Sunday, July 19,2009

Here are the logs for the Friday and Saturday of our trip.

Friday, day 3 in the motor home

We started out this morning with a walk through Talkeetna. Talkeetna was the inpiration for the town in Northern Exposure. Lots of little shops with lots of hand-made stuff. In one shop I found hand-made soap which the owner made. It was fun to talk shop with her. In one shop I found some soap bars packaged as end lots. They had a tag that said “Moose Stakes.” It was a cute way to sell off the odds and ends, but it was $18 for the pound bag - and it was melt and pour soap.

We left Talkeetna and headed north for Denali. We got here about 5:00 our time. We signed up for a 10 hour tour tomorrow. At the RV park there were books that you could take and exchange. I will have some reading material for the tour. (Anna, I finished the Randy Alcorn book - you got me hooked on a new author). Right now I am reading a biography on Sarah Palin. It is fascinating. It’s cool to read about places she lives and works. The feelings towards her are mixed. The Alaskans we’ve talked to think she’s great, but the people from out of state say that the Alaskans are mad at her. Hmmmmmm.

We’ve been looking for Mt. McKinley, but I’m thinking if you have to ask yourself, “is that it?” it probably isn't. Mt. McKinley was originally called Deenaalee - meaning “Tall One.” I can’t remember who it was that changed the name to McKinley. The park itself remains “Denali.”

It’s really windy up here tonight. Our motor home is overlooking a very steep drop to a river. Makes me a little nervous.

Tomorrow we leave the visitor center at 6:45 for the tour. We need to pack a lunch and drinks.

No internet here so you won’t get this in a timely fashion.


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Saturday, July 18, day 3 in the motor home

We got up this morning at 5:45 to take a bus tour through Denali National Park. I was a little cynical about taking such a long bus ride (10 hours) but it went really fast. We got a lot of great shots of Mt. McKinley. Our bus driver was Cissy McDonald. She reminds me a lot of Chris McCarthy. Our bus mates were really cool. There was an Eastern Indian family from Texas - 16 of them. There was another family traveling together who were Philippino, and also from Texas. There were assorted other people too, but these were the people we talked to the most.

We saw the back end of a moose (Dad saw the whole moose). Dad also saw a couple of “bear” rocks. There were Dall Sheep, but I didn’t see them. We saw caribou, ground squirrels, and a grizzly bear with her cubs. We saw bald eagles and golden eagles. We had breathtaking scenery for the whole trip. The road was cut into the side of a mountain. The plane ride didn’t scare me, but the view from our bus window sure did.

In Alaska, the state flower is the Forget-me-not, but the most plentiful flower is the Fireweed. Fireweed appears when there has been a fire or some kind of disturbance to the land.

After the tour we headed north and are now in an RV park in Nenana. The couple who own it are really nice - Judy and Larry. They live in Florida except for tourist season when they run this place. Judy is making her first quilt so we had a nice talk about quilting. She said there is a quilt shop - Northern Threads- in Fairbanks. You can bet that’s on my list of must-sees.

Be sure and check our photo bucket page for some shots from today.

Saturday, July 18, day 3 in the motor home

We got up this morning at 5:45 to take a bus tour through Denali National Park. I was a little cynical about taking such a long bus ride (10 hours) but it went really fast. We got a lot of great shots of Mt. McKinley. Our bus driver was Cissy McDonald. She reminds me a lot of Chris McCarthy. Our bus mates were really cool. There was an Eastern Indian family from Texas - 16 of them. There was another family traveling together who were Philippino, and also from Texas. There were assorted other people too, but these were the people we talked to the most.

We saw the back end of a moose (Dad saw the whole moose). Dad also saw a couple of “bear” rocks. There were Dall Sheep, but I didn’t see them. We saw caribou, ground squirrels, and a grizzly bear with her cubs. We saw bald eagles and golden eagles. We had breathtaking scenery for the whole trip. The road was cut into the side of a mountain. The plane ride didn’t scare me, but the view from our bus window sure did.

In Alaska, the state flower is the Forget-me-not, but the most plentiful flower is the Fireweed. Fireweed appears when there has been a fire or some kind of disturbance to the land.

After the tour we headed north and are now in an RV park in Nenana. The couple who own it are really nice - Judy and Larry. They live in Florida except for tourist season when they run this place. Judy is making her first quilt so we had a nice talk about quilting. She said there is a quilt shop - Northern Threads- in Fairbanks. You can bet that’s on my list of must-sees.

