Sunday, January 31, 2010

I unmolded my new grubby candle last night. It turned out beautifully. It is a little bigger than my other small pip grubby, but it still fits in the pan. I can't put potpourri around it, but it looks very pretty.
*******Afternoon update
Well, I have concluded my week of Apple Jack 'n Peel. I made a flameless grubby and a double batch of jar candles. The soap is curing. Next week I move on to Berry Pickin'.

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Word of the day:
Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Today the Church celebrates : St. John Bosco, Priest (1815-1888) - Memorial
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke 4:21-30.

He said to them, "Today this scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing." And all spoke highly of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They also asked, "Isn't this the son of Joseph?" He said to them, "Surely you will quote me this proverb, 'Physician, cure yourself,' and say, 'Do here in your native place the things that we heard were done in Capernaum.'" And he said, "Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place. Indeed, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah when the sky was closed for three and a half years and a severe famine spread over the entire land. It was to none of these that Elijah was sent, but only to a widow in Zarephath in the land of Sidon. Again, there were many lepers in Israel during the time of Elisha the prophet; yet not one of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian." When the people in the synagogue heard this, they were all filled with fury. They rose up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town had been built, to hurl him down headlong. But he passed through the midst of them and went away.

Saturday, January 30, 2010

This week starts Catholic Schools Week so I will have St. Mary's school kids helping me with the music at Mass. They are always fun to work with - very enthusiastic!

My new pip grubby electric candle mold came today and I have already poured one in Apple Jack 'n Peel. I can't wait to see how it turns out. It is a little bigger than the other mold I had. Monica (my favorite mold maker) said she could make me a deer mold. I can't wait to see how that turns out!

I am starting a new project on my other blog come Monday

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Word of the day:
Saturday of the Third week in Ordinary Time
Today the Church celebrates : St. Bathildes, Queen (c. 634-680)
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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Friday, January 29, 2010

I had mass with the kids this morning.  I stayed after to work with some of those who will be serving at Mass this week.  Sunday is the beginning of Catholic Schools Week.  

I made Apple Jack 'n Peel soap last night.  I tend to work with one scent at a time.  This week it is apple jack.  Today I made some clamshell votives, an electric grubby, and a flameless tealight.  I am systematically going through my inventory and getting it ready for our 2 spring shows.  I also measured the rest of my hard oils.  I started on the liquid oils but ran out of avocado so I get a break from measuring oils until that comes in.  I try to do 20 soap batches at a time.  That lasts me about 1-2 months depending on how often I make soap.

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Word of the day:
Friday of the Third week in Ordinary Time
Today the Church celebrates : St. Gildas the Wise, Abbot (6th century)
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Mark 4:26-34.

He said,"This is how it is with the kingdom of God; it is as if a man were to scatter seed on the land and would sleep and rise night and day and the seed would sprout and grow, he knows not how. Of its own accord the land yields fruit, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. And when the grain is ripe, he wields the sickle at once, for the harvest has come." He said, "To what shall we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable can we use for it? It is like a mustard seed that, when it is sown in the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on the earth. But once it is sown, it springs up and becomes the largest of plants and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the sky can dwell in its shade." With many such parables he spoke the word to them as they were able to understand it. Without parables he did not speak to them, but to his own disciples he explained everything in private.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

We are almost at the end of January - amazing!
My little Clairy bear is on the way down. Be back later.

Afternoon update:
Clairy and Grandpa are taking a nap. Clayton is crafting. And I dug out my bread machine and am making some Flax and Sunflower Seed Bread. I haven't made homemade bread in ages. I'm not even sure if the bread machine still works, but we'll see. Oh, and my oil came today so I will be measuring it out later.

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Word of the day:
Thursday of the Third week in Ordinary Time
Today the Church celebrates : St. Thomas Aquinas, Priest & Doctor of the Church (+ 1274) - Memorial
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Mark 4:21-25.

He said to them, "Is a lamp brought in to be placed under a bushel basket or under a bed, and not to be placed on a lampstand? For there is nothing hidden except to be made visible; nothing is secret except to come to light. Anyone who has ears to hear ought to hear." He also told them, "Take care what you hear. The measure with which you measure will be measured out to you, and still more will be given to you. To the one who has, more will be given; from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away."

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Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Today I have the sad task of playing for a funeral for the father of someone who is like a daughter to me. Angela's dad was only 51 years old.

