Oh,The Miserable Heat

Fred the Frog by Ron Keller, July, 2007

I think Fred, our resident frog, has a good idea in his quest to "beat the heat"! You have to find a shady spot by a pond and then when it gets too hot, take a dip in the water.


As kids in Colorado, when it got hot we'd go out under the shade trees and sit on the blanket and play cards, read a book, and drink Kool-aid Mom made with lemonade (so we didn't get too much sugar) and tell stories. Because of water rationing there were only certain days we could water the lawn and only during certain hours of the day...usually very early in the morning or very late afternoon. That pretty much precluded the opportunity of running through the sprinkler because then it was too cool in the day.


Our basement was the coolest and the "coolest" place in the house. The card table nearly always had a jigsaw puzzle on it to be put together or the ping pong table was up so we could play. Scrabble was always the game of choice when we played games with Mom. That way we could play the game, practice spelling and learn new words at the same time.


Rita and I would play jacks together. Sitting on the cool tile floor was grand and we laughed at MY usual clumsy mistakes. She was so much better at jacks than I was.


In the evenings we would play catch with the baseball or bat around the badminton birdy. OH!! Hide and Seek after dark is the so much fun...as was playing tag!!! We didn't have fire flies in Colorado or you can only imagine how much fun I would have had chasing those!!!


I invite you all to take some time today, in all this heat,to reflect and reminisce about other hot summers and how you entertained yourself. And then if you can...take a tip from Fred! Go take a dip in the pond.

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Thanks Be To God!!

Sunset Over the Colorado in Texas

Sunset over the Colorado in Texas

This was a glorious weekend. What started with anxiety and trepidation ended with a feeling of satisfaction of a job well done. Anxiety because Ron and I had never give a joint presentation before. And with the subject "stewardship" we weren't sure how we would be received. We wanted the presentation to be the work of the Holy Spirit and we hope we have succeeded. That is something we will never know.


The feeling of satisfaction came after the last presentation, not that it was successful but that we had finished the task we had been asked to do with a feeling of having done the work of the Lord. Does that sound hokey? Wasn't this is what "The Seventy-two" were asked to do? And then again we are called to do the work of the Lord everyday.

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"The Summons" ( one of my favorite hymns) asks "Will you come and follow me if I but all your name? Will you go where you don't know and never be the same? Will you let my love be shown, will you let my name be known, will you let my life be grown in you and you in me?"

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I think He just might have been successful with Ron and I this weekend. And to that I say,

THANKS BE TO GOD!!!

The Hope Flowers Bring

Well, I have finally gotten used to the new internet and have just successfully uploaded my first picture, Summer and the lovely flowers. I have always admired the gardener that has a garden that blooms from Spring through Fall. The anticipation of the Spring flowers makes the winter winds seem much less threatening. And so it is that HOPE springs eternal.

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Thanks be to God!!!

What a Grand Summer.

I have been reflecting on the grand time I have had this summer. We've been able to share time with family, first in Montana and then in Atlanta. So with the anticipation of my trip to Austin I wonder how others like to spend their "Summer Vacation"? So if you dare...share with me your favorite summer activities. Thank you.

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Thanks be to God!!

The Summons

Photo by Elisa Mary Pamelia

Of late, Ron and I have been working on a talk we are to give at all Masses the weekend of August 4th and 5th regarding stewardship. I have been in awe of a young lady in our parish, Elisa Mary Pamelia, who decided she would use her photographic talent to help in the purchase of Funeral Vestments, Pall, and Banner for St. John the Baptist Church. She knew she could make a difference. For nearly a year she has been selling note cards with photos of flowers she has taken to pay for this project. Elisa is a Junior at Memorial High School and has been a student of Laura's. Through her diligence she has nearly met her goal, all for the love of God. I would challenge those who think their talents and treasure won't make a difference, to reflect on this young ladie's determination, perseverance and talent. And then ask yourself, "What can I do for my church?"

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"My hope is that the description of God’s love in my life will give you the freedom and the courage to discover . . . God’s love in yours.” Henri J. M. Nouwen (Here and Now, page 175)

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For what we do for our church and it's people is of utmost value. No treasure is too small and everyone's talent is a gift that should be shared as a gift of God's love. Please share it!!!

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Thanks be to GOD!!

I Could Only Laugh...

This morning, as Ron was putting the "super sliders" on the bottoms of the chairs in the living room, I was trying to measure the rug so that we could get the pad for it. I was having trouble maneuvering the measuring tape and I said,"Well, Sam, could you hold this tape still?" I'll be darned if the cat didn't jump from the chair and run over and hold the end of the tape down. And people say cats are selfish and don't want to help? Truth be known, he wanted to play with the tape...batting the end around. And play we did. A little levity is a good thing and really rejuvenating!!!


