have a wonderful week!

Antonia Plantation

~~~^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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Mt Evans and Memories

Mt Evans, the highest paved highway in North America

View looking toward the summit

Altitude 14,265 feet

The Panoramas

the beauty of the mountains

Mountain sheep and mountain goats

Summit Lake

Ever since I was a kid every fall Dad, Mom and we kids would take a picnic up to the summit of Mt. Evans.  It was always so very cold but Dad would start a fire in the picnic area and Mom would brew a pot of coffee.  That was the only time until I was "grown" that we kids would get to drink coffee. What a treat that was.  But then the whole day was a treat!  The added joy of seeing the colors of the yellow aspen leaves intermingled with those glorious pines was exhilarating.  The memories of those days are treasures no one can steal.

So this year I wanted to visit Mt Evans again on our trip to Colorado.  Things have changed.  There are no picnic areas at the top.  Other things have not changed.  It was still cold, 41 degrees and rain and sleet.  That didn't change the joy I felt when I saw the mountain sheep and mountain goats.  The beauty of the Rockies near the summit and the thrill of the traveling the highway.  

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Cathy

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

As an aside, I've been invited to  join Monday WRites by Gillena Cox.    Today I thought others of you might join her in this adventure.

I have found a new place to play and invite you to join Mersad at Through My Lens.  Should be fun!

Time Flies

Time flies, is flying, has flown.  I've not been here for a very long time.  Like the phases of the moon, life is just like that.  Every changing yet staying the same.  Since I last made an effort to write here that is what my life has been doing.

The Holidays spent with family and friends, treasured times.  The deaths of friends, the void left by their loss, yes, to be treasured, for they will always be there in some way.  The sorrow of those left behind, so real, palpable.

Yet through it all there are the miracles, oh so many, and too numerous to share at this time.  

It's like starting all over again here.  I will try to post as often as I can.  But time does fly and I must do my best to keep up with it.

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Cathy

Once Upon A Time Recipes

There is always that special recipe that brings back wonderful memories of holiday meals with family and friends and grand times spent together.  Thanksgiving and  Christmas holidays are one of those times when memories flood back for me.  What about you?

It's always been a challenge for me to make chicken and dumplings.  Here in Indiana chicken and dumplings is another way of saying chicken and noodles (wide noodles).  But being raised in Colorado I always knew chicken and dumplings as chicken soup with fluffy puffs of batter steamed atop the soup.

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And the challenge was not the soup...It was the dumplings.  As a wedding gift a dear friend gave me a cookbook called The Complete Book of High Altitude Baking by Donna Miller Hamilton and Beverly Anderson Nemio.  (I'm not sure if the book is still in print, but I did find 2 used copies on Amazon.com.)  I decided one afternoon those many years ago when the wee ones were napping that I'd make chicken and dumpling.  And so the adventure began.

Chicken Soup

3 boneless chicken breasts                1 medium white onion, chopped
3 cloves of garlic, minced                 1 49.5 oz can of chicken broth 
2 bay leaves                                        salt and pepper to taste

Add all ingredient to a 6-quart sauce pan.  Bring to a boil and simmer for 30 minutes until the chicken is done.  Remove the chicken from the broth and when it is cool enough to handle cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.  Return the chicken to the pot and simmer until you are ready to add the dumplings.  (I also make the chicken soup in my large  Crock Pot and then when I get home from work I only need to transfer the soup to the sauce pan to make the dumplings.)

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Dumplings 

1 egg, slightly beaten                            1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons butter, melted                 1 teaspoon parsley, chopped
1 cup milk                                                 OR  1/4 teaspoon thyme
2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted                 savory, if desired
2 teaspoons double-acting
   baking powder. 

Blend egg, melted butter and milk together.

Sift flower once before measuring.  Mix and sift together flour, baking powder, salt and herbs, if desired.

Make a well in the center of dry ingredients.  Add small amount of liquid mixture.  Blend quickly.  Add remaining liquid mixture, using as few strokes as possible to blend  the two [mixtures] together.  Dough should be stiff.  Add a small additional amount of flour if necessary 

After having removed the bay leaves, bring the chicken soup to a rolling boil.  Reduce the heat to medium.  Then drop dough by tablespoonfuls into hot broth.  Cover with lid and cook 10 minutes.  Uncover and cook 10 minutes more.  (I have never adjusted the recipe because of altitude, but you can if you desire.)

Recipe yields 12 dumplings.  