I am actually going to work out for the first time in - sheesh, I don't know how long. The last time I remember working out was the day that of the Fort Hood shootings because I was listening to my radio while jogging.

I stopped in at Walmart last night on the way home from RCIA. It was dead in there. I guess January is a re-group for everyone. I am letting my Ebay listings expire until next fall. Today I need to repour some duds and I want to melt down some projects from early in our business. Funny how the things you think are so cool look just plain awful years later. Kind of like hairstyles and fashion trends. Today, if my soybean oil gets here, I will be measuring some more oils. Ugh!

Oh, on Monday we were supposed to get our wireless internet installed. Today is Wednesday and no wireless internet in site. We have cell phones people! A little communication would be nice.


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Word of the day:
Wednesday of the Third week in Ordinary Time
Today the Church celebrates : St. Angela Merici, Virgin (c. 1470-1540)
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Mark 4:1-20.

On another occasion he began to teach by the sea. A very large crowd gathered around him so that he got into a boat on the sea and sat down. And the whole crowd was beside the sea on land. And he taught them at length in parables, and in the course of his instruction he said to them, Hear this! A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Other seed fell on rocky ground where it had little soil. It sprang up at once because the soil was not deep. And when the sun rose, it was scorched and it withered for lack of roots. Some seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it and it produced no grain. And some seed fell on rich soil and produced fruit. It came up and grew and yielded thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold." He added, "Whoever has ears to hear ought to hear." And when he was alone, those present along with the Twelve questioned him about the parables. He answered them, "The mystery of the kingdom of God has been granted to you. But to those outside everything comes in parables, so that 'they may look and see but not perceive, and hear and listen but not understand, in order that they may not be converted and be forgiven.'" Jesus said to them, "Do you not understand this parable? Then how will you understand any of the parables? The sower sows the word. These are the ones on the path where the word is sown. As soon as they hear, Satan comes at once and takes away the word sown in them. And these are the ones sown on rocky ground who, when they hear the word, receive it at once with joy. But they have no root; they last only for a time. Then when tribulation or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. Those sown among thorns are another sort. They are the people who hear the word, but worldly anxiety, the lure of riches, and the craving for other things intrude and choke the word, and it bears no fruit. But those sown on rich soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit thirty and sixty and a hundredfold."

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Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Today I have Madison and Claire. Claire and I have done the Wii fit and the Just Dance. Madison found that rather boring and fell asleep. Claire didn't like the dancing. Now she wants to clean the kitchen.

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Word of the day:
Saint Timothy and Saint Titus, bishops - Memorial
Today the Church celebrates : Ss Timothy and Titus, Bishops - Memorial
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke 10:1-9.

After this the Lord appointed seventy (-two) others whom he sent ahead of him in pairs to every town and place he intended to visit. He said to them, "The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest. Go on your way; behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves. Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals; and greet no one along the way. Into whatever house you enter, first say, 'Peace to this household.' If a peaceful person lives there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you. Stay in the same house and eat and drink what is offered to you, for the laborer deserves his payment. Do not move about from one house to another. Whatever town you enter and they welcome you, eat what is set before you, cure the sick in it and say to them, 'The kingdom of God is at hand for you.'

Monday, January 25, 2010

Today was a Maddie day so I didn't get a chance to get on earlier. Made another batch of Raspberry Jasmine Spice soap last night. Two batches down, 5 to go. Haven't gotten any oils measured yet. Hopefully Wednesday afternoon. Finished up my last order for the time being - that went out the door about an hour ago. I'm still waiting to hear from my mold maker as to whether she can do the deer mold for me.

Found a really good deal on some clamshell votive packages. I can't wait to try the out. I also ordered some more fragrance oils and some more jars. Now if my soaping oils hold out, I should be good for supplies for a while.

Evening update:
Well, I decided to at least start with measuring the oils. Have I mentioned that measuring oils is my least favorite part of soapmaking? I measured out enough coconut oil for 20 batches of soap. I am hoping that my remaining oils are enough for 20 batches even though I know that they're not.

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Word of the day:
The Conversion of Saint Paul, apostle - Feast
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 25 January
Today the Church celebrates : The Conversion of St Paul, apostle - Feast
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Mark 16:15-18.

He said to them, "Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned. These signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will drive out demons, they will speak new languages. They will pick up serpents (with their hands), and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them. They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover."

