Sunday, May 30, 2010

I forgot to wish our wonderful Deacon, John Cremin, an wonderful and happy anniversary of his ordination to the permanent deaconate. I didn't forget the day, I just didn't post to this blog yesterday. 31 years of service in ministry. Amazing.

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Word of the day:
The Most Holy Trinity - Solemnity
Today the Church celebrates : St. Felix I, Pope & Martyr (+ 274)
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 16:12-15.

I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now. But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth. He will not speak on his own, but he will speak what he hears, and will declare to you the things that are coming. He will glorify me, because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you. Everything that the Father has is mine; for this reason I told you that he will take from what is mine and declare it to you.

Friday, May 28, 2010

Where did May go???? I can't believe it's Highland Festival weekend already. We don't have a booth there this year. We don't do well with outdoor shows because of visibility and weather variables.

Kelli and I going to get our flowers today. As I write this, I can hear geese squawking in the sky. They've been heading north in huge swarms the last few days.

This week's zone was the Master Bedroom. I didn't get much done in there, but I did make a huge dent in the laundry room. I got the ledge all cleaned off and it looks decent for a change. We'll see how long it stays that way before Harold and I start loading it up with stuff again.

In other news, Madison is going to be a big sister come December. She has discovered the "fun" cupboard.

********Afternoon update********
I have my flowers planted. I need to get a couple more, but so far things look great!


The snowman solar lamp will be put away soon.

There's another hanging plant on the porch roof that isn't shown in the picture.


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Word of the day:
Friday of the Ninth week in Ordinary Time
Today the Church celebrates : St. Germanus of Paris, Bishop (c. 496 - 576)
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Mark 11:11-26.

He entered Jerusalem and went into the temple area. He looked around at everything and, since it was already late, went out to Bethany with the Twelve. The next day as they were leaving Bethany he was hungry. Seeing from a distance a fig tree in leaf, he went over to see if he could find anything on it. When he reached it he found nothing but leaves; it was not the time for figs. And he said to it in reply, "May no one ever eat of your fruit again!" And his disciples heard it. They came to Jerusalem, and on entering the temple area he began to drive out those selling and buying there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who were selling doves. He did not permit anyone to carry anything through the temple area. Then he taught them saying, "Is it not written: 'My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples'? But you have made it a den of thieves." The chief priests and the scribes came to hear of it and were seeking a way to put him to death, yet they feared him because the whole crowd was astonished at his teaching. When evening came, they went out of the city. Early in the morning, as they were walking along, they saw the fig tree withered to its roots. Peter remembered and said to him, "Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered." Jesus said to them in reply, "Have faith in God. Amen, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it shall be done for him. Therefore I tell you, all that you ask for in prayer, believe that you will receive it and it shall be yours. When you stand to pray, forgive anyone against whom you have a grievance, so that your heavenly Father may in turn forgive you your transgressions." )

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Wednesday, May 26, 2010

I have a funeral to play this morning. Then I run lunch out to the field for the guys. Later, a doctor appt. and then the kids come over. Tonight I have a cantor rehearsal. It is already getting humid. Our house is hot anyway - I'm not sure why. I really need to get the basement straightened around. We're still waiting for the cabinet to come in, but right now the guys are busy in the field, anyway.

I made a batch of Honey, Oats & Milk candles. I've been making soap in that scent, but I thought I would like to try a candle. I love it. There is a light almond scent in there.

I ordered some shampoo base because I just don't like the scents that are in the stores. I also don't like the stearates that are in there. I'm going to mix my own. I am in the process of developing a recipe for a shampoo bar.

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Word of the day:
Wednesday of the Ninth week in Ordinary Time
Today the Church celebrates : St. Philip Neri, Priest (1515-1595) - Memorial
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Mark 10:32-45.

They were on the way, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus went ahead of them. They were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. Taking the Twelve aside again, he began to tell them what was going to happen to him. Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death and hand him over to the Gentiles who will mock him, spit upon him, scourge him, and put him to death, but after three days he will rise." Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him and said to him, "Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you." He replied, "What do you wish (me) to do for you?" They answered him, "Grant that in your glory we may sit one at your right and the other at your left." Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the cup that I drink or be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?" They said to him, "We can." Jesus said to them, "The cup that I drink, you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; but to sit at my right or at my left is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared." When the ten heard this, they became indignant at James and John. Jesus summoned them and said to them, "You know that those who are recognized as rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all. For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

I have a funeral tomorrow. I'm disappointed because I had planned to go on a walking field trip with Clayton. I'm glad he didn't know I was planning to go. I've been trying to do something with his school for the last month, but something church related has always come up.