I serve it tonight with Cheese Biscuits.  The mix a gift from Jimmy and Kelly because they know how much I love Jim 'n' Nick's when we visit them in Alpharetta. ( If you find a copy of the cookbook the recipe is on page 106.)  

What an adventure it has been, because for 44 years now I've been making and loving those chicken and dumpling meals on a chilly Autumn/Winter evening.

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


Cathy

Please join the fun. Share your family recipe and memories surrounding it. Make your comments here and then go to Mr. Linky so we can visit and share your recipe. Who knows your recipe might start a new holiday tradition at someone else's holiday gathering.

~Adventure Tour Express~

Madam Butterfly
By
Giacomo Puccini

I was invited to my first opera when I was 16 years old. My cousin, Pat, took me to the performance of Don Giovanni by Mozart at the Central City Opera. The opera was performed then as it is today in this lovely, rustic opera house "built in 1877, [by] citizens of Central City [who] organized a fund raising drive for a grand new opera house befitting the gold mining town's reputation as 'the richest square mile on earth.'" (Wikipedia) The opera that I really love the most of the ones I've been privileged to see over the years was here in Central City. It was so lovely and the costumes so beautiful. Yes, Madam Butterfly. The music will bring you to tears in its beauty if not in the love story it tells.

Much to my delight, when we visited Central City this summer and though we had no plans to go the opera, I found that once again Madam Butterfly was being performed. It brought back a flood of memories. As a young lady, I remember sitting in the dark wondering what it was like to live in the late 19th century and attend the opera here. I remember pictures of ladies in their finery and the gents in their frock coats. It must have been grand, oh so grand!

Take some time today and journey back to those times that drew you close to family and friends. The time when you were younger and that day you have filed away in your memory. Go to that place, sit quietly, and ponder your day on the Adventure Tour Express.

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

If you wish to join in the adventure today and share one of your memories simply copy and paste the button into your post and allow us to travel with you on your Adventure Tour Express then link to your journey through Mr. Linky. Thank you for visiting and join me again any time.

A Walk At the Woods

This digital slideshow personalized with Smilebox I have to return to work today, but before I do I just want to share with you A Walk At the Woods. There are only a few pictures to whet the appetite. St. Mary-of-the-Woods located in Indiana is the home of the Sisters of Providence. It's the campus for Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. Most of all it is the Shrine of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, foundress of the congregation. Having spent time there again, I can tell you it is a privilege to walk the grounds where the good saint walked, taught and counseled. And it's hard to leave. Wishing all a grand day! ~~^j^~~ Thanks be to God!

~~Tea Talk~~

A book reads the better which is our own, and has been so long known to us, that we know the topography of its blots, and dog's ears, and can trace the dirt in it to having read it at tea with buttered muffins.
Charles Lamb

My teacup is...a plain white cup.I'm sipping a cup of Brown Palace Signature Tea. Delicious!

I'm feeling...satisfied. I have learned to use Quicken on the new Apple computer and life is good.

On my mind...Preparing for a long weekend that include the celebration of Sister Mary Maloney's 50th Jubilee at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. It also means returning on Sunday for a yearly gathering of Providence Associates and the Sisters of Providence. Oh, such wonderful anticipation!!!

High Tea at the Brown Palace Hotel while on vacation with
Ron's sister, Linda, was a highlight of the trip.

~~^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 with us.

My Favorite Teacher...

I have struggled with numbers my whole life. In 2nd grade I spent my lunch time catching up on my math. I had trouble adding columns. In third grade it was multiplication times tests and while most of the class was on their 7 tables I was still on the threes...And so it went. My freshman year I had algebra I. I enjoyed it but my test grades were less than stellar. Mr. Downing told my mom that I seemed to comprehend the subject in class, but when I took the test I showed no grasp of the concept.

That brings me to geometry. Mr. Devers taught high school math. He was my geometry teacher that year. He had the patience of Job and a sense of humor as well. I struggled, I mean STRUGGLED in his class. I could not understand or remember axioms. The logic in the whole thing escaped me, for most of the year. But during the last quarter I have to admit I really was not sure I was going to pass. This generous man worked with me all year. After the final exam, a friend and I saw him in the cafeteria. We approached him and I asked how I did on my final. He simply said, "Cathy, I will give you the lowest 'C' I have ever given if you will promise to never take another math class." Yes, he did. He gave me a "C."

I am grateful for his perseverance, understanding and his sense of humor...When numbers get in the way, as they often do, I smile and thank Mr. Devers for being my teacher.