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Kind of a glum looking morning out today, but then it IS January. My soap batch is looking good. It has a couple of oily spots where the color is. I think I added the soap to the colored oil too soon - it hadn't traced. That will soak in, so it's no problem. I only have 3 buckets of measured oils left so soon I am going to have to begin measuring oils - not a fun job which is why I do a lot of batches at once.

Have had absolutely no Ebay sales since Christmas. I was toying with the idea of listing on Etsy, but I can't seem to warm up to Etsy. Besides, during our rush I kept looking forward to having time to re-stock so that I'm not cut short next year. Plus, we have two shows in April. I think I have enough to keep me busy.
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Word of the day:
Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 24 January
Today the Church celebrates : St. Francis of Sales, Bishop and Doctor of the Church (+ 1622) - Memorial
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke 1:1-4.4:14-21.

Since many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the events that have been fulfilled among us, just as those who were eyewitnesses from the beginning and ministers of the word have handed them down to us, I too have decided, after investigating everything accurately anew, to write it down in an orderly sequence for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may realize the certainty of the teachings you have received. Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news of him spread throughout the whole region. He taught in their synagogues and was praised by all. He came to Nazareth, where he had grown up, and went according to his custom into the synagogue on the sabbath day. He stood up to read and was handed a scroll of the prophet Isaiah. He unrolled the scroll and found the passage where it was written: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord." Rolling up the scroll, he handed it back to the attendant and sat down, and the eyes of all in the synagogue looked intently at him. He said to them, "Today this scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing."

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Saturday, January 23, 2009

Well, another mold bit the dust. This one I replaced because it was a small grubby electric mold and the mold maker for this one uses excellent silicone. These things are expensive so I am not real happy with the other moldmaker who is now out of business. Guess we know why, don't we? I have contacted my favorite mold maker to ask if she can duplicate it for me. We shall see what we shall see.

I just finished making an electric grubby for an order. While I was down there I did a little more decluttering. I also packaged up our donation for the Silent Auction at the St. Mary School Mardi Gras fundraiser.

I just put the soup on for dinner. I made one of our corn bread mixes to go with it. It's handy having my own little country store right here in the house.

Evening update:
We are donating soap for the gift bags for the participants of "Girls on the Run."
We will be packaging up 350 half bars of raspberry jasmine spice. That's 7 batches of soap. I don't want to burn out on that fragrance so I am starting now. I made a batch tonight and it turned out beautifully.

I haven't heard from my mold maker yet. I really hope she can duplicate the deer head mold. It was one of my favorites.

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Word of the day:
Saturday of the Second week in Ordinary Time
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 23 January
Today the Church celebrates : St John the Almoner, Patriarch of Alexandria (+ c. 620)
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Mark 3:20-21.

He came home. Again (the) crowd gathered, making it impossible for them even to eat. When his relatives heard of this they set out to seize him, for they said, "He is out of his mind."

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Friday, January 22, 2010

Well, it's been a fun couple of days. I had a colonoscopy yesterday which means that on Wedesday I was on a clear liquid diet with a host of colon cleansing cocktails. A day like that is never fun, but if one has blood sugar issues, it is worse. I had a terrible headache all day long. The only thing that made it bearable was that my three little cutie bugs were here and that made the day go faster. Yesterday, after getting home, I just slept all day. Today I feel great. No sore throat, no headache, not much of a cough left so I think I am on the homestretch. I did get behind in my orders. The Wildlife Grubby that I poured the other night pretty much finished off my mold. It ripped and the nose of one of the deer broke off as I was unmolding it. The customer opted to take it anyway since I offered her a $10.00 price reduction. There are 2 deer on that candle so I set the bulb with the injured deer to the back where it won't be seen. I can't replace the mold because I don't think the mold maker is in business any longer. I'm going to try to rubber band the whole thing together and see if I can pour another one.

Today I have Mass with the kids and then I need to come home and finish writing out my very late thank you notes from Christmas. I also have a liturgy meeting at 3:30. I don't know why I bother to read the documents. The rule of the day seems to be "let's see what we can get away with." What's wrong with just being obedient? These new enlightened theologians think they have all the answers. It never occurs to them that the Church existed long before they came on the scene and maybe, just maybe, there is something for them to learn.

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Word of the day:
Friday of the Second week in Ordinary Time
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 22 January
Today the Church celebrates : St. Vincent, Deacon and Martyr (+ 304)
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Mark 3:13-19.