I had so much energy after we played that I made a nectarine/blueberry cobbler...YUM! YUM!

And Sam took a nap!

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Thanks be to God!

Too Funny NOT to Share

Had to laugh out loud at this one this morning...Most days they aren't this funny or just over my head...I got this one!!!

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Thanks be to God!

Gifts I Want to Save and Share

This morning my e-mail was full of all sorts of "treasures". I want to save them to see again and I want to share them with you, too. So I thought the best wasy to do that is to put them in "A Bit of the Blarney". Please enjoy as I did.


The Watchmaker<*>
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http://www.kids4truth.com/watchmaker/watch.html

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Be with Me by Marian Jones

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http://www.InspiringThots.net/movie/be-w-me.php

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For friends who care and share I say, "Thanks be to God."

This Morning's Reflection

From Archabbot Lambert Reilly's book, Latin Sayings for Spiritual Growth, I gleaned these words.

Casus non datur. ("There is no such thing a chance") St. Thomas Aquinas

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"St. Paul says, 'We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose' (Romans 8:28). Yet sometimes it is difficult to apply this to our lives.

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Once my superior said to me, 'It's not good for you or the monastery for you to be stationed here presently.'

*

Those words hurt me and I resented my new assignment away from the monastery. However, with the passage of time I learned there was something I had to learn and would not have if I had remained in the cloister. Praise God for the exile. Now at last I can say thanks for the directive of the abbot and acknowledge the hand of God working through him.

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Instead of asking why when something happens and giving voice to the atheist in us, we should ask, 'Lord, what do you want me to learn from this?' "

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I must say that I have had more than one opportunity to learn from given situations. Though none seem quite as drastic as Archabbot's experience. I have found that those times of personal growth are those when I asked, "Lord, what do you want me to learn from this?" and I could witness to the lesson in my life.

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Thanks be to God!

Visions of "Summer Vacation"

This morning "Grandpa" was being the "JOKER". Roy and Neil were dropping off Sarah Dog for us to watch while they spend some time in Orlando at that "theme park". Sooo, he dressed up like Clark W. Griswald and sat on the front porch with suitcase and Duchess in hand. Needless to say, we got Sarah and he was not invited to go along on the trip.

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We wish the Ackerman Family, God Speed...and Hug Mickey for Grandma!!!

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Thank be to God!!!

A Weekend in Atlanta

Last weekend was a perfect time to be in Atlanta. It wasn't too hot and the company was grand. Ron and I wanted to go to the High Museum of Art to see the exhibition of the Gates of Paradise by Lorenzo Ghiberti. As it turned out there were only three panels exhibited from these huge doors but they were beautiful just the same.

Then we were joined by the David Keller family minus Mom. Kelly was working on flowers for a wedding this weekend, and we got to visit with the Keller Boys of Charlotte. We had a grand time. Uncle Jimmy is a great host. There was lunch at Fuddruckers...Dinner at Cinco's and the pool and playground in between. We could not have had a better time. Thank you, Jimmy. Thanks to the Keller Clan for coming to see us there....

A fine looking group of men and one lucky woman!!

Three generations of Keller men.

The hamburgers, onion rings and FF's were great but the company was better!!!

Loved the macaroni and cheese!!!!!

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For time spent together, I say, "Thanks be to God!"

The Saga draws to a close.

So the family visited with the Presidents for a while and then made our way to our destination. It was such a nice day at Mt. Rushmore, Ron and I both agreed it was much like being in Colorado...Beautiful blue sky and NO humidity!
Two years after our last visit...

Wes, Annie and the girls.

Lindsey and Ainsley enjoyed posing in the RocK.

Ainsley loves puzzles. This one is of Mt. Rushmore

and she and Uncle Phil put it together.

Just being sister!!

The BIRTHDAY cakE...

and the birthday girls...Birthday, June 15.

Cathy and Mom trying to figure out the knitting pattern.
(and the shawl is nearly finished!)

Our thanks to all who made this vacation trip so much FUN!!!!!

Playgrounds visited on the MT Journey

Let's call this playground hopping. It started in Jellystone Park and we went from there. I have found there is no trip complete without a stop a playground or two...or three.
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Young and old had a grand time at the playground

Found at Megan's old school. School playgrounds bring back fond memories.

GG and Uncle Phil

Annie, Phil and Deb

We just want to see if Dad can really do it!

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Finally, there was ZOO MONTANA!!! It was a great stop for us all !!!

Lindsey, Grandpa and Ainsley

Wee!!!! Higher!!!!

