Wednesday With Reece

The small town just north of ours has opened a new public library. Reece and I went over there this morning for pre-school story hour. I didn't get to look around much, but what I did see looks wonderful! I've always loved libraries.

Reece enjoyed story hour, but was more interested in watching the other children than in listening to the story. I didn't mind. He isn't around groups of children very much, and he was learning the ropes. :o)

Halfway through the story he wanted to leave. He had seen blocks and puzzles outside the door to the story room, and wanted to go play. So we went out and he played with the puzzles and blocks and watched the other kids some more. We were there until everyone left, and he still didn't want to leave the library.

I got a library card and we checked out a few books, then went to see his Great Gran. He was nearly asleep when we got there and said that he wanted to take a nap. As soon as we got inside her apartment, he went to the bedroom and crawled up onto the bed. I covered him with a blanket, he smiled and asked me to lie down, too. So I did and he went to sleep for over an hour. He's never done that before. It was so sweet. He woke up all happy and rested, so I guess he really needed that nap.

He came back home with me. His sisters had doctor appointments this afternoon, so I kept him until his daddy came to pick him up around 5 PM. I loved spending the day with him. We stopped at Taco Cabana and picked up lunch, then he watched a video, played in a big empty box while I cleaned up the kitchen and played with his cars. We were reading one of his library books when his daddy got here.

One of his favorite things to do lately (since the car trip to Arkansas) is to go on a "Bear Hunt." Last night we found a neat Bear Hunt video on You Tube. You can find everything on the internet!

Michaelmas

September 29 is the Feast of St. Michael the Archangel and All The Angels.

St. Michael is our warrior angel. He fights against the evil one. We call on him in times of fear or temptation in our Prayer to St. Michael.

St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle; be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the power of God, cast into Hell, Satan and all the other evil spirits, who wander throughout the world, seeking the ruin of souls.Amen.


O Thou, the Father's glorious Might,
Jesus, true life of ev'ry heart.
Thee do we praise 'mid Angels bright
Whose hope and light alone Thou art.

A thousand thousand hosts, for Thee,
Of glorious warriors, battle wage;
But Michael waves Thy standard free,
Salvation's cross and vict'ry's gage.

The dragon fierce with stubborn crown
He hurls to lowest depths of hell;
The rebel crew, their prince o'erthrown,
He thrusts from Heav'ns high citadel.

The prince of pride may we, too, fight,
And follow this, our captain true,
That so the crown with glory dight
By Jesus given, may be our due.

Glory be to God the Father
Who protects by His Angels,
Those whom the Son redeemeth
And the Holy Ghost anointeth.

Amen

O most glorious prince Michael Archangel, be mindful of us, and here and everywhere entreat the Son of God for us. Alleluia, alleluia.

(Repeat of my post from September 29, 2008).

An Evening Daybook

Monday, September 28, 2009

Outside my window...
Same as last week. Bright sunshine coming through my west facing window. It's about 6 PM. The sky is pale, pale blue, the clouds are white billowy stacks.

I am thinking...
that I should probably have something for supper other than Chex Mix.


I am thankful...
for everything.

From the kitchen...
I just got back from the grocery store where I did a little shopping just for me since Ron is out of town again. Milk, eggs, strawberries, peaches, havarti cheese, whole wheat crackers, peach tea (of course), frozen whole wheat waffles, Cheerios and some Oreos for Reece. And a little bag of Chex Mix.

I am wearing...
my favorite jeans, patched yet again with more butterflies, a sleeveless red shirt with white buttons, gold earrings, bare feet.

I am creating...
I got the penguins, but haven't started the bracelet yet. I have some designing to do first.

I am going...
I'm in for the rest of the evening and night. I took Ron to the airport this morning, went to Mom's around noon, stopped by Josh's to pick up my cell phone that I left over there, came home for awhile, went to the credit union to make a payment, and to the grocery store. Then I was out in the back with the puppies for awhile.