Jesus went up the mountain and summoned those whom he wanted and they came to him. He appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) that they might be with him and he might send them forth to preach and to have authority to drive out demons: (he appointed the twelve:) Simon, whom he named Peter; James, son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James, whom he named Boanerges, that is, sons of thunder; Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus; Thaddeus, Simon the Cananean, and Judas Iscariot who betrayed him.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Today is a Maddie day. I love Maddie days. It is definitely a challenge to get her to keep her socks on, though.










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Word of the day:
Tuesday of the Second week in Ordinary Time
Today the Church celebrates : St. Canutus, King of Denmark and Martyr (1040-1086)
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Mark 2:23-28.

As Jesus was passing through a field of grain on the sabbath, his disciples began to make a path while picking the heads of grain. At this the Pharisees said to him, At this the Pharisees said to him, "Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the sabbath?" He said to them, "Have you never read what David did when he was in need and he and his companions were hungry? How he went into the house of God when Abiathar was high priest and ate the bread of offering that only the priests could lawfully eat, and shared it with his companions?" Then he said to them, "The sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath. That is why the Son of Man is lord even of the sabbath."

Sunday, January 17, 2010

It is said that there is no loss without some gain. As the death toll mounts in Haiti it is hard to believe that there is any gain. But there are news reports of people donating millions of dollars, of people going down to Haiti to help in the rescue, recovery, and relief effort. I think the true measure of a people is not how they live when times are good, but how they respond when times are trying. As I was watching the reports on the devastation I couldn't help but think "where would a person even start with helping?" And I feel admiration for those who are stepping up and digging in. It is gratifying to see politics put aside and to see 2 former presidents from differing political parties join together to help those in need. Whether you are a Democrat or a Republican it is uplifting to see those labels set aside and former presidents William Clinton and George W. Bush pitching in to help a people in need. My only sadness is that it sometimes takes a tragedy like this to get people to work together.

Yesterday I went down to the Cathedral for a rehearsal for the Rite of Election and Chrism Mass. These are the two diocesan events that I haven't missed in over 15 years. Things have changed down at the Cathedral. There is no organist. Sr. Chris is directing and accompanying by herself. It can sometimes be a thankless job. I'm not sure what's going on with the personnel changes in the diocese. I have heard some rumors, but that is all they are. I do know that the Smoke of Satan still drifts over the Church and while Satan is a foe defeated, he is not yet dead and he will take as many with him as he can. 'Nuff said.

I was encouraged that I could actually sing yesterday. My voice broke a lot, but it's a definite improvement from the last few weeks.

I have several website orders to fill this week. That's a good thing. One lady ordered a Wildlife grubby. I haven't poured one of those in ages. I can't wait!


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Word of the day:
Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Today the Church celebrates : St. Anthony the Abbot, Patriarch of Monks (251-356)
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 2:1-11.

There was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the wedding. When the wine ran short, the mother of Jesus said to him, "They have no wine." (And) Jesus said to her, "Woman, how does your concern affect me? My hour has not yet come." His mother said to the servers, "Do whatever he tells you." Now there were six stone water jars there for Jewish ceremonial washings, each holding twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus told them, "Fill the jars with water." So they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, "Draw some out now and take it to the headwaiter." So they took it. And when the headwaiter tasted the water that had become wine, without knowing where it came from (although the servers who had drawn the water knew), the headwaiter called the bridegroom and said to him, "Everyone serves good wine first, and then when people have drunk freely, an inferior one; but you have kept the good wine until now." Jesus did this as the beginning of his signs in Cana in Galilee and so revealed his glory, and his disciples began to believe in him.

Friday, January 15, 2010

Never got on here yesterday. It was a Maddie day and she is cutting teeth. It was a snuggle day. Out early this morning for prayer service and errands. Back later.

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Word of the day:
Friday of the First week in Ordinary Time
Today the Church celebrates : St. Paul, the first Hermit (+ 342)
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Mark 2:1-12.