Be sure and check our photo bucket page for some shots from today.
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v210/amadeus4313/Alaska%202009/

the password is visitor

Friday, July 17, 2009

Here are the logs I have sent the kids so far.

Monday - Sitka
Today we docked in Sitka. At this port there is no dock. The ship is anchored and then we get on small boats called “Tenders” which ferry us to the mainland. It’s about a 10 minute ride. We boarded ours at about 8:30. When we came on deck, there was a girl selling boat tours to see whales, puffins, sea lions, hopefully a bear or two. We didn’t see bears, but we saw lots of the rest of the stuff. Our tour guide took us inside the magma chamber of an old volcano. The tide was low and we could see orange and purple starfish on the “cave” walls. The were sponges and anemones in layers of colors - pink, purple, red. It was really cool. Unfortunately we only got them on the flip video because the batteries in Dad’s camera died.

After the fishing boat tour went to a drug store for ice cream. Earlier in the day we had been there while waiting for our fishing boat tour. We watched them make their own waffles for the waffle cones. We had our ice cream in those handmade waffle cones. After that we watched a Russian folk dancing group at a nearby museum. It was really great. Then we crossed the street to the Russian Orthodox Cathedral. It is a beautiful church.

We got back to the ship at about 3:00. Jean didn’t join us for dinner. She overdid things a bit and needed a rest. Dave, Dad, and I shared a table with a couple from Florida. They were very interesting to talk to.

Dad’s getting ready to head down to the black jack table. I am reading a great book and I think that’s what I’ll be doing tonight. Tomorrow morning we have a disembarking meeting. It’s hard to believe that tomorrow is the last full day of the cruise. Today was our last port of call.

Love you all,

Mom
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Tuesday: No Port of Call - 36 hours of sailing
As I write this, we are near the glaciers. I just saw a beautiful ice blue glacier outside the window of our state room.

I started off today by packing my stuff. I like to get that out of the way and not have it hanging over my head. At 10:00 this morning we went to a presentation on disembarking. Tomorrow the cruise is over. It went by at lightening speed.

After the presentation we went to the “up close magic show” and Dad learned some cool tricks that I bet he can’t wait to show you.

Tonight we have to have our large suitcases tagged and outside our door to be picked up after midnight. The rest we will carry. We will probably mail home our used clothes the day before we head home. That way we will have room for any stuff we collect along the way.

Melisa, the duffel bag you loaned us will become a carry-on for the trip home.

We will probably get on tonight and try and send some glacier pics to you.
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Wednesday - - Anchorage

We got up at our wake-up call - 4:30 - and ate breakfast in the dining room. We shared our table with Margaret and Tom, and with Dorcas and Bud - both couples were from California. We were told we would be disembarking at around 9:00. We got back up to our room around 7:30 and Dad just happened to hear an announcement outside the room. They were calling our group to disembark. We headed off the ship for the last time and boarded a bus that would take us to the airport in Anchorage.

At the airport we collected our bags and waited at the departure terminal for our ride from ABC Motor Home Rentals. While we were waiting, we witnessed two prisoners accompanied by wardens who would be flying out. When they emerged from the van they were wearing yellow jumpsuits with "Prisoner" printed on the back. They were handcuffed and then they were chained. Next they were dressed in jackets that hid the "Prisoner" and their handcuffed hands. It was interesting to say the least.

We spoke briefly with a young couple from Ireland who had just returned from a motor home trip. The general consensus seems to be that Denali is cool - Fairbanks sucks.

We went to the motor home rental place and picked up our wheels for the duration of the trip. We tried to call Sarah Sparks, but got their answering machine. Hopefully we will be in touch with them soon.

Next we went to Fred Meyer (sp?) - a lot like Meijer’s at home. Stocked up on food and headed to the Laundromat. In the mall was a JoAnns. We also passed a Michaels. We went to McDonald’s to see if we could connect there, but they charge $2.95 plus tax for 2 hours. Not bad considering what we paid on the ship, but we didn’t want to hang around McDonald’s for 2 hours. After leaving McD’s we went to the Native Alaskan museum but got there just as they were getting ready to close.

As I write this we are in the motor home and the generator is charging. Dad is going to check to see if there is a charge for internet access here. If so, you will get this in a timely manner. If not, it will be old news. LOL!

Love the pictures of Maddie. You guys CAN email us. We may not see it right away, but a note when we can would be really great.

