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.

Eastward Into the Sun

Early morning drive

Eastward into the sun

Anxious to visit

~~~^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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Waiting on the Tarmac

Liberty International Airport

Newark, NJ

Airplanes are waiting

With New York City skyline

Resting on tarmac

Eager to fly high

Oh, the anticipation

Waiting to begin

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In 10 short days the journey to the Holy Land begins and again we'll be flying through Newark.  You can see the skyline of New York City and the Statue of Liberty from there and it is most impressive.  I have to quell my enthusiasm for this trip.  I still have to WAIT!  I am grateful for the gift of travel and for this opportunity to yet again be a pilgrim.

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!

Cathy

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

Memories of Camp St Malo

The Chapel on the Rock

(Officially St. Catherine of Siena Chapel)

Allenpark, Colorado

Early Fall Ron and I took our annual trip to the "promised land" in Colorado.  With the  companionship of our family we went to places we hadn't gone in years.  One of those places was Camp St. Malo.  It's a beautiful place, quiet, tranquil and so close to heaven.  

When I was a kid we'd have an annual trek to the camp for a family picnic.  Dad, who as a kid himself had gone to camp here would revel in the memories of the times he had here.  I just remember those wonderful meals with Dad, Mom, my sister, brothers and the Aunts and Pat.  (Aunt Mary's potato salad was amazing.)

Then, too, I was reminded that Pope Saint John Paul II came here for quiet time when he was there in 1993. 

DENVER — With rosary beads, a new pair of white sneakers with yellow laces and a book of poetry, a beaming Pope John Paul II strode high into the Rocky Mountains on Friday for a rare day off.
The break in the Pope's visit to his church's World Youth Day ceremonies here was uncharacteristic, but it was long planned at the suggestion of Denver Archbishop J. Francis Stafford.
On a warm cloudy day, John Paul--who has a lifelong love for the outdoors and for mountains in particular--walked in his white cassock at an altitude of nearly 10,000 feet near Estes Park north of Denver.
"He hiked, and therefore rested. He prayed and he read. I think he was very, very happy," said papal spokesman Joaquin Navarro, who accompanied the Pope on a two-hour walk before lunch. John Paul donned the size 11 sneakers that were a gift from local children, who also provided a blue warm-up jacket and a walking stick. (Los Angeles Times)

I treasure the moments I've had in MY promised land.  So I begin preparation for our journey to the Holy Land in February.  Unlike most trips I prepare for there is more to do than just pack the suitcases and make sure I have the tickets and passports.  I want to travel with a real purpose.   Walking in the footsteps of our Lord.  And so my preparation has begun by rereading Father James Martin's book, Jesus: A Pilgrimage.

~~~^j^~~~

And so my preparation begins.

Cathy

Mosaic Monday~~ South Dakota

We're on the road and the landscape has been just lovely!!  It is so wonderful to be able to witness the beauty of the Creator's handiwork!

~~~^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!

Adventure Tour Express

“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

~~~~~

It was my pleasure to spend four wonderful days at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.  It is the site of the Mother House for the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods and Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College.  But first and foremost is was the destination of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin in 1840.

The Cabin

Saint Mary -of-the-Woods

 Replica

Let's here from Mother Theodore as she shares her words on her arrival at The Woods in 1840.  You can only imagine.

"I cannot tell you what passed within me during the next half hour.  I do not know myself, but I was  so deeply moved that I could not utter a word.  We continued to advance into the thick woods till suddenly Father Buteaux stopped the carriage and said, 'Come down, Sisters, we have arrived.'  What was our astonishment to find ourselves still in the midst of the forest, no village, not even a house in sight...[L]ed down into the ravine, whence we beheld through the trees on the other side a frame house with a stable and some sheds.  'There,' he said, 'is the house where the postulants have a room, and where you will lodge until your house is ready.'"
" We had agreed aong ourselve that our first visit would be made to the Blessed Sacrament, and that we soule not speak to anyone before having satiasfied this longing of our hearts.  The priest preceded us and we followed in silence to the Church.  The Church!!"

