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.

*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***

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."

*** *** ***

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.

***

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.

***

"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

***

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

***

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.

***

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...

***

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.

***

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

***

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".

***

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

"Thanks be to God!"

I Found a Treasure!

While I was looking for my copy of the Collegeville Biblical Commentary for Marianne I ran across this in another of my resource books. What a wonderful surprise. It is my pleasure to share it with you. Wishing all a safe and happy Memorial Weekend.

***

Thanks be to God!

Top o' the Mornin'

What a glorious day it is here today. Just wanted to say, "Good Day" to you all!!!!

***

"May our lives be

illumined

by the steady radiance,

renewed daily,

of a wonder,

the Source of which

is beyond reason.

Dag Hammerskjold

***

Thanks be to God!

The Dance Recital

This last week at work has been a real challenge. Having new "tools" to use and others that must be given up to the new technology have caused me to be tired, frustrated and sometimes, as I was yesterday, just plain sad...SO

><><><><

Last night was Kellie's dance recital. It was a short program, not elaborate, and great fun. It was such a treat to see the talents of each of the kids in the show. It's especially delightful to see how Kellie has improved in all her skills since I first saw her perform as a small child. I reflect on this because this week my oldest grandchild has become a teenager. She continues to bloom, as we are all meant to, into a young lady now on the threshold of young adulthood. These thirteen years have flashed by. And in those thirteen years Kelly has been so very good at entertaining. Singing and dancing and now ,starting next school year, as member of the Memorial High School Marching band as a member of the Color Guard, she will again be sharing with all of us her talent to entertain.

<*><*>

Thank you, Kellie, for all the smiles you bring to others through your beautiful smile and "happy feet", especially to your Grandma.

***

I was allowed to share last night, also, in the world of Laura's "school" life, as some of her students arrived to take pictures of the recital, much to her delight. But that wasn't the only thing I noticed. Not only at the recital, but at the Dairy Queen after, when students of hers are around her she is treated with much respect and she shares in their fun without relinquishing or diminishing her role as teacher and mentor. She was able to cajole and they could respond without fear of reprisal...Was a sight to behold. Makes me wish I could be a mouse in the corner one day to attend one of her classes.

***

Another of those "Christ" moments when I can be aware of his presence in my life.

Thanks be to God!!!

Another Pot of Gold

Gold can be found just about anywhere.

Take one of your favorite books from the shelf

and "re-read" it this week.

As Wes used to say as a very small boy,

"Wouldn't that be a good idea?"

The lost has been found...

I am on a journey. Yes, a journey. And on this journey I have been guided to different sources of reflection and meditation. A couple of years ago I found little book called Set Aside Every Fear, Love and Trust in the Spirituality of Catherine of Siena. I picked up the book in the first place because St. Catherine of Siena is the saint chosen by my parents as my namesake. Knowing of her determination and her wisdom, I wanted to learn from her example. She was advisor of Popes and Bishops and as a woman of her time this was nearly unheard of. She was one of the original "liberated women." And finally, a Doctor of the Church.

It is a book that allows short reflections in which first God speaks to the reader as she begins the day. She is given a verse to reflect on through the day and then at the end of the day she responds in prayer. Well....I have been searching high and low for this book and today it has "been found." In this text is my favorite "reminder" of how we are called to love. And so now, I can share it. too. I hope you will find it, as I have, to be a profound statement of who we are as Christians and how we are called to be Christian.

***

"Love is a debt you owe to everyone."

***

Why is it a debt I owe everyone? Because the salvation of my immortal soul was purchased at a very high price. This verse is profound to me because the debt I incur comes from our Savior, when He gave his life in my name. Yes, in my name. A debt I can only repay by loving as he loves me. I was awakened to the truth that love is no longer passive (saying you love your neighbor), but an ACTION in which we are to participate at all times (finding a means to participate in the sharing of that Divine Love). It is not an easy debt to repay, but then I owe a great deal through the purchase of my salvation by the death and resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ. I have been called to reflect this Easter Season on the ways I must actively participate in my own salvation.