Okay, Dad just came back. We signed up for a day for $10.00. Cool beans. However, it is midnight where you are so you won’t see this until you wake up.
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Thursday - Day 2 in the motor home

Traveling in a motor home is interesting to say the least. We started today with a shower.
Okay, do you all remember the scene from Everybody Love Raymond where they are in Italy and he is taking a bath and his old aunt comes in and starts washing him with the handheld shower? It’s pretty much like that without the bathtub. Well, there is a bathtub, but I wouldn’t call it that. The attached pic makes it look a lot bigger.

We talked to Sarah Sparks this morning. We will probably stop by and see her next Monday. We got on the road at about 9:00 this morning. Our first stop was at the Mat-Su Valley visitors center. Dad wanted to see the research farm but it is no longer operational. They used to grow 18-20 pound cabbages, 160 pound watermelons, 300 pound pumpkins because of the long hours of daylight. While he was talking inside, I went outside and explored the grounds. There was a beautiful memorial to the area vets. I was also able to connect this morning so you got a short email.

After leaving the center, we went to the Iditarod Headquarters. It was quite interesting. For ten dollars a person, you could ride on a sled for a quarter mile. We passed on that. There was a really cool video about Lance Mackey, cancer survivor and 3 time Iditarod winner. I took Dad’s picture with his dad who was also an Iditarod winner.

We went to lunch at a Mexican restaurant. The owner would break out in song every few minutes or so. The food was really good.

From there we went to the Wasilla museum. There is a quilting group that meets there. The picture I’m sending is of a quilt that one of the members pieced and and quilted. We saw a lot of antiques and another video of the Iditarod. This one was much more interesting because you got to see the race up close and personal from the viewpoint of the “mushers.” It just so happens that Sarah Palin’s mother-in-law works there as a volunteer. Remember I told you we had Mexican for lunch? It came home to roost just as Mrs. Palin was coming down to leave. I was making a beeline for the bathroom so there went my chance to meet her. Darn!!!

From there we headed out to find a campground for the night. Had to stop for ice cream of course.

And that brings us here in Talkeetna where we are getting ready to turn in for the night.

So far we have been lucky to have access. When we get to Denali, we probably won’t, but then I didn’t expect to have it as much as we have.

Up here in Alaska there is 18 ½ hours of daylight per day. The weather is like June back home.
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I will be back to my regular blogging schedule when we return home.

blessings to all!

Tuesday, July 7, 2009 - Happy Birthday, Beeps!

Well, here I sit in the Grand Rapids airport waiting to board for my first flight ever. I think the thing that was stressing me out was the packing and check-in process. So far everything has gone well. I am actually able to connect here in the airport. I couldn't get it to work yesterday. I don't know how often I'll be able to get on during the trip, but for now I'm golden. :)





Tuesday of the Fourteenth week in Ordinary Time
Today the Church celebrates : St. Pantaenus, Father of the Church, (+ c. 216)
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 9:32-38.

As they were going out, a demoniac who could not speak was brought to him, and when the demon was driven out the mute person spoke. The crowds were amazed and said, "Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel." But the Pharisees said, "He drives out demons by the prince of demons." Jesus went around to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and curing every disease and illness. At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest."

Sunday, July 5, 2009

Yesterday was one of those days that is totally great from start to finish! The day began with a trip down to Nina and Jamie's house. I road down with Anna, Kelli, and baby Madison. Nina made a fantastic meal of bake barbecue chicken, hot dogs, steamed vegetables, and corn on the cob. Anna brought coleslaw and eclair cake. Jamie's mom and grandma were there. Sam and Harold came a little later because they went fishing in the morning. We all had a great time eating and visiting. We had to leave earlier than I would have liked because I had to head back to Alma for 4:30 Mass.

After Mass, Harold, Anna, and I headed to Mt. Pleasant for the fireworks display. We went to Kohl's on the way to get Harold some shirts and pants for Alaska. I bought an outfit too, and some other things I need for the trip.

We met Sam, Kelli, and baby, and Kelli's parents Gary and Jan in the big field south of the casino. It was fabulous. We could see 3 different fireworks shows.

Word of the day:
Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Today the Church celebrates : St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria, Priest (1502-1539)
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Mark 6:1-6.

He departed from there and came to his native place, accompanied by his disciples. When the sabbath came he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished. They said, "Where did this man get all this? What kind of wisdom has been given him? What mighty deeds are wrought by his hands! Is he not the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?" And they took offense at him. Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house." So he was not able to perform any mighty deed there, apart from curing a few sick people by laying his hands on them. He was amazed at their lack of faith. He went around to the villages in the vicinity teaching.