I cut the pumpkin spice soap. Most of the bars look okay - I prefer a flat bar, but these look okay. I don't know if I'll sell them or give them as gift. I tested for lye zap and didn't find any. I love the fragrance of this. It's a spicy rather than sweet smell - guys would like using this.

I'm trying out a new recipe. I added about 1 T of our chili cheese and bacon dip mix to 1 1/2 pounds of ground beef and mixed a medium jar of salsa into it. I layered it with corn tortillas and Mexican blend cheese. A lady at church told me that her daughter used our chili cheese and bacon dip mixed with flour and coated her chicken with it. Can't wait to try that one. I ordered a microwave stoneware baker from Pampered Chef for cooking our chicken from now on.

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Word of the day:
Tuesday of the Ninth week in Ordinary Time
Today the Church celebrates : St Bede the Venerable, Priest & Doctor of the Church (673-735), St Gregory VII, Pope (c. 1013-1085)
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Mark 10:28-31.

Peter began to say to him, "We have given up everything and followed you." Jesus said, "Amen, I say to you, there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands for my sake and for the sake of the gospel who will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age: houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come. But many that are first will be last, and (the) last will be first."

Monday, May 24, 2010

It's been a busy, busy, week and I have fallen sadly behind on my blogging. We received a few orders last week that had me scrambling and then on Friday two transitional deacons were ordained into the priesthood. It was an exciting day. I was privileged to lead the Spanish portion of the Litany of Supplication. (one of the priests is from Columbia). Father Christian distributed communion to the choir and I really wish someone could have captured on film the expression of pure joy on his face.

Bishop Cistone and the newly ordained: Father Rick M. Varner (left) and Father Christian Tabares (right).

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Evening update:

I ended up making pumpkin spice soap, but I think that I won't be making soap on hot humid evenings anymore. The batch seized up on me almost the minute the lye-water hit the oils. We'll see how it turns out, but it is pretty lumpy - looks like pudding with chocolate drizzled over it. Smells great. Doesn't seem to be separating. It wouldn't break my heart to keep this batch for us. :)

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Word of the day:
Monday of the Ninth week in Ordinary Time
Today the Church celebrates : Sts. Donatian & Rogatian, Martyrs (c. 287)
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Mark 10:17-27.

As he was setting out on a journey, a man ran up, knelt down before him, and asked him, "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus answered him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: 'You shall not kill; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; you shall not defraud; honor your father and your mother.'" He replied and said to him, "Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth." Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him, "You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to (the) poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me." At that statement his face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions. Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!" The disciples were amazed at his words. So Jesus again said to them in reply, "Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to pass through (the) eye of (a) needle than for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God." They were exceedingly astonished and said among themselves, "Then who can be saved?" Jesus looked at them and said, "For human beings it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God."

Thursday, May 20, 2010

No place to be today for a change. I hope to catch up on my cleaning. I did the back bathroom - this week's zone - and it really needed it. Yesterday we got a stocking order so I have another stocking to make so I can ship them out tomorrow morning.

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Word of the day:
Wednesday of the Seventh week of Easter
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 17:11-19.

And now I will no longer be in the world, but they are in the world, while I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one just as we are. When I was with them I protected them in your name that you gave me, and I guarded them, and none of them was lost except the son of destruction, in order that the scripture might be fulfilled. But now I am coming to you. I speak this in the world so that they may share my joy completely. I gave them your word, and the world hated them, because they do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world but that you keep them from the evil one. They do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world. Consecrate them in the truth. Your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I sent them into the world. And I consecrate myself for them, so that they also may be consecrated in truth.

Monday, May 17, 2010

My to do list today:
Laundry - it's started
Bills - done - as much as I can without the checkbook
Zone this week - Bathroom and one extra room (that will be the "Fishing" bathroom and my dungeon.
Workout - done
Stocking - done
Soap oils measured - done
Soap batch - I think today's flavor will be Peppermint or Lavendar - haven't decided, but the oils are melted and the lye water is mixed.