***

Nothing can be more difficult and simple at the same time. Some days the love comes easy and we can smile in the presence of the Lord. Other days we are tested in our love and those are the days when it is most difficult to say "thank you" for the challenge to love in the presence of the Lord. But by reminding myself that I am in the presence of the Lord at all times makes me appreciate even more family, friends and co-workers. Because, on any given day, these are the one who can be the hardest to love.

***

And so in my indebtedness, I say Thank You, Lord, for this day in all its goodness. Thank you for the gift of tomorrow. I get another chance to get it right.

It's GG' s Birthday

I just want to say thank you, Mom. Thank you for the countless dresses you so lovingly made for me. Thank you for the sweaters you have crafted with such love. Thank for being a model of grace, courage, and perseverance.

You offer to others yourself in so many ways and I have been privileged to grow up seeing you share your gifts and talents with others. You are the teacher who taught me to speak the English language and use it with skill, because you knew how important is was to use it well. You taught me to knit, embroider, and sew (though, I know, teaching me to sew was a real challenge). You tried to teach me to swim, though I am sorry to say, without much success. Thank God all my children can swim. You taught me the importance of humor and laughter!! Thank you for the times we have laughed so hard together...

You taught me compassion and caring for others by example. I saw it in how you cared for us as children and as adults. I saw how you cared for others when you would take them grocery shopping. How you cared for the Aunts when they needed you by visiting and doing their laundry. You showed your love in the small things, by cleaning the church, mending cassocks for the priest, laundering the alter linens and crafting rosaries (as you did when I was a child).

You are skilled in listening. That is probably the reason you have so many friends and family who even today, will call you and visit with you.

You, Mother, are a competitor...You LOVE to play games and you enjoy it most when playing with your children and their families...Although, I suspect, if called to be a 4th in pinochle you'd have to pass on a game of Canasta.

Mom, thank you for 82 wonderful years that I will cherish. God blessed me when he allowed me to be your daughter. And GOD BLESS YOU!!!!!

The Gifted With a Talent for Patience

The skill of the craftsmen...
and the work of their hands...

and the talented use of the tools.

The railing is in place and the curios are empty. Won't be long before the carpet is gone. The back bedroom has all the Precious Moment figurines in it and the dining room table has all the cut glass and the Wedgewood. It was so exciting to see the transformation of the the pieces of wood into the railing that Roy and Ron assembled. Not an easy task, as making and putting up the railing requires a lot of patience. "Measure twice, cut once." Roy and Ron worked steadily and with skill. I really admire this in a person as I am not patient by nature. My reflection today even coincides with this lesson in patience.

***

"Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding,

but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly."

Proverbs 14:29

***

Amy Welborn says, "I am not the most patient person in the world, and whenever I am tempted to lose it, I think of the Amish woman at the airport.

*

She was going through security and she set off the alarm. Repeatedly. They ran the wand over her, back and forth, although she assured them she had no metal on her. An still she beeped.

*

Watching this, I was relieved that so much energy was being exerted to protect me from the dangers of fifty-year-old Amish women. But I also had to admire her patience; there was no logical reason to keep examining and searching her, and it was even a little insulting. But through it all, her smile never faded, for as she probably well understood, anger would have accomplished nothing."

***

"Loving God, build up my patience"

***

To that I say, "Amen!" For as long as can remember to smile when my computer at work is not behaving well; I smile when I am reminded often that my computer skills are not yet honed enough on E-Clinical; and I smile when unloading the curio when I'd rather be reading or doing counted cross-stitch, I am trying to emulate the Amish woman realizing there is nothing to be gained in anger. And, too, I smile when I thank God in His patience in loving me.

The Gift of Friendship

The Neighbors

by John Geoge Brown

Rhonda, Fay, Kay, Martha and I have on a number of individual occasions, when we were much younger, joked about growing old together and sitting on the front porch with nothing to do but rock in our chairs and chat. This picture evokes such memories. I first saw this picture at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta when we went to visit Jimmy.

When these dear friends and family and I shared this hope I really did not picture myself as anything but my youthful self sitting on that porch...but then I look in the mirror and the truth is revealed. I may only feel 40 on the inside but on the outside greater "maturity" is revealed.