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Happy Birthday, America!!!!

Word of the day:
Saturday of the Thirteenth week in Ordinary Time
Today the Church celebrates : St. Elizabeth of Portugal (1271-1336)
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 9:14-17.

Then the disciples of John approached him and said, "Why do we and the Pharisees fast (much), but your disciples do not fast?" Jesus answered them, "Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast. No one patches an old cloak with a piece of unshrunken cloth, for its fullness pulls away from the cloak and the tear gets worse. People do not put new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise the skins burst, the wine spills out, and the skins are ruined. Rather, they pour new wine into fresh wineskins, and both are preserved."


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Thursday, July 2, 2009

I was up way too early this morning. Once I wake up, I don't go back to sleep.

I was AWOL yesterday. I am trying to get our two computers to connect through the card that Anna installed. I still haven't pinpointed the problem although the connection icon is now green. I'm guessing that means I'm a little closer. Harold has discovered online auctions and computer access has been a bit of a bone of contention lately. He swears he's not becoming an internet junkie, but I know the signs. LOL!


Word of the day:
Thursday of the Thirteenth week in Ordinary Time
Today the Church celebrates : St. Bernardino Realino, Priest (1530-1616
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 9:1-8.

He entered a boat, made the crossing, and came into his own town. And there people brought to him a paralytic lying on a stretcher. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Courage, child, your sins are forgiven." At that, some of the scribes said to themselves, "This man is blaspheming." Jesus knew what they were thinking, and said, "Why do you harbor evil thoughts? Which is easier, to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Rise and walk'? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins" --he then said to the paralytic, "Rise, pick up your stretcher, and go home." He rose and went home. When the crowds saw this they were struck with awe and glorified God who had given such authority to human beings.


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Tuesday, June 30, 2009

How quickly June went by! In a week we leave for Alaska. I'm nervous about being away from home so long, but I'm sure the time will fly by.

Word of the day:
Tuesday of the Thirteenth week in Ordinary Time
Today the Church celebrates : 1st Martyrs of Rome (+ 1st century)
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 8:23-27.

He got into a boat and his disciples followed him. Suddenly a violent storm came up on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by waves; but he was asleep. They came and woke him, saying, "Lord, save us! We are perishing!" He said to them, "Why are you terrified, O you of little faith?" Then he got up, rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was great calm. The men were amazed and said, "What sort of man is this, whom even the winds and the sea obey?"


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Monday, June 29, 2009

Word of the day:
Saint Peter and Saint Paul, apostles - Solemnity
Today the Church celebrates : Saints Peter and Paul - Solemnity
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 16:13-19.

When Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" They replied, "Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter said in reply, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." Jesus said to him in reply, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."

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June 27, 2009

The heat is finally starting to let up. I have a couple batches of grubbies to make today to fill an order. I also have to package some simmer scents. It's hard to get into any kind of groove until after Alaska.

The kids stayed over on Thursday night and we all watched Evening Primroses open. I never watch Evening Primroses without thinking of my mother-in-law. Agnes used to love to watch them open every night during the summer. She had thousands of them on the west side of her house. After all the flowers were open, the humming birds would come. We spent many summer evenings across the road watching the primroses open.

I spent the day with Clay and Claire yesterday. We went to Penney's to return an item and Claire entertained everyone by throwing her arms around Clay and declaring "I love you my big brudder." Then she thought it would be fun to wrestle. Then she decided she had to go potty, but all she really wanted was to check out the bathrooms. On the way out of the store she got down on all fours and decided it was time to "extercise." Claire is what my dad used to call "a little hambone."

After that we headed over to the St. Mary's treasure sale where each of them were allowed to pick out 2 things. Claire got a plastic Minnie Mouse and a Blues Clues stuffed dog. Clayton got a stuffed tiger and a wicker pumpkin with a ghost in it (so he could decorate his bedroom for Halloween.) While we were at St. Mary's we went into the church to pick up a folder I needed. Clay thought it was quite cool that we were "sneaking into the church with nobody there."

Next we headed over to Miss Dottie's to deliver an order. Dottie helped us out at a couple of craft shows and took her payment in product.

We got home in time to make lunch for Grandpa. Then it was naptime.

We had pizza with Sam and Kelli last night and I got to spend some quality time with our newest granddaughter. She's a real cutie. Her looks change a little every day.

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Saturday of the Twelfth week in Ordinary Time
Today the Church celebrates : , , St. Cyril of Alexandria, Bishop and Doctor of the Church (+ 444), St. Lasdilas, King (1041-1095)
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 8:5-17.