Today has been pretty productive. Madison has been a little angel - but then, she always is.

Michael, a friend of mine posted this on Facebook. I thought it was worth sharing.


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Word of the day:
Monday of the Seventh week of Easter
Today the Church celebrates : St. Paschal Baylon
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 16:29-33.

His disciples said, "Now you are talking plainly, and not in any figure of speech. Now we realize that you know everything and that you do not need to have anyone question you. Because of this we believe that you came from God." Jesus answered them, "Do you believe now? Behold, the hour is coming and has arrived when each of you will be scattered to his own home and you will leave me alone. But I am not alone, because the Father is with me. I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world."

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Word of the day:
Seventh Sunday of Easter
Today the Church celebrates : St. Brendan, St Gemma Galgani
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 17:20-26.

I pray not only for them, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me. And I have given them the glory you gave me, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may be brought to perfection as one, that the world may know that you sent me, and that you loved them even as you loved me. Father, they are your gift to me. I wish that where I am they also may be with me, that they may see my glory that you gave me, because you loved me before the foundation of the world. Righteous Father, the world also does not know you, but I know you, and they know that you sent me. I made known to them your name and I will make it known, that the love with which you loved me may be in them and I in them."

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Today is the Girls on the Run 5K. I have to miss it because I have a rehearsal in Saginaw. Good luck to all of the runners!!

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Word of the day:
Saturday of the Sixth week of Easter
Today the Church celebrates : St Isidor the Farmer
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 16:23-28.

On that day you will not question me about anything. Amen, amen, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you. Until now you have not asked anything in my name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete. I have told you this in figures of speech. The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures but I will tell you clearly about the Father. On that day you will ask in my name, and I do not tell you that I will ask the Father for you. For the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have come to believe that I came from God. I came from the Father and have come into the world. Now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father."

Friday, May 14, 2010

I have a funeral this morning, followed by several errands - chief among them is to find a pattern to make a very special first birthday gift for my youngest grandbaby!

I plan to do some cleaning, followed by a serious quilting session. I want to so some decluttering in the work dungeon and I have some oils to finish measuring. That should keep me out of trouble for a while.

Word of the day:
Saint Matthias, apostle - Feast
Today the Church celebrates : St Matthias, apostle, St Theodore Guerin, (1798-1856)
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 15:9-17.

As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete. This is my commandment: love one another as I love you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father. It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you. This I command you: love one another.

Monday, May 10, 2010

Yesterday did get very much better. I'm always a little melancholy on Mother's day.

In the evening we went to Tony's for a banana split. A HUGE banana split. We brought quite a bit of it home.

Saturday our pastor announced that he is being transferred this summer. Our new pastor will be Fr. David Jenuwine who was ordained last summer.

I have decided that Monday nights are going to be my official quilting nights. I haven't quilted in over 6 months. I have not been a very good time manager. I have the time, I just need to manage it better.

Today I will be making Oatmeal soap and packaging up the Candy Apple soap. This week's zone is the kitchen so I will be working in there this week. The fridge needs cleaning so the timing is good.

Madison is here today and she is being a little chatterbox.
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Word of the day:
Monday of the Sixth week of Easter
Today the Church celebrates : St Comgall, St Jozef Damian De Veuster, Priest (1840-1889)
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 15:26-27.16:1-4.

When the Advocate comes whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth that proceeds from the Father, he will testify to me. And you also testify, because you have been with me from the beginning. I have told you this so that you may not fall away. They will expel you from the synagogues; in fact, the hour is coming when everyone who kills you will think he is offering worship to God. They will do this because they have not known either the Father or me. I have told you this so that when their hour comes you may remember that I told you. "I did not tell you this from the beginning, because I was with you.

Sunday, May 9, 2010

I only had my mom for twelve years, but I still miss her. I often wonder what kind of person I would have been if she had lived. I often have self-doubts and I really wish I had her here to talk to. I tend to listen to the feedback of others and usually it only comes in the form of criticism. When a person receives enough constant and consistent criticism, she finds herself letting others define her. They may be right, they may be wrong, but I get really tired of hearing that I'm either loud and embarrassing or that I mumble, or that I'm old and forgetful, or that I'm fat and clumsy, or that I'm not a good driver. I could take the criticism if it came with an equal dose of praise, but it usually doesn't. I've reached a couple of important goals (to me) in my life and they kind of happened without anyone making any kind of fuss. Mothers love you unconditionally and will try and build you up. I really need that right now. I didn't mean for this to turn into a pity party, but that's where I am today. I will probably delete it later as I'm sure the day will get better. Sorry. I miss you Mama.