I am hearing...
my playlist music.

Around the house...
laundry is going in the washer and dryer, kitchen is messy, waiting for me to come load the dishwasher, my cooktop is still not connected to the gas. :o(

One of my favorite things...
clouds.

A few plans for the rest of the week...
Tomorrow Mom has a doctor appointment, just for her bi-annual check-up. Sometime this week I have to get labs done to see if the new dosage of Synthroid is right for me. I'm buying another dog crate because my puppies are getting too big to share one.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...
From my walkabout in the yard this afternoon.


Pretty clouds. We've had really nice cloud formations for the past few days, almost like they get at the coast.












Pretty lantana. This came up at the side of our house all on its own. I didn't plant it.















I love the colors.
















I can't remember the name of this plant. The leaves look like they are painted. It's one of those plants I didn't care about, so of course it's thriving.











The plumbago is blooming like crazy right now. More flowers on it than ever before.











Sister and Katy followed me everywhere I went. Here sister is hamming it up under the plumbago bush. She had periwinkle flowers all over her coat when she came out.






Please visit Peggy's site to see more daybooks.

Reasons To Be Catholic

Father's sermon on Sunday was titled “Why Am I Catholic?” He gave his own six reasons why he is Catholic: the communion of Saints, Mary, Confession, the Mass, the Eucharist (the Real Presence) and other Sacraments, and then the one he said was the most important one of all—because he loves God. Getting a bit emotional, Father said that he never wants to go back to that nasty little hole where we are without God.

Whole books could be written about each of Father's reasons. I've been thinking about sin, the evil in the world, demons. Where we are weakest is where the devil attacks us every time. Without the Church, we don't have a chance. Without the Church, we're back in that nasty little hole.

Without the Church, instead of the fruits of the spirit, we have the fruits of sin. Pride, avarice, envy, wrath, lust, gluttony, and sloth or acedia are the seven capital sins. They are called “capital” sins because they lead to other sins and vices. One sin leads to the next. The more you commit a particular sin, the easier it is to keep committing it until it becomes a normal part of your life. Pretty soon you don't know the difference between what's right and what's wrong. Unless you turn things around, you're on the road to hell.

But with the Church we have weapons and ways to defeat all of those sinful things. We have the four cardinal virtues: prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance.

We have the theological virtues: Faith, Hope and Charity (Love).

We have the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord.

We have the twelve fruits of the Spirit: charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control and chastity.

When my kids were growing up, I kept Phillipians 4:8 posted on our refrigerator door: Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Those are the things I want them to have in their hearts always, especially now that they are adults, some with children of their own.

St. Gregory of Nyssa said, “The goal of a virtuous life is to become like God.”

That's our goal. That path leads to Heaven. We have to become like God to get there, and we all know that's impossible without Him. With the help of the prayers of the Saints, with Mary's intercession, with the grace of Confession, through the sacrifice of the Mass, partaking of Christ's body, blood, soul and divinity in the Eucharist, and through the other Holy Sacraments, we can achieve the impossible, not only because we “dread the loss of heaven and the pains of hell,” but because of our love for God.

Breathe into me Holy Spirit, that all my thoughts may be holy.
Move in me, Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy.
Attract my heart, Holy Spirit, that I may love only what is holy.
Strengthen me, Holy Spirit, that I may defend all that is holy.
Protect me, Holy Spirit, that I always may be holy.
Amen

World's Smallest Political Quiz

My sister sent me an email with a link to the
World's Smallest Political Quiz .

Here's the email:
So, you think you know where you stand, politically? Think again. The result from this short test may surprise you and give you some food for thought.

You'll be asked just 10 questions, and then it instantly tells you where you stand politically. It shows your position as a red dot on a "political map" so you'll see exactly where you score.

The most interesting thing about the Quiz is that it goes beyond Democrat, Republican, and Independent.