When he entered Capernaum, a centurion approached him and appealed to him, saying, "Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, suffering dreadfully." He said to him, "I will come and cure him." The centurion said in reply, "Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed. For I too am a person subject to authority, with soldiers subject to me. And I say to one, 'Go,' and he goes; and to another, 'Come here,' and he comes; and to my slave, 'Do this,' and he does it." When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, "Amen, I say to you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith. I say to you, many will come from the east and the west, and will recline with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the banquet in the kingdom of heaven, but the children of the kingdom will be driven out into the outer darkness, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth." And Jesus said to the centurion, "You may go; as you have believed, let it be done for you." And at that very hour (his) servant was healed. Jesus entered the house of Peter, and saw his mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever. He touched her hand, the fever left her, and she rose and waited on him. When it was evening, they brought him many who were possessed by demons, and he drove out the spirits by a word and cured all the sick, to fulfill what had been said by Isaiah the prophet: "He took away our infirmities and bore our diseases."

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Friday, June 26, 2009

So much going on in the news. Three celebrities left us this week. All three deaths are sad in their own right, but I think we would all agree that Michael Jackson's was the most tragic. Here is a man who never seemed comfortable in his own skin. Never seemed to know who he was. Immensely talented no matter what you thought of him personally. Such a waste. Farrah, a figure of strength and grace in dealing with her battle. Ed McMahon - his passing the end of an era.

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Word of the day:
Friday of the Twelfth week in Ordinary Time
Today the Church celebrates : St. Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer - Priest, Founder of Opus Dei - (1902-1975), SS. John and Paul, Martyrs
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 8:1-4.

When Jesus came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him. And then a leper approached, did him homage, and said, "Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean." He stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, "I will do it. Be made clean." His leprosy was cleansed immediately. Then Jesus said to him, "See that you tell no one, but go show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them."

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Got a call this morning from my favorite little 4 year old. "Gramma, can we visit you today?" He and Claire will be spending the night tonight so Mommy can have a head start on garage sales tomorrow morning.

It is 80 degrees already this morning. Harold turned on the basement fan so the laundry room is at least bearable. That's where I will work today.

I got all of the cantor music ready for when I'm gone. I need to finish up the tapes today.

Yesterday I pulled out our luggage for Alaska to measure it and make sure it is within the size limits. It is. So I am claiming the bigger suitcase - sorry Harold.

I made a batch of Lemongrass candles yesterday. I am testing one today. Mmmmmmm. I hadn't thought about using the scent in candles, but a friend requested it so I had to try it. It's a very nice light fragrance. Not sweet like lemon meringue, more like an herbal kind of scent. Today it's my favorite.

Thursday of the Twelfth week in Ordinary Time
Today the Church celebrates : St. William of Vercelli
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 7:21-29.

Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name? Did we not drive out demons in your name? Did we not do mighty deeds in your name?' Then I will declare to them solemnly, 'I never knew you. Depart from me, you evildoers.' Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock. And everyone who listens to these words of mine but does not act on them will be like a fool who built his house on sand. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. And it collapsed and was completely ruined." When Jesus finished these words, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as their scribes.

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Wednesday, June 24, 2009

I woke to another hot humid day. I don't think Harold even bothered rigging the fans today. I put one fan downstairs to pull up the cool air and then put another fan at the top of the stairs to pull it into the laundry room.

I've been making ice like crazy. Harold took a lot of it with him this morning. Hopefully the next batch will be frozen when that batch is gone.

Yesterday I got a lot of cleaning done. The bedroom, living room, and kitchen look great. Today I tackle the laundry room and get all of the music and tapes for church ready.

I found out last night that Harold's cousin and his wife will be on the same cruise that we will be on. That will be fun having someone we know on the cruise with us for the week.


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Word of the day:
The Nativity of Saint John the Baptist - Solemnity
Today the Church celebrates : The Nativity of St. John the Baptist - Solemnity
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke 1:57-66.80.

When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her. When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child, they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, but his mother said in reply, "No. He will be called John." But they answered her, "There is no one among your relatives who has this name." So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called. He asked for a tablet and wrote, "John is his name," and all were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God. Then fear came upon all their neighbors, and all these matters were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea. All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, "What, then, will this child be?" For surely the hand of the Lord was with him. The child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the desert until the day of his manifestation to Israel.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Another hot and humid one. We again have fans rigged up all over the house.
I will be making another batch of candles today. I think I'll probably start on the Harvest Home candles for this fall. Today I will grunge the jars. That's a fun job

I'm more than a little concerned about this whole health care thing that is being broadcast from inside the White House. All opposing voices will be silenced, no ads, no rebuttal. So much for transparency. Apparently there was an anti-smoking bill signed yesterday. The government wants to tell us how to live, yet our president smokes quite a bit. Cognitive dissonance? Do as I tell you, not as I do?