What pretty faces!!!

Just a short break in our photo journey. Will see you soon!!!!!

Finally, I got the pictures downloaded from our journey to Montana. It was a great week. And we were so fortunate to have the use of the Sienna. When Ron contributed to the United Way his name was entered in a raffle and so that is how we got to use it of the week. He WON!!!

Ainsley and Lindsey were real troopers. And considering their ages so were their dad and mom. Lindsey even developed an ear infection that had to be treated the first day of the journey. It was great fun to ride and play with the girls. Annie was our favorite movie although Singing in the Rain ran a close second.

Rapid City has some interesting sights. They have bronze statues of all but seven US presidents on their downtown street corners. (Ron was up early Monday morning photographing not all but most of them. The trick is figuring out who is who.) The dinner at the fire house was a treat for everyone.

Mt. Rushmore was still awesome. The day was glorious and all was picture perfect. The only flaw was one missing grandfather. "He's not with you?" "No, I thought he was with you."

Needless, to say our stay in Billings was wonderful. Got to experience again the life of an active teenage girl and the saga of the parents. Somethings never change. Mother is great. And I finally figured out the knitting pattern that had us both in a quandry. By the way the game APPLE TO APPLE is way tooooo much fun. We also got to celebrate two birthdays while we were there. Lindsey and Megan share the same birthday. Enough said...

Here's some of the pics...

The Jouney to Montana, a photo journel

The Whole Crew!

Aaisley meets Goldie

who is on her way to

The Big Apple

The Fire House

Brewery

Main Street, Rapid City, SD

Everyone said, "cheeseburger"!

Fire personnel

with the Dog!

Ainsley and Lindsey

with President Reagan

Franklin D. Roosevelt

A Time of Reflection

Today, is the celebration of the Birth of John the Baptist. As I was considering the first reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah (IS 49:1-6) and Psalm 139, I was reminded of the following reflection. Sometimes I forget to look on God as my companion, side by side with me in my endeavors. But, gentle nudges bring me home!!! I again take consolation in knowing that my journey has been in the planning for longer than "I am" and because of that I can trust that he will be here 'til the end.

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Excerpt from, Set Aside Every Fear, Love and Trust in the Spirituality of Catherine of Siena.

GOD Speaks...

If you choose me as your companion you will not be alone; my love will always be with you. you will never fear anyone or anything, for you will find your security in me. With me as your companion you will live in the light of faith with hope and fortitude, with true patience and perseverance, all the days of your life. I loved you before you existed, and know this, you can place your trust in my love and set aside every fear. Enjoy my love, live in me and take from me the light of my wisdom. Confront the princes and tyrants of this world with my strength. Take from me the fire of my Spirit and share with all my mercy and my burning love. You are not alone. You have me.

As, I was sitting here preparing this, my dearest friend, Fay, called and told me her Pete had died this morning. Though not unexpected, I'm still surprised at the impact of the words and I know that no matter what words are chosen, a void in all our lives has been made. The impact that one person has made in my life can not be subtracted, cannot be taken away, it is with me always. There was not a time, when I visited with Fay and Pete, that I was not aware of his assurance of who he was. He was soft spoken, but with a presence that would capture your attention. He was well aware of who his "companion" was. And now today he rests in the loving arms of that Blessed Companion. And so like Pete, we are reminded by our Companion, "You have me."

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Thanks be to God!

Report Delay

The spirit is great...the physical is wanting.

Will have to delay sharing about our trip to MT. I have managed to get a HUMONGOUS sinus infection, sore throat and cough...Ron has it, too. The first time in 39 years we have shared an illness. Last noc there was sneezing and coughing in concert...It was laughable even though we felt raunchy! You should have been here. It's really awful when I'm too tired to sit at the computer. Hope we are up and "running" tomorrow when the antibiotics have a chance to "kick" in. As GG said, get the Vicks and inhale! It's times like these when we appreciate family, friends and co-workers who are comforting, compassionate and understanding.

Thanks be to God!!!

This Olde House, From the Beginning to the Near End

It has been suggested that I offer more pictures of the progress of the laying of the hard wood floor. And so from the beginning of the project last Friday night until the work began in earnest on Sunday here are pictures of the day.

Kellie and I stained the base boards and molding while Neil helped lay out the wood for us to stain.

Finally, though not finished, it is nearly complete. Only a few more rows to be put in place tomorrow night and then it will be ready for the finishing work around the doors. That will, however, have to wait until we return from GG's after a week's vacation.

We will be leaving on Friday evening, driving to INDY where we will pick up the rest of the crew, The INDY Kellers, for a driving vacation to MT. Since Ron won the use of a Sienna for a week we thought it a good idea to take advantage of the opportunity to see the North Country by van once again.