When Jesus returned to Capernaum after some days, it became known that he was at home. Many gathered together so that there was no longer room for them, not even around the door, and he preached the word to them. They came bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. Unable to get near Jesus because of the crowd, they opened up the roof above him. After they had broken through, they let down the mat on which the paralytic was lying. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Child, your sins are forgiven." Now some of the scribes were sitting there asking themselves, Why does this man speak that way? He is blaspheming. Who but God alone can forgive sins? Jesus immediately knew in his mind what they were thinking to themselves, so he said, "Why are you thinking such things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Rise, pick up your mat and walk'? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins on earth"-- he said to the paralytic, "I say to you, rise, pick up your mat, and go home." He rose, picked up his mat at once, and went away in the sight of everyone. They were all astounded and glorified God, saying, "We have never seen anything like this."

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

I woke this morning to the news of the earthquake in Haiti. Those poor people. So much suffering already and then this on top of it. We have a diocesan priest who is down there. Many years ago our parish welcomed a missionary priest Fr. Glenn Meaux who is also down there. Please pray for the people of Haiti.

Today we take down the Christmas decorations in the church. It is a huge job, just a little less taxing than putting things up. I am hoping there will be people there to help us. I can't count the number of times I have heard "you need to get more people to help you." Yet the people who tell us that are never the ones who show up to help. The other problem is that we have moved this to during the week and most people have to work. I think we need to go back to doing this after Mass on Sundays. Most people are willing to stay and help for at least a few minutes after Mass and that can make a huge difference. We dropped the ball on that one.

I am going to have to sneak over to the doctor's office some time today. My throat is hurting again and I am not getting much sleep due to hacking all night long. During the day I don't feel too bad, but the continued sore throat - especially after a course of antibiotics - has me concerned.

I had a fun morning with the girls yesterday. Madison is such a funny baby. She is much more interactive now. She likes to put her hand on my cheek when drinking her bottle. Claire loves to help with anything she can. She helped me move all the clothes from the bedroom to the laundry room, she helped me steam clean the kitchen and basement floors, and she helped me make the bed. She is a good little helper. I am so blessed to have them living so close.

I am reconnecting with Flylady. This house is just getting away from me.
This week:
Zone 3: The Bathroom and One Extra Room (January 11 - 15)
My one extra room will have to be the laundry room. It is the first thing most people see when they come into our house.
I watched the show "Hoaders" for the first time last Monday night. It was eye opening. While I'm not nearly as bad as those featured on the show, I do have the same tendencies to become distracted from the job at hand. I would love to see what Flylady could do with these poor people.

Afternoon update:
Well, I headed out for church and promptly succeeded in getting the truck stuck in the yard. (Please don't ask me how I did that.) I tried frantically to dig myself out. No luck. Then I called the church office to tell our parish manager what was going on. She informed me that everyone was wondering where I was. There was no way I was going to not go to church. It's too big a job to not have everyone on board. So I prayed to God, asking for help. Two minutes later our UPS man drove up with a delivery. He had the truck unstuck in 2 minutes flat. Thank you Mr. UPS man!!!

So I got to church and my throat is killing me. I called the doctor and made an appointment for 1:00. The good news is that when I got to church there were 3 men there to help us, and one of them had been in the day before to take down the trees. Thank you so much to Jesse Ramirez, Dick Klumpp, and Jim Smith! Linda and I couldn't have done it without you!

Now I have some new meds and I am going to know this sinus infection out of the ball park!!!


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Word of the day:
Wednesday of the First week in Ordinary Time
Today the Church celebrates : St Hilary of Poitiers, Bishop and Doctor of the Church (c. 315- c. 367), St. Veronica of Binasco, Religious (144-1497)
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Mark 1:29-39.

On leaving the synagogue Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John. Simon's mother-in-law lay sick with a fever. They immediately told him about her. He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up. Then the fever left her and she waited on them. When it was evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons. The whole town was gathered at the door. He cured many who were sick with various diseases, and he drove out many demons, not permitting them to speak because they knew him. Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed. Simon and those who were with him pursued him and on finding him said, "Everyone is looking for you." He told them, "Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose have I come." So he went into their synagogues, preaching and driving out demons throughout the whole of Galilee.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Guess who's here today. LOL!

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Word of the day:
Tuesday of the First week in Ordinary Time
Today the Church celebrates : St Marguerite Bourgeoys (1620-1700), St. Aelred, Abbot (1109-1167)
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Mark 1:21-28.