The church was a cabin, just as the pictures of the replica show above.  This was where Father said Mass and had only a cot in the corner where he could sleep.  Rude church but miracles still  happened here!

Today the Sisters and all who visit can enter and worship in the Church of the Immaculate Conception. You can walk the holy grounds.  You can enter into the silence.  The trees are the friends of reflection.  The buildings honor the wisdom of Saint Mother Theodore and all the Sisters of Providence since.  I find every time I visit I have been touched again by the love, energy, compassion and willingness to give of those who follow the charism of Saint Mother Theodore and the Sisters of Providence.

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!  

Cathy

Please join now and offer one of your adventures and allow us to travel with you on your tour!

All Aboard!!!

Join here by linking so we can enjoy your adventure!

Off On A Short Adventure!

I have found out that there ain't no surer way to find out whether you like people or hate them than to travel with them. ~~Mark Twain

Will be flying to Carson City very early tomorrow.  So looking forward to the visit with Tom and Kathleen.  I'm going to miss Tea Talk and Share the Joy Thursday but hope to have some pictures to share when I return!!!   Hoping to be be back in time for Sunlit Sunday!  Wishing all a grand rest of the week and know I'll be back soon!!!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!!

Cathy

Adventure Tour Express

It has been asked if the Adventure Tour Express would be running again this summer travel season.  I will be happy to be the tour guide for all who wish to share their adventures.  The train will run each Wednesday during the summer.  Any and all adventures are welcome, from the weekend jaunt, the day at the park, to the wonderful vacation adventure!  Please come and join the fun!  We will begin next week following this Memorial Day weekend!  Please have a safe and wonderful weekend and...

Welcome Aboard!!!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

"On the Road Again"

Getting ready to travel to Atlanta to visit the kids for the long weekend so I thought I would offer you today a "Blogger Repost."  Wishing you all a grand weekend and safe travel!

This was originally posted 12/18/2008.

Important Recall Notice

The Maker of all human beings is recalling all units manufactured,regardless of make or year, due to a serious defect in the primary and central component of the heart.

This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units code named Adam and Eve, resulting in the reproduction of the same defect in all subsequent units.

This defect has been technically termed:"Subsequential Internal Non-Morality", or more commonly known as S.I.N.,as it is primarily expressed.

Some other symptoms include:

1. Loss of direction

2. Foul vocal emissions

3. Amnesia of origin

4. Lack of peace and joy

5. Selfish or violent behavior

6. Depression or confusion in the mental component

7. Fearfulness

8. Idolatry

9. Rebellion

The Manufacturer, who is neither liable nor at fault for this defect, isproviding factory-authorized repair and service free of charge to correct this SIN defect. The Repair Technician, Jesus, has most generously offered to bear the entire burden of the staggering cost of these repairs. There is no additional fee required. The number to call for repair in all areas is:

P-R-A-Y-E-R.

Once connected, please upload your burden of SIN through the REPENTANCE procedure. Next, download ATONEMENT from the Repair Technician, Jesus, intothe heart component.

No matter how big or small the SIN defect is, Jesus will replace it with:

1. Love

2. Joy

3. Peace

4. Patience

5. Kindness

6. Goodness

7. Faithfulness

8. Gentleness

9. Self control

Please see the operating manual, the B.I.B.L.E. (Believers' InstructionsBefore Leaving Earth) for further details on the use of these fixes.

WARNING: Continuing to operate the human being unit without correction voids any manufacturer warranties, exposing the unit to dangers and problems too numerous to list and will result in the human unit beingpermanently impounded.

DANGER: The human being units not responding to this recall action will have to be scrapped in the furnace. The SIN defect will not be permitted to enter Heaven so as to prevent contamination of that facility.

Thank you for your attention!

God

Please assist where possible by notifying others of this important recall notice and you may contact the Father any time by "kneemail".

*

(This was sent to me by a friend. Please feel free to share it wherever and whenever you can!)

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Today is Tea Talk and though I'm not able to share it today please visit Ruth at

 Celebrate Friendship  Share a cup of tea or a cool refreshing drink with her.