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Word of the day:
Sixth Sunday of Easter
Today the Church celebrates : St. Pachomius
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 14:23-29.

Jesus answered and said to him, "Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; yet the word you hear is not mine but that of the Father who sent me. I have told you this while I am with you. The Advocate, the holy Spirit that the Father will send in my name--he will teach you everything and remind you of all that (I) told you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. You heard me tell you, 'I am going away and I will come back to you.' If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father; for the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe.

Saturday, May 8, 2010

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Word of the day
Saturday of the Fifth week of Easter
Today the Church celebrates : St Victor
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 15:18-21.

If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, the world would love its own; but because you do not belong to the world, and I have chosen you out of the world, the world hates you. Remember the word I spoke to you, 'No slave is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. And they will do all these things to you on account of my name, because they do not know the one who sent me.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Heard some disturbing news this morning. Since net neutrality was denied, the Obama administration now seeks to make the internet a public utility. I don't know about you, but that makes me very scared. I've been accused of having my head in the sand. I assure you, my head is not in the sand. Just because I don't post everything I know doesn't mean I don't know what's going on. Just because I don't dwell on it 24/7 doesn't mean I don't know what's going on. We have as much to fear from the progressive right as we do from the progressive left. The sad thing is that some on the right do not see themselves as progressive.

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Wednesday of the Fifth week of Easter
Today the Church celebrates : St Antoninus, Bishop (1389-1459)
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 15:1-8.

I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower. He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and everyone that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit. You are already pruned because of the word that I spoke to you. Remain in me, as I remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me will be thrown out like a branch and wither; people will gather them and throw them into a fire and they will be burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you. By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Made some candy apple soap last night, got most of the laundry room decluttered - at least surface cleaning. It looks good, but I need to do a lot of thinning out of my music area. I also made 6 grungy lamps yesteday in the afternoon.

Tuesday of the Fifth week of Easter
Today the Church celebrates : The English Martyrs
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 14:27-31.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. You heard me tell you, 'I am going away and I will come back to you.' If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father; for the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe. I will no longer speak much with you, for the ruler of the world is coming. He has no power over me, but the world must know that I love the Father and that I do just as the Father has commanded me. Get up, let us go.

Monday, May 3, 2010

It's been a productive day so far. All but one load of laundry has been washed. I have done some major decluttering in the laundry room (Zone 1 which is our entryway). The chicken is defrosed and cooking in the roaster. Baby is fed (twice) and changed (soon to be twice). My order of rusty tin for more lamps has arrived. These will really be cute!


Word of the day:
Saints Philip and James, apostles - Feast
Today the Church celebrates : Sts Philip and James, apostles (+ 1st century)
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 14:6-14.

Jesus said to him, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, then you will also know my Father. From now on you do know him and have seen him." Philip said to him, "Master, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us." Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you for so long a time and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on my own. The Father who dwells in me is doing his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else, believe because of the works themselves. Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father. And whatever you ask in my name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it.

Sunday, May 2, 2010

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Word of the day:
Fifth Sunday of Easter
Today the Church celebrates : St. Athanasius, Bishop & Doctor of the Church (+ 373)
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 13:31-33.34-35.

When Judas had left them, Jesus said, "Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. (If God is glorified in him,) God will also glorify him in himself, and he will glorify him at once. My children, I will be with you only a little while longer. You will look for me, and as I told the Jews, 'Where I go you cannot come,' so now I say it to you. I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."

Saturday, May 1, 2010

I present to you the Sixth Bishop of Saginaw, The Most Rev. Joseph R. Cistone.



Gotta love him, dontcha?

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Word of the day:
Saturday of the Fourth week of Easter
Today the Church celebrates : St Joseph the Worker
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 14:7-14.

If you know me, then you will also know my Father. From now on you do know him and have seen him." Philip said to him, "Master, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us." Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you for so long a time and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on my own. The Father who dwells in me is doing his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else, believe because of the works themselves. Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father. And whatever you ask in my name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it.