Word of the day:
Tuesday of the Twelfth week in Ordinary Time
Today the Church celebrates : St. Etheldreda, abbess (7th century)
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 7:6.12-14.

Do not give what is holy to dogs, or throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them underfoot, and turn and tear you to pieces. Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. This is the law and the prophets. Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many. How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few.

Monday, June 22, 2009

Well, it looks like summer has arrived. I'm not sure we ever really had Spring, did we? Do we have Spring in Michigan anymore? Seems like we go from cold to hot without much transition. After a "walk/jog" I have lots to do. Today is Prayer Quilt day, but I don't think I'll be staying very long. I made a quilt top that I'll stay and get sandwiched so I can bring it home and put on the binding. I have a lot of cleaning to do before we leave for Alaska.

Afternoon update:
I actually got all of the laundry done - washed, not put away.
I did about an hour of decluttering in zone 4
Made a batch of Eucalyptus candles
Made a batch of kitchen soap
I'm headed to the craft room to work on stockings.

Word of the day:
Monday of the Twelfth week in Ordinary Time
Today the Church celebrates : St. Thomas More, St. John Fisher, Bishop and Martyr (1459-1535)
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 7:1-5.

Stop judging, that you may not be judged. For as you judge, so will you be judged, and the measure with which you measure will be measured out to you. Why do you notice the splinter in your brother's eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me remove that splinter from your eye,' while the wooden beam is in your eye? You hypocrite, remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter from your brother's eye.

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Sunday, June 21, 2009 - Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's day to all of the dads out there. This is indeed a very special Father's Day for one young man. Our son, Sam, became a father last Monday. Little Madison, who was due June 28, decided that she wanted to be here to share Father's day with Sam and Kelli! At this moment I'm guessing that Sam and Kelli are getting little Maddie ready for her first trip to church. Exciting times!

Word of the Day
Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Today the Church celebrates : St. Aloysius Gonzaga
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Mark 4:35-41.

On that day, as evening drew on, he said to them, "Let us cross to the other side." Leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat just as he was. And other boats were with him. A violent squall came up and waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was already filling up. Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion. They woke him and said to him, "Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?" He woke up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Quiet! Be still!" The wind ceased and there was great calm. Then he asked them, "Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?" They were filled with great awe and said to one another, "Who then is this whom even wind and sea obey?"

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Immaculate Heart of Mary - Memorial
Today the Church celebrates : Ss Alban, Julius and Aaron
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke 2:41-51.

Each year his parents went to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover, and when he was twelve years old, they went up according to festival custom. After they had completed its days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. Thinking that he was in the caravan, they journeyed for a day and looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances, but not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions, and all who heard him were astounded at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, "Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety." And he said to them, "Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?" But they did not understand what he said to them. He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart.

Friday, June 19, 2009

I managed to get something accomplished yesterday. I finally got all of the laundry put away. I packed the honey, oats & milk soap, the berry pickin', the country apple, and the olive oil. Got a little bit of straightening done down in the craft dungeon. I've been sadly remiss in the making of Christmas stockings.

I worked on a friend's afghan last night - her grandson is getting married in October. Years ago she went to Ireland brought back some Irish wool that has been sitting in my closet all that time.

I made a chicken pot pie for Sam and Kelli yesterday and of course I had to run it over there and take a peek at Madison. Daddy was just coming out of her room and informed me that she had smiled at him. I tiptoed in and brushed my finger across her cheek and was rewarded with a smile too. :)

I finally got all of my bases covered at church for when we go on our trip. Now I just have to make tapes for the cantors and make sure all the music they need will be in the folders.

Today Clay and Claire are coming to spend the morning and to eat "peanut-jelly sammiches" for lunch.

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Clay and Claire got here about 10:00. We went across the road to pick a surprise for Mommy.


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Hmmmmmm, What do you think of this?



The good Brigadier General was much more polite than I would have been.




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Word of the day:
The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus - Solemnity
Today the Church celebrates : St. Juliana Falconieri, (1270-1340), St. Romuald
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 19:31-37.