Why this talk of friendship? I don't think this is Best Friend week, but I could be wrong. I speak of friendship now for a couple of reasons. First, all the above friends no longer live close enough to sit on that front porch, though we do chat. Then, I reflected on what it has been like to have lost a dear friend to death, who you just knew would "live forever", and the void, unfilled yet, by her absence.

Then, last night, Fay and I had a chat. Pete has been very ill again and yesterday they found he has pneumonia. She and I would agree that this was a time when we needed to talk and again we would both agree that somehow I listened to the promptings of the Master to make that call.

On the other hand, I dropped the ball yesterday, when I realized, too late, that I had missed Martha's birthday. OOPs! And only the day before she had sent me a card telling me how thoughtful I am. OUCH! This too will be rectified.

Kay and I, with Allen and Ron along for the ride, will visit soon for a chat over dinner...That's when we do our BEST chatting.

And...then I read this reflection by Henri J. M. Nouwen.

Friends and Their Limitations

We need friends. Friends guide us, care for us, confront us in love, console us in times of pain. Although we speak of "making friends," friends cannot be made. Friends are free gifts from God. But God gives us the friends we need when we need them if we fully trust in God's love.

***

Friends cannot replace God. They have limitations and weaknesses like we have. Their love is never faultless, never complete. But in their limitations they can be sign-posts on our journey toward the unlimited and unconditional love of God. Let's enjoy the friends God has sent on our way."

So now I see that my "front porch" has been replaced by just making sure these special people continue to be a part of my life by simply connecting with them; connecting with those beautiful women with whom I share my faith life every Tuesday evening; bonding with my Bible Study groups and sharing the love of God; meeting or "chatting" with faraway friends whenever the need arises; making those family calls to chat whether online text messaging (which is a lot of fun) or by phone just to hear their voices; and most importantly making sure those "chats" with the Lord, whether in prayer or with your faith community, be on the TOP of our BEST FRIENDS list.

Finally, knowing and accepting that I am not the perfect friend I'd like to be is part of my journey. I forget to say thank you, put off calls I know I should make, and forget birthdays sometimes...but even with these flaws I know I am loved by God and those Dear Friends and Family he has sent to me.

Thanks Be To GOD!!

Another Pot of Gold at the end of the rainbow!

This treasure is call: A Catholic Woman's Book of Days by Amy Welborn. She offers daily meditations that are short and thought provoking. Even bring back memories of times past. Today's was especially personal to me because I have walked in her shoes. How about you?

"A certain Woman named Lydia, a worshiper of God, was listening to us; she was from the city of Thyatira and a dealer in purple cloth. The Lord opened her heart to listen eagerly to what was said by Paul." Acts 16:14

***

Amy says, "None of my babies have been good sleepers. When they're little, I see a lot of the middle of the night. What always fascinates me is the quiet. It's so still that when a train passes on tracks two miles away, it sounds as if it is in our backyard. I suppose this shows me that there's a lot more noise out there during the day than I realize.

When we pray, we may be convinced that we're listening to God. But are we? Or have we just grown so accustomed to the continual drone that we don't even know it's there, muffling, and distorting God's voice? And then we're startled when God's voice resounds like a train through the night, unfamiliar but at last unmistakeable, and we must, like Lydia, open our hearts and listen eagerly.

***

Loving God, help me really quiet myself and listen.

***

I can really identify...4 of the 5 children didn't sleep through the night until they were about 2 years old. And then when the youngest did, I couldn't sleep for fear something was the matter with her. So the middle of the night on many occasions has been a time of prayer for me. I also know that I do indeed talk too much and there are so many times the only time the Lord can get a "word in edgewise" is when I am asleep. Then He wakes me to show me the way...He truly knows the way for us all...We just have to "awaken" to it!!!

National Day of Prayer

Thursday evening there will be a gathering of those coming together, in the Newburgh community, for a celebration of The National Day of Prayer. We will come together at St. John the Baptist to share a meal and then share time in prayer.

I would ask those who read this to come and share in this time of prayer for our Nation and it's leaders.

If you cannot join us, where ever you may be, seek those who will gather in prayer and join them.

Prayer is a lifeline that has in its very being hope that from it will come love, joy, and peace for all peoples and nations, especially those who live within our borders.

Prayers are answered, but only if offered.

