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!

True Heart Award

"Those who receive this award are of the sweetest nature. They are kind, friendly, funny, loving, eager to share their love for Jesus with others, and brave in their efforts to reflect Him to this darkened world. They are the kind of folks you're blessed to know, even if it's only in the bloggy-sphere."

I am sincerely humbled by this gift given by Jennifer at My Chocolate Heart. And so I offer this award to those who have been models for me along this Blogging Journey. This is only a few of those who have touched my life.


1) Esther at Catholic Mom in Hawaii
2) Ann at Poetry, Prayer and Praise
3) SuzyQ at Sailing by Starlight
4) Lisa at Are We There Yet
5) Mrs. Pogle's World
6) Bia at La Dolce Vita: my life with three sons
7) Abbey at Abbey's Road
8) Deb at UKOK's Place
9) Sojourner at A Catholic Notebook
10) Tracy at a Catholic Mom in Minnesota

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

Friendly Accolades

In the last week I have been privileged to be awarded distinguieshed awards. I will continue with the award that Abbey at Abbey's Road extended to me.

"This is how the award works: This award is bestowed on to blogs that are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award."

The award also asks that I tell 7 "random" things about myself. There probably isn't much I haven't already said about myself but I will do my best.

They are:

!) I dislike summer in IN. It's HOT and HUMID. Having been born and raised in CO where the altitude is high and the air is dry, this is AWFUL! (It was 59 in Denver this early a.m. It was 72 here!)

2) I like the music of CCR, the Beach Boys, Jim Croche, Benny Goodman, Frank Sinatra, and Billy Joel.

3) My favorite old movies are mysteries like Charlie Chan, Sherlock Holmes and the Thin Man. (Kellie, my grand daughter has spent enough time with me that she likes to watch them too.)

3) My favorite television show is on PBS. It's Mystery and this next few weeks they are airing newly produced Agatha Christi movies.

4) My youngest son will be married in December, 2009. And my 10th grandchild will be born in October, 2009.

5) 41 years ago in July Ron I were married and our honeymoon was overnight in Aspen. Wish we could go back again, but in 1969 none of the celebrities had found it yet and is was much less expensive to stay there.

6) Seeing the Grand Canyon was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. If you don't believe in God before you visit there, surely you will find Him while you are there.

7) This year on our numerous travels we hope to have visited everyone in the family including our brothers and sisters as well as all the kids. Thanks be to God!!!!

To those who have who touch my life nearly daily I offer this award:

1) Marcy at Blessing Each Day

2) Bernie at On My Own

3) Sue at In Him We Live and Move and Have Our Being

4) Cathy at From the Field of Blue Children

5) Sue at Made for Joy

6) Angie at Sonflower

7) Kim at Falling On His Grace

8) Laura at Catholic Teacher's Musings

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Wash Day

My friend Maggie has gifted me with this "little ditty." Please enjoy as I did!

~*~

Monday Wash Day

Lord, help me wash away all my selfishness and
Vanity, so I may serve you with perfect humility
through the week ahead.

Tuesday Ironing Day

Dear Lord, help me iron out all the wrinkles
of prejudice I have collected through the years
So that I may see the beauty in others.

Wednesday Mending Day

O God, help me mend my ways so I will not
Set a bad example for others.

Thursday Cleaning Day

Lord Jesus, help me to dust out all the many faults
I have been hiding in the secret corners of my heart.

Friday Shopping Day

O God, give me the grace to shop wisely so I may purchase
eternal happiness for myself and all others in need of love.

Saturday Cooking Day

Help me, my Savior, to brew a big kettle of brotherly
Love and serve it with clean, sweet bread of human kindness.

Sunday The Lord's Day
O God, I have prepared my house for you. Please
come into my heart so I may spend the day and the
Rest of my life in your presence.

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Trek to the Biltmore

We had some more fun last weekend. We took a trip to Ashville, NC to visit Biltmore House

Grandpa and Dad get the kids
settled in the car.

Then we follow the leader.

It's a really good picture of the Clan.

The boys are off to get their hands wet in the fountain

And as we drove to the winery
we passed the garden.

Will have to return just to do the garden walk.
It was a lovely experience and a grand way
to celebrate
Father's Day!

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