Now since it was preparation day, in order that the bodies might not remain on the cross on the sabbath, for the sabbath day of that week was a solemn one, the Jews asked Pilate that their legs be broken and they be taken down. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and then of the other one who was crucified with Jesus. But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs, but one soldier thrust his lance into his side, and immediately blood and water flowed out. An eyewitness has testified, and his testimony is true; he knows that he is speaking the truth, so that you also may (come to) believe. For this happened so that the scripture passage might be fulfilled: "Not a bone of it will be broken." And again another passage says: "They will look upon him whom they have pierced."


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Thursday, June 18, 2009

Totally swamped today. Finished recording the solo tracks on the CD. We are all getting very excited about this. It sounds wonderful!!!

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Thursday of the Eleventh week in Ordinary Time
Today the Church celebrates : St. Elizabeth of Schoenau, St. Gregory Barbarigo, Bishop and Confessor (1625-1697), Sts. Marcus and Marcellianus, Martyrs (+286)
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 6:7-15.

In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask him. This is how you are to pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and do not subject us to the final test, but deliver us from the evil one. If you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.


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Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Today our newest little Tweetlebug comes home from the hospital. I'm headed up to find a pink stork.

Then tonight we finish up the recording of the CD by dubbing in the solo tracks of one of the choir members.

Lots to do in between those times!

Word of the day:
Wednesday of the Eleventh week in Ordinary Time
Today the Church celebrates : St. Avitus, Abbot,
Ss Teresa and Sancia of Portugal
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 6:1-6.16-18.

(But) take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father. When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win the praise of others. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, so that your almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you. When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners so that others may see them. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you. When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites. They neglect their appearance, so that they may appear to others to be fasting. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you may not appear to be fasting, except to your Father who is hidden. And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you.


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June 16, 2009

Still basking in the glow of a new grandbaby! She looks a lot like Sam did when he was born, but I can see Kelli there too!

I have a band concert tonight. But before then I have a ton of work to do, so I had better get to it!

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Tuesday of the Eleventh week in Ordinary Time
Today the Church celebrates : St. John Francis Regis, priest (1597-1640)
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 5:43-48.

You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have? Do not the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brothers only, what is unusual about that? Do not the pagans do the same? So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.

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Monday, June 15, 2009

Oh, I just happened to glance at the time. I am up really early this morning. I mis-read the alarm clock. Looks like it's going to be a gorgeous day!!!!

UPDATE:
Okay, now for the reason I was up so early. Sam called to tell us that he had taken Kelli to the hospital. It seems that little Miss Madison Marie did not want to wait until June 28!






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Word of the day:
Monday of the Eleventh week in Ordinary Time
Today the Church celebrates : St Aurelian

Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 5:38-42.

You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil. When someone strikes you on (your) right cheek, turn the other one to him as well. If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic, hand him your cloak as well. Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go with him for two miles. Give to the one who asks of you, and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow.

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Sunday, June 14, 2009 - Happy Flag Day

Our little buddies stayed over last night. They love to come and take a bath in our tub and sleep in our bed. It won't be long until they're too big for that. Clay is starting school in the fall. The time has gone by way too fast. They just left to go fishing with Mom and Dad.

Not much planned today. The family is celebrating the 90th birthday of a relative, but I have Mass so I won't be able to go. I think I'll make some candles today. And work on some Christmas presents.

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Word of the day:
The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi) - Solemnity
Today the Church celebrates : SS. Vitus, Modestus and Crescentia, Martyrs
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Mark 14:12-16.22-26.

On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, when they sacrificed the Passover lamb, his disciples said to him, "Where do you want us to go and prepare for you to eat the Passover?" He sent two of his disciples and said to them, "Go into the city and a man will meet you, carrying a jar of water. Follow him. Wherever he enters, say to the master of the house, 'The Teacher says, "Where is my guest room where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?"' Then he will show you a large upper room furnished and ready. Make the preparations for us there." The disciples then went off, entered the city, and found it just as he had told them; and they prepared the Passover. While they were eating, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them, and said, "Take it; this is my body." Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, and they all drank from it. He said to them, "This is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed for many. Amen, I say to you, I shall not drink again the fruit of the vine until the day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God." Then, after singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Well, did everyone survive the switch from analog to digital? We actually lost some channels, but I think it's because our antenna needs to be adjusted.

I opened my first email of the day from a dear friend with a lovely message for the day! Thank you, Teresa.

Harold brought home our list of do's and don'ts for packing for Alaska. That makes me a little less nervous.