The Quiz has gotten a lot of praise. The Washington Post said it has "gained respect as a valid measure of a person's political leanings." The Fraser Institute said it's "a fast, fun, and accurate assessment of a person's overall political views." Suite University said it is the "most concise and accurate political quiz out there."

The test said I'm Libertarian. That's my map in the picture at the top of the post. Go take the test and see where you land. :o)

Thanks for the link, Johnnie!

Learn The Latin Mass

Oops, I was going to let local readers know the details about the Latin Mass course at our church and totally forgot to mention it here.

I went to the first class last Wednesday evening, which was The History And Development Of Liturgy And The Roman Mass.

The classes are held at St. Pius X Catholic Church in the Msgr. Martin Family Center, starting at 7 PM each Wednesday. Father Schorp presents classes one and three, Father Kloster classes two and four, Deacon Cunningham class five, and Ms. Tiernan the Sacristan will present the last class.

Here's the schedule for the next five weeks:


September 30--The Traditional Latin Mass Today
The particular expressions of Spirituality and Catholic Beliefs in the
Latin Mass.

October 7--The Low Mass
The "Quiet" Mass & The Missa Recita (The Dialogue Mass)

October 14--The Sung Mass (Missa Cantata)

October 21--Sacred Music And The Chant
The Blessed Trinity, human trinities, and the Church's Song.
The Council, the liturgy and the true meaning of actuosa participation.
Why the Council and Popes promote Gregorian Chant.
Learn Chant Mass IV, a simple Mass for choir and congregation.

October 28--The Traditional Liturgical Calendar And The Mass
The Cycles, Seasons, Feasts, etc. and the Order of the Mass each day.
Bring your missals. Learn how the Church constructs the Mass prayers
'Proper for the Day'. Additional missals will be available for sharing
during class.

If you are in the San Antonio area and want to learn more about the Latin Mass, I hope you will attend the classes. There were lots of people at the first class, coffee and cookies are served, and there are displays each week of vestments, relics, sacred vessels and religious instruments, books about the Latin Mass, Calendars and Missals. There is no fee for the course.

No Swine Flu Vaccine For Me, Thanks.

(I had to change the pig picture to something cuter; couldn't stand looking at the other one).

I am not getting the H1N1 vaccine, I don't care who says I have to. I had a bad reaction to a regular flu shot last year. After that shot I had a frozen shoulder for months. It was very painful, and took weeks of physical therapy to resolve it. Later I found out that frozen shoulder is NOT an uncommon result of receiving a flu shot.

This vaccine has been rushed through, and frankly, I don't trust it. The World Health Organization is pushing it all over the planet, and I don't trust them, either. I have a bad, uneasy feeling about the whole thing. I'm not into conspiracy theories, but the "population control" talk is scary.

Reasons To Be Happy Today

1. I'm picking Ron up at the airport this afternoon.

2. The temperature won't get out of the 60s today, and it's raining.

3. Puppy kisses!

4. It's payday.

5. I'm Catholic!

6. Best kids in the world, all grown up.

7. Seven grandchildren--what a blessing!

Happy Anniversary, Kelly and Mike!

It doesn't seem possible that it's been nine years since your wedding day!

It seems that it was a match made in Heaven, and I thank God for both of you and your beautiful marriage.

I treasure the memories of your wedding day and all that led up to it. It was crazy and hectic, and so much fun!

Always love and care for one another the way you do now. May God continue to bless you both forever.

I love you!
Mom

Cupcakes!

Reece spent the night last night. We went to WalMart instead of HEB so that he could look at toys.

I asked him if he wanted to make cupcakes, and he said yes, so we bought a cake mix and frosting.

He liked pouring everything into the bowl, and he enjoyed mixing with a spoon, but he didn't want anything to do with the little hand held electric mixer. I guess it made too much noise.








He liked tasting the batter, though.




















And he was verrrry interested in the Pillsbury Dough Boy. He thought Dough Boy was pretty cute and wanted to know if we could go see him.