God Bless you All!

Pictures from Astronomy Day and some train pics

IT WAS FUN WATCHING ALL "REACHING FOR THE STARS"

Photo of with guest speaker

Nagin Cox from JPL

She worked on the Galileo Mission to Jupiter

Sun spots and solar flares

ALL ABOARD!!!

AND THIS IS THE END OF THE LINE

Weekend Adventure in Astronomy

I've just now had a chance to get to the photos and organize them from last weekend's activity at the Evansville Museum of Art, History and Science. You see they sponsored Astronomy Day. Neil and Roy have been sending rockets into the air since Christmas and Neil is really into astronomy in a big way so we spent the day with Roy and Neil at the Museum. (Lest you think the girls were avoiding us, Kellie had dance and Laura is finishing up her final papers for her MA).

At any rate there was a lot to do. Neil got to see sun spots (and so did I). Drop a raw egg, genly padded with balloons and tape off the museum's 2nd story balcony and find to his surprise it didn't break as others were not so fortunate. Ron was in "heaven" talking astronomy and meteorites ( is giving a talk at the society on them). And the guest speaker had wonderful pictures from Jupiter as she worked on the Galileo project. It was quite a day!!!

And night as Ron, Neil and Roy met with the astronomers to look at the stars and planets...

As an added attraction we spent some time at the train museum, but didn't get to see the LST anchored in the Ohio...That's for another weekend. So here are some pictures I hope you will enjoy.

Computer fatigue!

Cannot tell you how tired I am from thinking, clicking, phoning, clicking, referring, clicking and all without becoming short of breath...because it requires no physical exercise. And yet I am exhausted...Don't have a headache...a brainache (I know there is no such word...in computers there should be!!!) At any rate, I expect I will get a good nights sleep tonoc and start all over again tomorrow...Whew!!! Have LEAPED over some obstacles but when Doc told me he was meeting with the program people tonoc with 4 ( count 'em) 4 pages of questions, I feel another mind boggling experience on the horizon...

You all have a good noc...I will!!!! Tomorrow is a new DAY!!! YEAH!!!

It's Still Time to Celebrate the Resurrection!!

Last week we received an Easter car from a young lady we have sponsored for some years in the Phillippines. Her name is Jenelyn and is now a junior in high school. I just wanted to share her talented art and her lovely picture.

May God continue to BLESS YOU during this HOLY EASTER SEASON!!!

Interesting Response...

The other day I made comment re: Ron's favorite hamburgers and places to eat...Well, as luck would have it I called the Five Guys burger place...Five Boys and that was incorrect...At the same time however I found this interesting blog site because of that person's response to my "blooper".

Soooo...here is his blog site. What he has to say is insightful but he only has two posts... both very good...

Maybe give it a glance: http://movington.blogspot.com

A Gift from a Friend

Wanted to save this in a special place. It is a tribute to my great-aunts Mary and Rose, Great-aunt Ida & Cousin Pat and my Grandmother Lowry. To my mother, Loyce, who daily visits the sick, helps her friends and prays for us all. And finally and most recently to my dear friend Margaret who showed her strength in her battle with cancer.

A STRONG WOMAN VERSUS A WOMAN OF STRENGTH

****A strong woman works out every day to keep her body in shape ... but a woman of strength kneels in prayer to keep her soul in shape...
****A strong woman isn't afraid of anything ... but a woman of strength shows courage in the midst of her fear...
**** A strong woman won't let anyone get the best of her ...
but a woman of strength gives the best of her to everyone...
**** A strong woman makes mistakes and avoids the same in the future... a woman of strength realizes life's mistakes can also be God's blessings and capitalizes on them...
**** A strong woman walks sure footedly ... but a woman of strength knows God will catch her when she falls...
**** A strong woman wears the look of confidence on her face ... but a woman of strength wears grace...
**** A strong woman has faith that she is strong enough for the journey ... but a woman of strength has faith that it is in the journey that she will become strong...

Memories!!!

These are some of the reflections on tragedies I have experienced in my life that did not impact my family immediately and some that did.

The most vivid memory I have of all the tragedies mentioned was in November, 1963. I remember being in Spanish class when the news came about the death of President Kennedy. And tears were shed for days.