Jesus came to Capernaum with his followers, and on the sabbath he entered the synagogue and taught. The people were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes. In their synagogue was a man with an unclean spirit; he cried out, "What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are--the Holy One of God!" Jesus rebuked him and said, "Quiet! Come out of him!" The unclean spirit convulsed him and with a loud cry came out of him. All were amazed and asked one another, "What is this? A new teaching with authority. He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him." His fame spread everywhere throughout the whole region of Galilee.

Monday, January 11, 2010

I'm late getting on today. My little Maddie is back and she has grown so much since I last saw her on Christmas! She sits by herself if you sit her up, but she's also trying to get up into position by herself. She is very strong. It was quite a job getting her dressed this morning

She scoots around the floor, but she still likes to have her snuggle time when she gets sleepy.

While she took her nap this morning, an order of baskets came in. I got a really good deal on these so we can make up baskets for Mother's Day and be able to add the basket free. I did do a little tweaking with homespun and pipberries. I love how they turned out.

My right ear is still plugged but I am hearing little crackling noises so I am hoping that means my ear is going back to normal.

It is really snowing out. I love snow, but only if the roads are safe and the windchill is in double digits. I'm glad I don't have to go anywhere today.

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Word of the day:
Monday of the First week in Ordinary Time
Today the Church celebrates : St. Theodosius, The Cenobiarch (423-529)
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Mark 1:14-20.

After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the Gospel of God: This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel. As he passed by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea; they were fishermen. Jesus said to them, "Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men." Then they abandoned their nets and followed him. He walked along a little farther and saw James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They too were in a boat mending their nets. Then he called them. So they left their father Zebedee in the boat along with the hired men and followed him.

Sunday, January 10, 2010

My ear is still plugged. This stinks. I am hearing extra frequencies. When I sing a note, I hear not only the note, the the note a third above it. Last night at mass there was a little boy screaming. To my ear it sounded like 2 kids unison. It only happens in certain ranges. The lower range is fine, but when I play the keyboard I hear those extra frequencies and it is driving me nuts. I think once my cough subsides, my ear will clear, but for now the coughing is putting pressure on the ear drum. Guess I wait it out.
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Word of the day:
The Baptism of the Lord - Feast
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke 3:15-16.21-22.

The people were filled with expectation, and all were asking in their hearts whether John might be the Christ. John answered them all, saying, "I am baptizing you with water, but one mightier than I is coming. I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals. He will baptize you with the holy Spirit and fire. After all the people had been baptized and Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, heaven was opened and the holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, "You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased."

Friday, January 8, 2010

Snow day! That saves me a nasty drive into town. I normally play for Mass on Fridays - unless there is a snow day.

What to do with the new found free time?

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Word of the day
Friday after Epiphany
Today the Church celebrates : St. Apollinaris, the Apologist, Bishop (2nd century)
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke 5:12-16.

Now there was a man full of leprosy in one of the towns where he was; and when he saw Jesus, he fell prostrate, pleaded with him, and said, "Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean." Jesus stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, "I do will it. Be made clean." And the leprosy left him immediately. Then he ordered him not to tell anyone, but "Go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them." The report about him spread all the more, and great crowds assembled to listen to him and to be cured of their ailments, but he would withdraw to deserted places to pray.

Thursday, January 7, 2010

No headache this morning when I woke up. I'm coughing a lot less. Now if my ear would just unplug things would be golden. I finally feel like I'm getting better.

Started off the morning with a staff meeting. Instead of reading a book to discuss, we are reading letters from the New Testament. Today's was James - a great letter to read a blueprint on how Christians ought to live.

I want to finish up the stocking order that we received the other day. I found a terrific buy on small baskets so I stocked up on those. Ever with the shipping they were cheaper (and nicer) than the baskets I've found at the dollar store.

Later I want to go down to the dungeon and do some work in there. Then I need to hit each room in increments because the mess and the clutter are really getting to me. I also have to finish getting my Christmas/Epiphany newsletter ready to mail , not to mention quite a few thank you notes.


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Word of the day:
Thursday after Epiphany
Today the Church celebrates : St. Raymond of Peñafort, Priest (c. 1175-1275), St. Lucian, Priest and Martyr (+ 312)
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke 4:14-22.

Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news of him spread throughout the whole region. He taught in their synagogues and was praised by all. He came to Nazareth, where he had grown up, and went according to his custom into the synagogue on the sabbath day. He stood up to read and was handed a scroll of the prophet Isaiah. He unrolled the scroll and found the passage where it was written: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord." Rolling up the scroll, he handed it back to the attendant and sat down, and the eyes of all in the synagogue looked intently at him. He said to them, "Today this scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing." And all spoke highly of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They also asked, "Isn't this the son of Joseph?"

