Mardi Gras or Shrove Tuesday...

Tradition. My years are filled with earthly and spiritual traditions. They are welcome landmarks along the journey.

Here are just a few that I'd like to share.

MARDI GRAS

Mardi Gras is said to have come to the New World in 1699, with a Canadian explorer named Pierre LeMoyne d'Ibersville, who founded the colony in Louisiana.

D'Iverville's father had been an indentured servant when he arrived in Canada and grew wealthy in Montreal. His son, Pierre, distinguished himself as a soldier during efforts to keep the English our of the Hudson Bay area. Soon, the French asked him to find the mouth of the Mississippi River along the gulf and to establish a fort there.

On March 3, 1600, d'Iverville landed on the shores of the Mississippi near the Gulf. He name the spot Point de Mardi Gras, in honor of the holiday being celebrated that day in France.

PANCAKE DAY

For Catholics in some regions of the world, the day before Ash Wednesday is Pancake Day. Some suggest that serving pancakes on this day became a popular way to use up fat, butter and eggs before Lent got underway.

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In England, a Pancake Day Race has been held on this day before Lent for over 500 years--begun allegedly when a woman cooking pancakes heard the church bells summoning her to services. In her hast, she rushed out of her house still holding her frying pan.

From the Little Black Book 2009/2010

Please share your traditions. How do you prepare for Lent?

Tomorrow the Lenten Journey begins in earnest. Inviting you to be a companion on the Journey to Calvary.

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

Beautiful picture courtesy of Holly at Banner Haus.

Presidents' Day

Happy Presidents' Day
~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!

Happy Valentine's Day

It brings comfort to have friends
in whatever happens.
Saint John Chrysostom

It has occurred to me after all these years that this "LOVE" celebration is not or should not be solely for "lovers." It is a celebration of friendship. For it is my opinion that lovers should be friends.

It is said very well in Ecclesiastes 4:9-10.

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for thier work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up!

So to all my friends I say Happy Valentine's Day and...

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

Bad Haiku Friday

The bird's chirping
Outside my window he sings
He, too, wants Spring.

~*~*~^j^~*~*~
Thanks be to God

Now it's time to visit Laura at Catholic Teacher's Musing for her Bad Haiku Friday!!! Please join in the fun...It's grand!


Thank you to:
Artist of picture (unknown)
and
Graphic by Peniwigs

Tea Talk

"There is a right time for everything."
Ecclesiastes 3:1
The Living Bible

This morning it is really COLD!!! It is a perfect morning to warm myself with a cup of hot, aromatic tea. Join me, won't you?

I'm having...Good Earth tea. It is naturally sweet with the flavor of cinnamon and spice. It warms my whole being.

My teacup is... is a mug I have as a reminder of a wonderful weekend shared with a daughter-in-law. Often the vessel from which I drink reminds me of times cherished and remembered. It is also at this time that I remember family and friends in prayer.

I'm feeling... glad that this week has been a treasure in which quiet time has been restful!

I found this wonderful recipe in the book A Tea For All Seasons by Mary Pielenz Hampton.

She writes.

"The cookie, of Scottish origin, lives up to its name. Make these as a reminder that while time may be short, it can be very sweet if we learn to appreciate the beauty of the moment."

Melting Moments

1/3 cup butter
1/3 cup sugar
1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg
1/14 cups self rising flour
about 1/3 cup quick-cooking rolled oats or lightly crushed flakes

Preheat oven to 375 degrees

In a medium bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and egg and neat well. Fold in flour until well mixed.

Make batter into 1-inch balls (about 1/2 tablespoon of batter) and roll in quick-cooking oats or corn flakes.

Place balls on greased baking sheet and make for about 10 minutes or until tops are light golden and and bottoms are very lightly browned. Coll briefly on baking sheet then remove to wire rack to cool completely. Makes about 2 dozen (recipe can be doubled). Melting Moments nice with a ginger or almond-flavored tea.

Now it's time for you to visit Ruth at Celebrate Friendship is hosting Tea Talk at her house. I'm wishing all a grand day!

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

Hope of Spring

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Still playing with a new software and OLD pics...Wishing all well!!

The Song Birds of Winter

It was snowing when I went to bed last night I knew to what I would awake. But much to my surprise I did not expect to awaken to this and song birds I captured on video.

Much to my chagrin, the movie I had hoped to upload was alas too long so it could not be added. But if you want to see a pretty cool picture of birds visit Mrs. Poogle's World. It will be fun! I have to try again later.

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

Mosaic Monday

It's Mosaic Monday again! Only just got the new camera yesterday. Only doing some clicking, nothing artistic (Me? Artistic? NOT!) Just having fun with this Canon PowerShot.! I had fun with Duchess. She seems to love having her picture taken. New because she used to look away from the camera not too long ago! At any rate enjoy today!!! Another treasure offered and accepted.

Please visit Mary and The Little Red House. Her pictures are grand and so are the pictures of others!

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

Celebrating Friendship

When I say good morning I mean to say:

G-od
O-ffers us His
O-utstanding
D-evotion to

M-ake us
O-bedient &
R-eady for a
N-ew day with Him.
I-nspire others, and
N-ever forget
G-od loves you!

And so it is that I write to my dear friend, Kay. She is the one who offered me this pleasant Good Morning. We have been friends for, oh, so many years. She has been there for me in good times and bad. During the mourning and the celebrations. Providence brought us together over 30 years ago.

Dear Kay,

For all the times you have been there for me I want to say, Thank You! You are a most compassionate and caring lady. We have laughed so hard we cried. You have been a true "sister" to me, someone in whom I could confide. I also know that I can always rely on your forthrightness and honesty.

I have wonderful memories of shopping and picnics and bonfires. There was Keller's Corner on Labor Day, the parade and the eating and community we shared. There are trips to the State Fair and sitting in the grand stand watching your kids show their cattle. There is nothing like being with friends and celebrate life with them and in many ways you have offered me the most memorable celebrations!!!!!

My dear friend this note is to tell you how very much I appreciate you and love you!! May God bless you always, my dear friend!

Cathy

~~~^j^~~~
And for all my Friends I say,
"Thanks be to God!"

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

Bad Haiku Friday

My Friday just doesn't seem the same if I don't write a Bad Haiku! So here is this Friday's offering.

Peanut butter and
Kids clamoring for sandwich.
On white bread or wheat?

No jelly but jam
Can bring smiles to their faces
With a glass of milk.

If you have the chance stop by Catholic Teacher's Musings and join in the fun. Laura is a gracious host!Wishing all a Happy Peanut Butter Sandwich Friday!!!

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