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

Now if you'll visit Laura at Catholic Teachers Musings, I'm sure your will be entertained and enlightened by others and their tales of their favorite teacher.

Celebrating Friendship

I'm a bit late in posting today as it is our Saturday to volunteer at Mother Teresa's Treasures. This is wonderful opportunity to work, share and chat with others who find this a grand way to spend time. This is also a day I am reminded of a dear lady, Margaret, to whom I owe a lot through her friendship, charity, and her wish to make life better for all.

These pictures were sent me by a friend in an email. They are awesome and cause me to be awe-filled. Niagara Falls is a place of power and might and yet it was still and unmoved in 1911. I share this with you because Ron and I were privileged to travel with Margaret and Bill to Quebec, Canada in 2000. On the way we stopped by Niagara Falls. It is Magnificent!!!!! And we had such a grand time.




This also reminds me how much I miss Margaret for it will soon be three years since she passed from this world into the one of Our Father. Good Friday always remind me too of a lady who was valiant and strong to the end. A true model of life's dignity.

Niagara Falls
June, 2000

So today I want to remember a friendship gone for the time being but the prospect of meeting Margaret again one day is one which I anticipate with happiness!

Please treasure your friendships. They are far more valuable than gold...

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Thanks be to God!

I invite you to join Ruth at Celebrate Friendship and other friends in this special celebration.

Picture Puzzle Day

Saint Francis of Assisi
Santa Fe, New Mexico
July, 2008

I thought I'd start back slowly for "Simon's" sake after his visit to the IT Dr. It is great to have your personal computer physician. However, it is still frightening when awaiting the diagnosis. This time Mike could treat the illness and now "Simon" is home.

Wishing all who visit her a wonderful weekend!!!

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

Please enjoy the puzzle this weekend and if you wish to share a puzzle with us just add your name to Mr. Linky below!

The Simple Women's Daybook

This was a grand weekend. We got to have two of the grandkids for the night while Mom and Dad went to their After Christmas Party. Then there was the quiet of a wonderful Sunday with just quiet and relaxation. It's hard to beat that! 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 and very COLD!!

~~I am thinking...how much fun it will be to surprise Rhonda for her birthday.

~~I am thankful for...family and friends who support and encourage me.

~~From the kitchen...leftover turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, and gravy.

~~I am wearing...red and white striped nightgown

~~I am creating...a lap afghan (knitting from one of Mom's patterns)

~~I am going...to Mass and pray for the Holy Innocents.

~~I am reading...Ringing in Murder by Kate Kingsbury (A Christmas Mystery)

~~I am hoping...the weather continues to be kind to us.

~~I am hearing...mostly quiet. It's 5:00 a.m. and I'm the only one up. Duchess is snoring at my feet.

~~Around the house...Christmas lights still brighten the darkness and the glow of the manger continues.

~~One of my favorite things...is watching old movies. I might just have a Charlie Chan Marathon. All are welcome!

~~A few plans for the rest of the week: 1) Finally working on the pictures taken on vacation this summer and putting them into a book. 2) Make sure the laundry is done. 3) Pack for visit to St. Louis and the celebration of Rhonda's 60th birthday. 4) Starting the New Year with no resolutions.

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

The Keller Chirstmas Tree, 2009

Picture Puzzle Day

Glass Sculpture
Indianapolis Children's Museum

Taken at Christmas time last year, it reminds me of the fun we had with Rebecca, Ainsley, and Lindsey. They went down the slides and had their picture take with Santa. It was just the most fun! My goodness but it is nearly upon us again. The Children's Museum is just the most fun for the kids!!!

Ainsley and Lindsey with Santa

Rebecca and Marianne
with You-Know-Who
~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!

Here is the link to JigZone so you can create and submit your puzzle. And Mr. Linky is available below for you convenience so we can enjoy your puzzle.

You are invited to leave a comment, too. Please join in the fun!!! I can hardly wait to put YOUR puzzles together!

Schoolhouse Rock

Lisa at Are We There Yet brought back some really fond memories of times spent with the kids on Saturday mornings when she asked if there were any songs that came to mind. So, Lisa, here is my offering! "Thanks for the Memories" (That's a different song altogether!)

Wishing all a Grand Sunday and fond memories. Thank you, Lisa!

~~*~~*~~*~~

Thanks be to God!

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!!!