~~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.

~Adventure Tour Express~

When I was considering an adventure to share I thought I might share what I think has become my first real adventure and it entailed a lot of moving. I had never lived very far from home. And even though I was not living has home when I was in nursing school, I went home nearly every weekend.   Ron and I married after graduation and then along came wee child, Laura.  Adventures are like that you know.  Then in January, 1970 Ron received his commission as 2nd Lieutenant in the Army Corps of Engineers.  And so this adventure begins!

Ron's Commissioning Ceremony
Originally uploaded by MeteoriteMan2010

Ron's first orders were to Ft. Belvoir, Virginia. So our journey began with a trek from Englewood, Colorado to Alexandria,Virginia. This was when I first realized what being homesick was all about. We lived in a furnished apartment. Ron was gone all day and it was just Laura and me. We'd go for walks and play, she'd nap and I'd read. No phone. One day I walked with Laura to the supermarket and make a phone call to Mom just to say hi! Silly I guess but I'd not gone weeks without talking to her.

Soon one day Ron came home and told me he had orders to Ft. Carson, Colorado!  We were going home!!!!  Even more exciting we were expecting again and so we had terrific news to share with family and friends!

So in June we packed up again and moved to Ft. Carson.  We were able to visit his family that lived there in Colorado Springs and travel north to Denver to visit my family there.  It was an adventure in itself just being a military wife.  The day our furniture arrived Ron was on maneuvers for a week...Thank God for Sis, who helped manage Laura while I was checking all the boxes.

Again in October Ron came home and announced that the entire battalion was being moved to Ft. Ord, California.  The trip to Ft. Ord took us through Salt Lake City and then across the Salt Flats of Utah.  There is no place to stop between Salt Lake City and Wendover, Nevada...I was eight months pregnant.  (One learns to appreciate rest stops, especially when there are none. )

We lived in temporary quarters on post for a short time until we could rent an apartment and be placed on the post housing list.  We found a small apartment in Seaside and were there when David arrived on my 24th birthday and just 10 days before Christmas.  Just 3 months later we moved in to housing on post where we stayed for 3  years.

I will tell you honestly, that I learned more in that one year about who I was and what strengths I had then at any other time in my life.  We only moved 5 times that year.  And we had moved from coast to coast!

Ron and I were only in the Army for 3 1/2 years.    And I will also tell you that I admire families that must endure the rigors of military life as a career and do it with courage and strength.

For those who serve this country and that means the husband or wife who must stay home as well as the military personnel who serve abroad, I say, "God bless you every one!!!"

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!

Please join in the fun! Share your adventure. I can hardly wait. Just link your post with Mr. Linky. I'll visit soon!

~Adventure Tour Express~

“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

It has been suggested that perhaps some would like to share their vacation adventures with others and maybe it could be done under one umbrella. So starting today, there will be an opportunity for anyone who wishes to join in sharing your adventures whether they be close to home or far away by linking your post here. Please feel free to jump on the Adventure Tour Express!

I begin with an adventure today that is brought to life by a walk down memory lane. Two weeks ago, already now, we visited a place Ron and I both hold dear to our hearts. I was attending Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in Denver, CO. City Park was the place where we girls would go for a walk to get out of the hospital for a while. We could walk around the lake, visit the Natural History Museum, or go to the zoo. Funny what simple things could relieve some stress or anxiety.

Ron was just across town at Colorado School of Mines and we met through mutual friends. Neither of us had much money so a date was usually Friday night to a movie and a hamburger after. Sometimes a date was as simple as a "walk in the park."

The park was oh so beautiful in the fall. The color of the trees at sunset were stunning. In the spring the exciting shade of green filled you with anticipation of the flowers to follow.

Museum of Natural History
Ron's favorite place was the gem and mineral
displays, especially the gold nuggets.

The entrance to the park.

The fountain in the middle of City Park Lake

The Band Stand on the Lake

I also remember times as a child when we would meet The Aunts for a picnic in the park. Oh my, what fun we all had!!!