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Well, it's Epiphany,(or what used to be Epiphany) and I have my Christmas/Epiphany family newsletter done. Now I just have to mail it out. I woke up this morning without the headache, but my ear is still plugged. I hear these weird little frequencies. I noticed it Sunday when I had the organ setting on. Then I noticed it yesterday when Clay and Claire were over. Their voices are higher than Harold's and it must be the higher frequencies that my ear is sensitive to.

I hacked all night again. I suspect that I may have walking pneumonia. At the wake service last night I could barely hear anything. I discovered that if you can't hear yourself when you sing, that's not a good thing. What I could hear sounded shrieky and awful. I tried singing down an octave. Not good. 'Twas a humbling experience. Marlene, sweetheart that she is, got up to lead the closing song. I won't be able to sing today at the funeral. That makes me feel bad because these people are my friends. I wanted to do a good job. But Angela will be the cantor today so all will be good.

We received our first stocking order of the year. That is the earliest we have ever taken orders for stockings. Whoo hoo.

I made a couple of soap balls with the failed batch of lilac soap. I may try my hand at rebatching or I'll shred it up for laundry soap.

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Word of the day:
Wednesday after Epiphany
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Mark 6:45-52.

Then he made his disciples get into the boat and precede him to the other side toward Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. And when he had taken leave of them, he went off to the mountain to pray. When it was evening, the boat was far out on the sea and he was alone on shore. Then he saw that they were tossed about while rowing, for the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them. But when they saw him walking on the sea, they thought it was a ghost and cried out. They had all seen him and were terrified. But at once he spoke with them, "Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!" He got into the boat with them and the wind died down. They were (completely) astounded. They had not understood the incident of the loaves. On the contrary, their hearts were hardened.

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Tuesday, January 5, 2010

I woke up today with another pounding headache from hacking all night. I'm sure poor Harold didn't get much sleep either. After a couple of Motrin and a cup of coffee, I feel okay. My right ear is still plugged. I don't know how I'm going to sing tonight. People don't understand - it's not that I'm worried my voice won't sound good, it's that my throat gives out and I start to hack. People said I sounded okay this weekend, but I couldn't have. I kept my mike turned off and I didn't sing at all.

I made a batch of lilac soap last night. I have now experienced what soapers call "soap on a stick." The minute I added the lye to the oils, the entire batch seized up and looked just like lumpy mashed potatoes. It was supposed to be a pale lavender color, but it's just mashed potato off-white. I'll either re-batch it or mold it into balls. I don't know if the fragrance oil caused it or it it's because I added the fragrance oil and the mica to the oils before I added the lye. I'll try again tomorrow

I did get my jars grunged, my lamps made (they still need bows), and the business taxes done. We showed a net profit. Not bad. This is the first year we have kept tax records. We formed our LLC last year. Now I just have to get the farm taxes done.

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Word of the day:
Today the Church celebrates : St. John N. Neumann, Bishop (1811-1860), Saint Simeon Stylites (c.401-460)
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Mark 6:34-44.

When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things. By now it was already late and his disciples approached him and said, "This is a deserted place and it is already very late. Dismiss them so that they can go to the surrounding farms and villages and buy themselves something to eat." He said to them in reply, "Give them some food yourselves." But they said to him, "Are we to buy two hundred days' wages worth of food and give it to them to eat?" He asked them, "How many loaves do you have? Go and see." And when they had found out they said, "Five loaves and two fish." So he gave orders to have them sit down in groups on the green grass. The people took their places in rows by hundreds and by fifties. Then, taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing, broke the loaves, and gave them to (his) disciples to set before the people; he also divided the two fish among them all. They all ate and were satisfied. And they picked up twelve wicker baskets full of fragments and what was left of the fish. Those who ate (of the loaves) were five thousand men.

Monday, January 4, 2010

Today should have been a Maddie day, but this crud has prevented that. My throat was hurting again yesterday. My ears are still plugged. I have a funeral and wake service this week so I hope things clear up soon. Normally I could bow out of the wake service, but I'd rather not because this funeral is for the father of friends of mine.