Here he is looking at the little pictures of Dough Boy on the back of the box.














Checking to see if the cupcakes are cool enough for frosting.














Putting on sprinkles.

















When the cupcakes were ready to eat, Reece wanted to have a tea party. So we got out the little tea set. He wouldn't eat the cupcakes, though. He just wanted to lick the frosting! :o)

I love this kid.

Snuggling Down

It's a gray, rainy day (yay!) and a "cold front" has come through our area, so the temperature right now is only 70°. I'm loving it!

That's my umbrella drying on the porch.







I took Mom to the dentist this morning. The puppies had been inside most of the morning because of the rain. I put them outside just before I left since the rain had stopped. While Mom and I were at the dentist's office, another front came through and it poured. Fortunately, the puppies are able to stay fairly dry on the patio since there is a deck over it. They were happy to see me when I got home, though! I wonder what they thought when it started raining hard and no one let them inside. Here they are sad because I scolded them for jumping on me. Poor babies!

I always want to light candles and bake something when the weather is like this. Reece will be here tonight, so I might bake a cake or something for him this afternoon. I need to go to the grocery store, but I'm going to wait until he comes. He loves to go to HEB. :o)

The dentist kept Mom's partial and will send it to the lab so that they can add another tooth to it. They took the impressions this morning. I'm so glad that we found this dentist's office for Mom. They are so sweet to her. She was a little distressed about having no front teeth for the next two weeks, but she said it's worth it. I took her some of the chicken casserole I made last night. She had it for lunch, but we had to grind the chicken up to make it easier to eat.

I found out that Ron is in Atlanta, where they are having major flood problems right now. He is safe, though. My nephew lives there. I hope that all is well in his neighborhood. Ron called him, but got his answering machine. He travels for his job, too, so he may be out of town.

A Simple Woman's Daybook

Monday, September 21, 2009

Outside my window...
Bright sunshine coming through my west facing window. It's about 6 PM. The sky is pale, pale blue, the clouds are white billowy stacks.

I am thinking...
that I would make a good hermit.

I am thankful...
for everything.

From the kitchen...
the wonderful aroma of cheesy chicken casserole baking. It's only me here, and Josh didn't want the chicken I had already thawed, so I went ahead and made the casserole. I'll have some for dinner and take some to Mom tomorrow.

I am wearing...
blue capris and a white tank top, barefeet, gold ball earrings.

I am creating...
a bracelet, as soon as I get some penguins in the mail.

I am going...
nowhere! I was on the go all day. I stayed with Reece and Camryn at Josh's all morning while her parents took Aubrey to the ophthalmologist.

When they got back I hurried home and changed clothes, fed the pups and went to BAMC to a consultation with a doctor in the gastroenterology clinic. My primary care doc wants me to have a colonoscopy. After hearing all that is involved I wanted to run out of there and forget it, but it's scheduled for next month.

After the consult, I went to Mom's and discovered that she had lost another of her front teeth! After all the dental work she's had done in the past two years, after having several different partials made, after finally getting it all done (but not paid for yet), we're going to have to start over again.

Not only that, but Mom has reached the point with Medicare where she is in the "donut hole," so some of her meds are not covered by her insurance. I found out when I went to pick up a refill that usually costs only a few dollars and the pharmacist said, "That will be $278." There is an alternative to one of them, but her doctor has not returned my phone call to tell me if that will work for her. It. is. always. something.

I am hearing...
traffic sounds, the TV downstairs, the timer telling me it's time to take the casserole out of the oven.

Around the house...
Ron and I took the old Jenn-Air cooktop out before he left, and I have the new one sitting in the space, but it's not hooked up to the gas yet. When I get the money later this week I'll have a plumber do that part, and an electrician change the electrical outlet. It has electric igniters. I have my oven, microwave, electric skillet and crockpot in the meantime. I like the way the new cooktop looks. Now I want to tile the backsplash. :o)

One of my favorite things...
pretty antique plates.