~~^j^~~

For all the memories relived through a grand adventure, I say,
Thanks be to God!

To join in the adventure simply copy and past the button into your post and sign in with Mr Linky! So All Aboard!!!

Glorious Weekend to ALL!!!

Isn't this angel just wonderful? She can be seen along with lots of other beauties at Banner Haus News! Visit and enjoy! I'm off to INDY!!! Wishing you all WELL!!!

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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!!!!

Bad Haiku Friday

Puzzle day was fun
Keeps the mind working and playing
Next week's puzzle is ready

Antelope
Rocky Mountain National Park

Here is next week's puzzle picture. I had a great time and hope you will join in the fun next week. Know that when you put the puzzle together it is not mandatory that you put together the number of pieces shown in the puzzle. The site allows you to change the number of pieces you use to complete the puzzle. And ignore the clock...It's not a competition. If you get stumped you can always restart the puzzle. I just want you to relax and have fun!

Today we trek to St. Louis to visit family and go to the Festival of the Little Hills in St. Charles (in years passed dubbed by Ron as the "sweating of the little hills because of the heat and humidity). Weather seems to be cooperating as it will be cool according to the weatherman...I will HOLD him to that!

Wishing all a cool, delightful weekend. Enjoy!!!!!

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

On the Road Again...

I credit Willie Nelson for our theme song, cuz this evening we leave to visit Jimmy and Kelly in Alpharetta, GA. We will meet Kelly's parents and discuss what they have planned for the wedding in December. If you don't hear from me for a few day, just know I'm having a wonderful time!!!!

~~~^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!!!!!

The Columbine

Columbine
Salvation
the flower of the Savior
Wisdom and Strength

The columbine is said to have grown at Adam's feet in the
Garden of Eden. Through the Middle Ages. Monasteries and castle
gardens featured this flower. Originally blossoms were thought
to represent the eagle's claws but those with gentler natures said the
petals looked like a dove. Presenting the Columbine to a
loved one shows a great deal of respect. Salvation is implied, ranging
from the salvation of the soul to an attempt to ward off an evil
eye, which could otherwise sap a beloved's wisdom and strength.
~Loves Me, Loves Me Not~
The Hidden Language of Flowers
by Peter Loewer

~~~~~~~

Soon and very soon we will be going to the land of the Columbine. We're off tomorrow evening for MT to visit Mom and brother Phil and family for several days. Then on the way home we will visit Ron's sister in CO. I can hardly wait. John Denver had it right!!! It's a "Rocky Mountain High!"

I'm not sure how much access I will have to a computer. I will make every effort to post and visit. Know that I will be thinking of all of you! Will be gone for about 10 days all told but do hope to visit with you all soon.

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

Bad Haiku Friday

Haven't done this for awhile so thought that I'd use it as a preview for what is to come on our travels this weekend.

We're off to Charlotte Fun,
Family and play
Happy Father's Day!

Wishing all a grand weekend of family and friends. ENJOY!!! Will be back Tuesday!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!!

Sweet Anticipation

This song, a long time favorite of Ron's and really a Keller Family theme song, always heightens my excitement and anticipation for the journeys to be traveled.

Today I was reminded that, starting in June, we will begin one of the busiest vacation summers we have ever undertaken. It will be so busy that we didn't invest in potted summer plants this year because we didn't want the house sitter to have to be responsible for all the plants, too. It is exciting to contemplate these adventures. Yes, indeed, adventures!

Itinerary:

6/5~~To INDY for Lindsey's "Victorian Birthday Tea."

6/19~To Charlotte for Father's Day with the NC Kellers

6/27~To The Woods for Sister Dorothy's 50th Jubilee

7/3~~Off to Montana and Colorado for 10 days visiting Mom and family
Traveling by auto to see this glorious country

8/5~~Flying to Carson City, NV to visit brother, Tom.

I fully intend to cherish this precious time. I am privileged to have this time and I will not waste it.


And so I will close with my "Bad Haiku Friday" offering.

With the journey to begin
The visits soon to be shared
Life filled with goodness

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!