But you see this is only the beginning of a long list of moments that touched me.

When the Apollo fire occurred and Gus Grissom and two other astronauts died, I was sitting at my desk in the dorm at Mercy Hospital School of Nursing writing a letter to my Grandmother. My friends and I went to the Chapel, prayed and wept.

Martin Luther King is assassinated and Bobby Kennedy killed months apart my junior year in nursing school. Again we prayed and wept...not just for their families but also for us because we all saw hope for our future in them.

Next when your husband is at officer basic course at Ft. Belvoir, VA and was asked not to wear his uniform off post because of concerns for the safety of military personnel. He is a combat engineer and the only permanent duty battalion at Ft. Ord during the Viet Nam Conflict and he has to escort for ammunition to the mortar ranges at Ft. Ord for fear of attack by those who opposed the war.

I am still touched by all the memories of Columbine because I used to live as child and young adult not far from Littleton and I cried.

911 was a day of disbelief...a group of ladies and I were china painting and could not believe what we were witnessing...there were days of tears and prayers for all who suffered.

We were in CA visiting David and Kelly when the 1st tornado went through our "neighborhood" and Laura and Roy were the last to be allowed into the neighborhood to check on the house. I'll never forget flying over the area as you could see the damage from our plane before it landed.

We were celebrating Christmas in Carson City, NV with my brother Tom and Kathleen. when the tsunami hit..and again we wept.

The next tragedy touched so many of us and again we were not at home but in St. Louis. Laura and Roy were in England this time and heard about the next tornado to go through Newburgh on the BBC. We returned home to what appeared to be a battle zone. Our home was again miraculously spared, but the sheer numbers of those who died as a result of the tornado was staggering. The next day at work one of our patients came in to see the Dr. and also told about the death of her daughter and grandson. Tears flowed with abandon.

Finally, the anxiety of Katrina and its land-fall was a concern as Marianne was in New Orleans on one of her study visits for Lilly...It was so good to hear she was home again in INDY.

But through all these events I have learned many lessons...

1. God WILL provide.
2. You will have friends you never knew you had.
3. Love abounds!!
4. Hugs are always appreciated.
5. Tears are cleansing.

This list is not a complex philosophical lesson...I (we) just need to remember that "God is LOVE" and all else falls into place, even with all the sorrow, anger, and even Hate that can and does emanate from such events...LOVE will prevail...

Thank you to Kelly for suggesting I reflect on these things. We can only grow from the way these events have touched our lives...

Confirmation At St. John's this weekend

I had spoken to friends about Confirmation this weekend at St. John's and those being confirmed are active and very special young people. Then I was reading today's reflection by Henri J. M. Nouwen and it seemed to touch me with a reality of the anticipated celebration to come.

THE SPIRIT WILL SPEAK IN US

"When we are spiritually free, we do not have to worry about what to say or do in unexpected, difficult circumstances. When we are not concerned about what others think of us or what we will get for what we do, the right words and actions will emerge from the center of our beings because the Spirit of God, who makes us children of God and sets us free, will speak and act through us. Jesus says, "When you are handed over, do not worry about how to speak or what to say; what you are to say will be given to you when the time comes, because it is not you who will be speaking; the Spirit of your Father will be speaking in you" (Matthew 10:19-20).

Let's keep trusting the Spirit of God living within us, so that we can live freely in a world that keeps handing us over to judges and evaluators."

I pray for these young Ones, that they will learn to rely on the Spirit. In him is the true source of strenght and wisdom. A true test of learning to "follow the Leader."

Treading Water

Today...the novelty of the computer is wearing out! Took me three times to fax an RX only to find out someone had put the incorrect fax number into the computer...so NOW I'm learning to tread water...Just knowing, though, that what appears to be lost can be found is a real "inspiration"!!! Yes, and there is always tomorrow...(SIGH)

Atlanta in the Spring?

The treat was having pics taken with Jimmy. Was warmer on Saturday. He nearly froze to death on Sunday at the baseball game...

We had a great visit with Jimmy. He took us to the High Museum for the Louve exhibit...Found out our IMA (Indianapolis Museum of Art) membership gave us a discount on the tickets, plus a discount in the book store...At any rate it was a fun day...and we ate well the whole time we were there.