A few plans for the rest of the week...
no specific plans; I think I'll just go with the flow.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...
The old cooktop was stainless steel and black. The new one is white to match the fridge and dishwasher, and it makes this part of the kitchen look much brighter.

Please visit Peggy to read the daybooks of other bloggers.

September Sunday

Mom and I were nearly late to Mass this morning because the parish festival is going on today. There were cars everywhere, and no parking spots to be found. I dropped Mom at the front door and drove around behind the church, saw a big empty spot on the other side of the street, swung the truck around and parked. As I got out of the truck and crossed the street I saw that I was parked in a tow-away zone. Oh no! There were other cars parked there, too.

The church bells started ringing and I decided to leave it parked and suffer the consequences. Is it wrong to pray that God will keep your illegally parked vehicle from being towed while you are at Mass? I was a bit distracted during Mass, hoping that if a policeman drove by I would only get a parking ticket and not have the truck towed. Wouldn't they have to tow all those other cars first? Maybe Mass would be over quickly (it was a Low Mass) and I'd be able to drive away before the tow truck arrived.

No one got ticketed or towed, thank you Jesus! The festival was going strong when we left. I hope my oldest son wins the $10,000 grand prize in the raffle at 6 PM. I asked Mom if she wanted to stay, but she didn't, so we went to have barbecue for lunch instead.

I'm having a quiet afternoon with the puppies. Ron flew away early this morning, and I don't even know where he went. He has several trips over the next few weeks, and he told me where he was going, I'm sure, but I can't remember which city he mentioned. Oh well, he will call me tonight and I'll find out then. :o)

I got up at 5:15 this morning to take Ron to the airport. Suddenly I can hardly keep my eyes open, so I think I'll go take a nap.

Bless The Lord, All His Works!

Canticle from Sunday Morning Prayer (Daniel 3)

The three youths in the fiery furnace shouted with one voice: ‘Blessed be God, alleluia.’

Bless the Lord, all his works,

praise and exalt him for ever.

Bless the Lord, you heavens;

all his angels, bless the Lord.

Bless the Lord, you waters above the heavens;

all his powers, bless the Lord.

Bless the Lord, sun and moon;

all stars of the sky, bless the Lord.

Bless the Lord, rain and dew;

all you winds, bless the Lord.

Bless the Lord, fire and heat;

cold and warmth, bless the Lord.

Bless the Lord, dew and frost;

ice and cold, bless the Lord.

Bless the Lord, ice and snow;

day and night, bless the Lord.

Bless the Lord, light and darkness;

lightning and storm-clouds, bless the Lord.

Bless the Lord, all the earth,

praise and exalt him for ever.

Bless the Lord, mountains and hills;

all growing things, bless the Lord.

Bless the Lord, seas and rivers;

springs and fountains, bless the Lord.

Bless the Lord, whales and fish;

birds of the air, bless the Lord.

Bless the Lord, wild beasts and tame;

sons of men, bless the Lord.

Bless the Lord, O Israel,

praise and exalt him for ever.

Bless the Lord, his priests;

all his servants, bless the Lord.

Bless the Lord, spirits and souls of the just;

all who are holy and humble, bless the Lord.

Ananias, Azarias, Mishael, bless the Lord,

praise and exalt him for ever.

Let us bless Father, Son and Holy Spirit,

praise and exalt them for ever.

Bless the Lord in the firmament of heaven,

praise and glorify him for ever.

The three youths in the fiery furnace shouted with one voice: ‘Blessed be God, alleluia.’

---

Saturday Summary

Yeah, we are still collecting Cars cars around here.

Reece spent the night and we walked over to Hobby Lobby. He was disappointed that they didn't have toys there, so we came back to the house for the truck and drove to Target. That's where we found Boost.