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Thanks be to God.

A Fairwell to Weber

From the kitten rescued from the bird's nest in the back yard to her nesting in the Christmas tree every year, until she couldn't climb into it anymore, and finally just curling up under the tree every year in the glow of the Christmas lights, Weber was a singular cat. She didn't play with toys. She was happy just left alone. When guests arrived Weber would make herself scarce and not be seen again until company was gone (not the best hostess but not a nuisance either). She knew how to get your attention when the food dish was empty by batting it around the kitchen until someone would fill it. She didn't like to be cuddled, but when she wanted attention from you she would simply pat you on the arm, sit down next to you in the chair and wait to be petted.

Finally, for lack of wanting to admit it, Weber had gotten old and ailing. So, in the last week we had to agree that it was time to let her go. So this morning, Weber made her last visit to the vet. It was so hard to leave her there, but I just couldn't stay.

I'll miss most her independence and apparent self-reliance. And at Christmas, I'll not have to worry about keeping the tree skirt straight because she has snuggled into it. She was a gift for 14 years and I'm glad she came to nest in our tree. Good-bye Weber.

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"Each friend represents a

world in us, a world possibly

not born until they arrive,

and it is only by this meeting

that a new world is born."

-- Anis Nin

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Thanks be to God

Really beautiful and inspiring...

Mother sent this to me today and I hope when you all visit the sight you will be touched to the heart as I was. Thank you MOM!!

http://www.InspiringThots.net/movie/saucer.php

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Thanks be to God.

One must be careful and not overlook a comment...

Much to my surprise and pleasure I found a post I had overlooked. I'm embarrassed, however, because I did not see it until day before yesterday (It was dated in April).

Her name is Sr. Mary Anne. She is a member of the same community as Sr. Julie. the author of "A Nun's Life" blog. I had offered a comment on one of the topics and used Sr. Gilchrist Conway as an example. This just show small the world has become.

Sr. Mary Anne and Sr. Gilchrist worked serving the poor at the Catholic Worker http://www.catholicworker.org/ in New York City that summer thirty years ago. Sr. Gilchrist shared her adventures with us when she returned to Oklahoma where she was part of a team of Sisters of Providence, including Sr. Dorothy Rasche and Sr. Mary Maloney.

Sr. Gilchrist had a real call to be a missionary. She lived in conditions that summer that sounded appalling. And as she told us, with rats as big as dogs, and God's knowledge of her tremendous fear of them she was sure he was caring for her. She told us of daily waking and working to feed the poor. Donations of food came in and other donations were sought. But at the end of the day after feeding those hungry among them there was nothing left for the next day. At that point, I remember asking, didn't they buy things on sale and put them away so they would be sure to have stock to start again the next day? Sr. Gilchrist simply said, "Cathy, this is what we do. We trust that God will provide for tomorrow." At that time I was the mother of four small children and anxious to be sure there was enough to take care of us. It was a gentle reminder, I often recall, that God is first and He takes care of us all.

Sr. Gilchrist's missionary journey does not end there as she traveled to Bolivia and ministered to those people there. Two weeks before her return to the States, Sr. Gilchrist died in a flash flood. But she died in the service of our Lord. She is missed even now. Her cheerful smile, the glorious flute she played, and most of all the laughter she brought to us all when she would share a Bit of the Blarney.

Wish I could visit with Sr. Mary Anne as I'm sure she and Sr. Gilchrist had marvelous adventures that summer working in the service of the Lord. I am grateful to these women who have touched my life and those of my family.

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Thanks be to God!!!

This Olde House...

Welcome to the state of organized chaos. You can find parts and pieces of the living room in almost every room in the house. Reminds me of the remodeling of the Bicknell house. This, however, will not take as long to remodel. Ron had already removed all the wall paper from the hall and entry. It is amazing how bright the room has become...

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Then Saturday evening the carpet came up. That was not a difficult task. EVERYONE was happy to help get IT out of the house. (Part of it sits on the curb, even as we speak, to be picked up by the garbage collectors this morning.) There were staples to remove and the floor to be swept. Wooden plugs to be put into the base of the railing and all was set for the next big task. It seems there is nothing, once again, that can stop the "wrecking crew". We just missed the contributions of the other two members that could not be here.

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And through it all the kids seemed content to stay out of the way!!!

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Ron and Wes painted the walls of the living room. And today Ron is taking the first step in the "laying of the floor". He's cutting the piece that will connect the dining room to the living room. Come again and visit "this olde house".

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And in gratitude to the one who gives all, we say,

"Thanks be to God!"