Dad's top five Best Hamburgers ( in no particular order)are now:

Fudruckers, In and Out Burgers, Zestos, Five Boys Burgers, and Red Top Hamburgers ( Colorado Springs)

Five Boys Burgers draw back is they have no T-shirts!!!!

All in all it was a GREAT visit!!!!!

Perseverence Pays Off...

Whew...Thought I'd never get back in here! But...by accident I found out where I was supposed to be...So as Willie ( and GrandpaK) would say "I'm on the Road Again"!!!

It's Never Too Late...

I just read about the legend of the Easter eggs.

"Early Sunday morning, Mary Magdalen when to the tomb to annoint the body of Jesus.
Because she expected it to be a long day, she brought with her a basket of eggs for her lunch.
But, when she arrived at the tomb, Mary Magdalen discovered it was empty, the body of Jesus was gone?
Shocked, she started to set her basket down so that she could better explore the tomb.
But then something caught her eye.

Her white eggs had miraculously turned the colors of the rainbow."

(A legend or a fable is a story that doesn't pretend to be historical, but simply teaches a lesson. The events surrounding the resurrection of Christ gave rise to many legends.)

Knee Deep in the Water

Sounds like the title of a song...Not really, but after a weeks adventure in computers that's about how far I am in the process, knee deep in the water. I don't think I'm "in over my head"yet. I've managed to learn a LOT of tasks in a short time, but there is a LOT more to learn. I heard Professor Higgins (My Fair Lady) singing "She did it. She did it. . .All the time I knew she could (paraphrased) each time is did a task "all by myself". Dr. Kris has nearly all his templates replicated and so far so good. I just have to remember to check my "mail boxes", for lack of a better term, so that I get referrals made and labs done...But still not a bad week.

Thanks for the prayers. All seems well!!!!!

My Dear Friend Is At Peace.

Margaret Stepenson Wallace

September 21, 1931-April 6, 2007

Last night we shared in Margaret memorial service. There was singing and family tales and beautiful scripture readings. I particularly enjoyed "Swing \Low Sweet Chariot." Today though was her final farewell. The funeral Mass was really beautiful. I am reminded of the Lady and Gentleman who first asked Ron and me to help with the Couple's Night Out by helping to serve the dinner. Then followed the Christ Child Ball for the Right to Life. The weekends we work at Mother Teresa's. The week we spent on the road with Margaret and Bill to and from Quebec...Laugh and then laugh so hard you cried. My goodness how I will miss her...especially on those Tuesday nights when we gathered to pray and share our week's experiences in our attempt to be faithful followers of Christ. She is an example to me, much as my mother is, a model of perseverance and faith. Thank you, Margaret!

~~~~~
Thanks be to God!

Easter Picture Gallery

Wally and Duchess waiting for Aunt Mimi's return.

Neil decorating the cookies.

Duchess wants to help color eggs...

You can never have too much help when coloring Easter Eggs...

so everybody pitched in!

Ainsley and Lindsey in their Sunday Best!

He Is Risen! Alleluia!! Alleluia!!

Easter Vigil was as always glorious and awe-inspiring! As we hear the readings in the dark of the church with only candle lit from the newly blessed Easter candle, there is comfort in the midst of my worshipping family.

The time comes when the lights come up and the Gospel is proclaimed..."Peter got up and ran to the tomb, bent down, and saw the burial cloths and; then he went home amazed at what had happened." Luke 24:12

The baptisms, the blessing, the confirmation of my baptismal vows...Glory be to God, Alleluia!!! The Liturgy of the Eucharist sung, the incense, all the senses experiencing to blessedness of the moment, fill me with a longing to be more Christ-like, more compassionate, more caring and loving. A prayer sincerely prayed.

This morning I was privileged to participate in the proclamation of the Word. To see the community of faith up and singing at 7:00 a.m. is in itself a wonderful experience. I always pray that the spirit will guide His words through me to the community. The privilege is in being "used". How often can that be said.

Yes, indeed Christ is risen, Our Lord is truly risen!!!

Happiest of all Easters!!! And the may the Blessings of the Almighty be on you all!!!