Reece was happy and I was happy. We also bought chocolate bars, so we were super happy. :o)

After we saw Gran today, I took him home. When I got back to my house, one of the puppies had thrown up in the crate. Yikes! I'm going to have to give them baths. I got the crate cleaned and Ron cleaned the floor. I think Katy was the one who got sick. It looked like she had been eating leaves and sticks.

Ron is busy with chores today. He will be out of town again next week (flying out tomorrow morning). I have a busy week ahead, too. Sometimes I wish I could fly away.

A Surprise Visit

Yesterday was so much fun!

When I was in my early twenties I was crazy about my cousin's little boy. He was the cutest, funniest little kid! Although I never lost complete contact with my cousin and extended family, time and distance have kept us from being as close as we were. So I was delighted when I got a phone call Wednesday from that cute, funny little kid saying he would be in town Thursday, and could we get together. He especially wanted to see Mom, who is his great-aunt.

He is a truck driver, and parked his truck in the parking lot of a nearby Wal-Mart. I picked him up in the afternoon, and we went to Mom's apartment. He brought along his laptop filled with family pictures. He has a lovely wife, two grown sons and a 17 month old grandson now. It's so amazing to see the family resemblence in his children, and the children of the other cousins in his photo albums. You can certainly tell that we are all related!

His little grandson is so precious. You can see that he is a very happy, loved little guy. Seeing all the pictures made me wish that we didn't live so far apart. I'd love to hold that little grandson and cuddle him.

We met Ron for dinner at a Mexican restaurant and had a great time talking and hearing my cousin's stories about family, his adventures driving a truck all over the country, and a trip he took to Germany years ago. We laughed so much, and really enjoyed being with him. The little boy I loved all those years ago has grown into a wonderful man, warm and easy-going.

Mom was so happy to see him, and I loved the gentle way he had with her. I took him back to his truck around 9 PM, and he was headed for Houston. He has promised to call if he gets back down this way, and I'm already looking forward to the next visit!

Vaya con Dios, R. C.!

My Day, Beans and the Bug Man

Fall makes me feel melancholy. It's still hot here, but not the 100+ degrees we were having. Still, there is a different feel in the air.

I got up at 7 this morning to let the puppies out and feed them.

Put on a crockpot of confetti beans.

Stripped the beds and got the laundry going.

Cleaned the litter box.

Swept the laundry room and breakfast room.

Cleaned up some cat throw-up in the living room. Ick.

Made our bed.

Straightened my side of the closet, shoes in place, clothes hung neatly.

Cleared out Ron's side of the closet so that I could see the floor.

Made the bed in the front spare bedroom and picked up a few things in there.

Started working in the back spare bedroom, throwing out clutter, putting things in order. Still have some work to do in there.

Started for Mom's, but had to come back to the house for the little dolly.

Went to Mom's and found her door ajar when I knocked. She said she had not been out and didn't know why it was open. She said she had not taken Teddy out or gone for her mail, but I suspect that she had and just forgot. It worries me that she left the door unlocked and slightly open, though.

Gave her her meds, took Ted for a walk, set up her coffee pot to make coffee the next morning, loaded her dishwasher, etc. etc. etc.

Took the little dolly up to the second floor to pick up a box of food for her from the food bank. Everyone at her complex who is over 65 years old gets a box of food once a month. It's been such a blessing for her since her income is very limited.

Came home and had a bite to eat. Hal the Orkin man showed up just as I took my first bite. We chatted about the puppies and he showed me a picture of his triplet granddaughters. So cute!

More laundry, a little more work on the back bedroom.

Played with the puppies.

Got online for awhile.

Scooped poop while Sis and Kate followed me around the yard. They wanted to play, so I would kick their deflated soccer ball and they would chase it and bring it back. They could play forever!

Ron came home and we had beans and rice for dinner.

I used a bag of 10 different kinds of beans, garlic, a can of crushed tomatoes, a pound of browned ground beef and Creole seasoning. The beans cooked all day in chicken broth and water, the rest of the ingredients are added about 30 minutes before serving. Rice is cooked separately.