There's a show on the radio this morning about overcoming self-doubt. I think self-doubt is the most insidious of obstacles. It paralyzes us, causes us to second guess ourselves, keeps us from being all that we can be. We all deal with those little voices in our heads that tell us we can't do something.

And not all of the voices are in our heads. Often other people are right there harmonizing with those negative thoughts. People who have no interest in doing what you do are more than happy to tell you how you are doing it wrong. It's easy to let those voices rule your life.

Sometimes it isn't even what someone else says, but what he or she doesn't say that speaks volumes. The show I'm listening to interviews several people with various techniques for dealing with those negative voices that try to bind us. One woman talks about "morning pages." This is something I've used in the past when I was trying to finish a book I was writing. I call it free writing or stream of consciousness. What you do is write whatever comes into your head. It may be the same word over and over or it may be a stream of unrelated phrases that pop into your head that seem to have no rhyme or reason. I used to set a timer, this woman says to write 3 pages. The object is to override the inner critic. It really is a powerful tool and I got out of the habit of doing it when I took a second job. I may return to it. Lately I have been experiencing a lot of self doubt. It seems like there are critics at every turn and it can be depressing.

Today I am choosing to ignore those who don't seem to be able to find anything positive to say. That kind of thing is contagious. Below is one of my favorite songs that seems to embody the whole "negative voices" dilemma.



Word of the day:
Saturday, 13 June 2009
Saturday of the Tenth week in Ordinary Time
Today the Church celebrates : St. Anthony of Padua, Priest and Doctor of the Church (1195-1231)
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 5:33-37.

Again you have heard that it was said to your ancestors, 'Do not take a false oath, but make good to the Lord all that you vow.' But I say to you, do not swear at all; not by heaven, for it is God's throne; nor by the earth, for it is his footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. Do not swear by your head, for you cannot make a single hair white or black. Let your 'Yes' mean 'Yes,' and your 'No' mean 'No.' Anything more is from the evil one.


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Friday, June 12, 2009

Well folks. Today we switch from analog to digital. I don't know about you, but we have digital TV and we lost some stations. The ones we get are nice, but still. It's probably our antenna which we just replaced and which isn't the right kind, but which we will not replace again just on principle.

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Friday of the Tenth week in Ordinary Time
Today the Church celebrates : St John of St. Fagondez, priest (+ 1479)
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 5:27-32.

You have heard that it was said, 'You shall not commit adultery.' But I say to you, everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one of your members than to have your whole body thrown into Gehenna. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one of your members than to have your whole body go into Gehenna. It was also said, 'Whoever divorces his wife must give her a bill of divorce.' But I say to you, whoever divorces his wife (unless the marriage is unlawful) causes her to commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

If you see Sabina Miller today - wish her a Happy Birthday!

Last night's recording session went better than I could have dreamed. We did the whole thing in just over 2 hours. That is amazing to me because among those gathered were several people who have moved out of the area. To have a gathering of friends this big and be able to focus on the job at hand was nothing short of miraculous. Trink and Carrie came in just after we started. There were lots of prayers, lots of tears, and a whole lot of love in the church last night. Henry Kubin, our recording technician did a fantastic job. He played some of the recording through our sound system so we could hear it. The choir has never heard themselves before so they never really had any idea of how they sound as a group. Henry gave me some of the session on CD and even unprocessed I was impressed at how everything sounded. There is a very good chance that we will even come in under budget. I can see many instances during this whole process where God has clearly held us. We will be selling the CD, but that wasn't our main purpose in doing this. We wanted to pay tribute to John who was truly a saint on earth and who gave so much to the parish he loved. We miss him, but we also know that he joins in our song with the Communion of Saints.



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June 11, 2009
Memorial of Saint Barnabas, Apostle
Gospel
Mt 5:20-26

Jesus said to his disciples:
"I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that
of the scribes and Pharisees,
you will not enter into the Kingdom of heaven.

"You have heard that it was said to your ancestors,
You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment.
But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother
will be liable to judgment,
and whoever says to his brother,
Raqa, will be answerable to the Sanhedrin,
and whoever says, 'You fool,' will be liable to fiery Gehenna.
Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar,
and there recall that your brother
has anything against you,
leave your gift there at the altar,
go first and be reconciled with your brother,
and then come and offer your gift.
Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court with him.
Otherwise your opponent will hand you over to the judge,
and the judge will hand you over to the guard,
and you will be thrown into prison.
Amen, I say to you,
you will not be released until you have paid the last penny."