I did a few grungy lamps yesterday, and I did the first coat of grunge on a few jars. I had planned to make some lilac soap today, but I may put that off until I can smell things again. I'll probably grunge a bunch of candle lamps. I also need to make an inventory list for our 2 spring shows.

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Word of the day:
Monday after Epiphany
Today the Church celebrates : St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Foundress of the Sisters of Charity of Saint Joseph's (1774-1821), St. Gregory, Bishop (+ c. 541)
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 4:12-17.23-25.

When he heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, that what had been said through Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled: Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen." From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." He went around all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and curing every disease and illness among the people. His fame spread to all of Syria, and they brought to him all who were sick with various diseases and racked with pain, those who were possessed, lunatics, and paralytics, and he cured them. And great crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, and Judea, and from beyond the Jordan followed him.

Sunday, January 3, 2010

I am seriously getting fed up with this sore throat. I have never experienced anything like it. Last night was a Sodbusters Meeting, which basically means we all go out to dinner and Sodbusters pays for it. Last night we went to a local Italian restaurant. It would have been great if I didn't burst into coughing fits every ten minutes. Then this morning I woke up with a killer headache which has now subsided. So I'm sitting here eating my cheerios and one gets stuck in my swollen throat. Sheesh! The full effect of the antibiotics may kick in, already!

Today I go to St. Patrick's as sponsor for Michael. They are celebrating the Rite of Acceptance, sometimes known as the Rite of Welcome. Kelli will be baptized on Easter Sunday and Sam will finally be confirmed. I think it's kind of cool that he and Kelli will be confirmed together. Melisa is Kelli's sponsor and Harold is Sam's. Then after that Mass I have to scoot over to St. Mary's for the eleven o'clock Mass. Then I'm coming home and I plan to loaf the rest of the day and get rid of this throat thing.

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Word of the day:
The Epiphany of the Lord - Solemnity
Today the Church celebrates : St. Genevieve, Virgin (c. 422 - 512)
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 2:1-12.

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, "Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage." When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet: 'And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel.'" Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star's appearance. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage." After their audience with the king they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.

Saturday, January 2, 2010

Good morning all. I am slowly starting to feel like a human being today. I may actually spend today in something other than PJs.

I puttered about a little yesterday working on grunging jars and making grungy lamps. If it doesn't move in my work space, it gets grunged.

I am putting together an invitation list for access to my blog. I really don't want to restrict access, but I may be forced to do so. If you are a regular reader of my blog and haven't received an invitation, please contact me on my profile page so that I can send you one.

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Word of the day:
Saturday before Epiphany
Today the Church celebrates : St. Basil the Great, Bishop and Doctor of the Church (+ 379) - Memorial -, Saint Gregory Nazianzen, Bishop and Doctor of the Church - Memorial -, St Macarius of Alexandria, anchorite († 394)
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 1:19-28.

And this is the testimony of John. When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites (to him) to ask him, "Who are you?" he admitted and did not deny it, but admitted, "I am not the Messiah." So they asked him, "What are you then? Are you Elijah?" And he said, "I am not." "Are you the Prophet?" He answered, "No." So they said to him, "Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us? What do you have to say for yourself?" He said: "I am 'the voice of one crying out in the desert, "Make straight the way of the Lord,"' as Isaiah the prophet said." Some Pharisees were also sent. They asked him, "Why then do you baptize if you are not the Messiah or Elijah or the Prophet?" John answered them, "I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie." This happened in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

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Friday, January 1, 2010 - New Year's Day

Wow, I can't ever remember not ringing in the New Year! It went right on by me this year. I had intended to watch the ball drop and totally missed it. I stayed home last night because this crud that I have. Thankfully, the meds have kicked in just enough so that now I can swallow without wanting to shriek in pain. Now that the cold has no competition from my throat for attention, it is also starting to kick in. My right ear is plugged a bit and head is pounding. I can't ever remember being this sick. But . . . this morning I can drink my coffee so life is, if not good at the moment, getting better.

Harold is ecstatic that he has finally found "Ice Road Truckers." It's much more interesting to watch now that we have been to Alaska and can see in our minds the places that they mention.

My plan today is to try and get some cleaning done in short increments. We'll see how that goes. I don't want to push it, because the weekend is upon us and I have 2 masses to play.


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Word of the day:
The Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God - Solemnity
Today the Church celebrates : Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke 2:16-21.

So they went in haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told to them. When eight days were completed for his circumcision, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

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