I like to put the rice in a bowl, season it with butter and soy sauce, then ladle on some beans. Very yum. I filled a bowl with rice and beans for Mom; will take it to her for her lunch tomorrow. Josh came by and I sent the rest of the rice and beans home with him for their dinner. We have rice and beans about once a month. It's a very filling meal, feeds a lot of people, and doesn't cost much. Have an apple or some other fruit for dessert.

Watched some TV but fell asleep on the couch this evening. Ron came in and rubbed my feet for awhile, then I came back upstairs and got online again.

How was your day?

The Butterfly Circus

Eduardo Verastegui has a new short film out, The Butterfly Circus. It is one of the finalists in the 2009 Doorpost Film Project. The theme of the film is hope. I found it very touching.

To log in to see the films and vote, please visit the site.

I've embedded The Butterfly Circus. It's a 20 minute film. Enjoy!
(You can turn off my playlist music by clicking on the double vertical lines on the player).

The Seven Sorrows Of The Blessed Virgin Mary

What words can ever describe the indescribable anguish that rent the sacred heart of Mary as she looked upon her Divine Son hanging on the cross! Every wound in Jesus' body was also a wound in the heart of Mary: every fibre, every nerve throbbing in agony. Every pang He suffered re-echoed in her heart. She endured by her compassion a share in all the anguish of His passion. Why did Mary suffer all this? That she might be our Mother, the Mother of mankind. She who brought forth her Divine Son without a pang suffered many a piercing pang when from the cross her dying Son commended to her the sinful sons of men. That was indeed a motherhood of sorrow she suffered for our sins: for mine.
The Roman Missal, 1962

O God, at whose Passion, according to the prophecy of Simeon, a sword of sorrow pierced the most sweet soul of the glorious Virgin and mother Mary: mercifully grant, that we who with devotion honour her Sorrows, may obtain the happy fruit of Thy Passion: Who livest and reignest, world without end. Amen

The Seven Sorrows

First Sorrow: The Prophecy of Simeon
Second Sorrow: The Flight into Egypt
Third Sorrow: The Loss of Jesus in the Temple
Fourth Sorrow: The Meeting of Jesus and Mary on the Way of the Cross
Fifth Sorrow: The Crucifixion
Sixth Sorrow: The Taking Down of the Body of Jesus from the Cross
Seventh Sorrow: Jesus laid in the Tomb

Litany of Our Lady of Seven Sorrows

Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us.
God, the Father of heaven, Have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy on us.
God the Holy Ghost, pray for us
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us
Holy Virgin of virgins, pray for us
Mother of the Crucified, pray for us
Sorrowful Mother, pray for us
Mournful Mother, pray for us
Sighing Mother, pray for us
Afflicted Mother, pray for us
Forsaken Mother, pray for us
Desolate Mother, pray for us
Mother most sad, pray for us
Mother set around with anguish, pray for us
Mother overwhelmed by grief, pray for us
Mother transfixed by a sword, pray for us
Mother crucified in thy heart, pray for us
Mother bereaved of thy Son, pray for us
Sighing Dove, pray for us
Mother of Dolors, pray for us
Fount of tears, pray for us
Sea of bitterness, pray for us
Field of tribulation, pray for us
Mass of suffering, pray for us
Mirror of patience, pray for us
Rock of constancy, pray for us
Remedy in perplexity, pray for us
Joy of the afflicted, pray for us
Ark of the desolate, pray for us
Refuge of the abandoned, pray for us
Shield of the oppressed, pray for us
Conqueror of the incredulous, pray for us
Solace of the wretched, pray for us
Medicine of the sick, pray for us
Help of the faint, pray for us
Strength of the weak, pray for us
Protectress of those who fight, pray for us
Haven of the shipwrecked, pray for us
Calmer of tempests, pray for us
Companion of the sorrowful, pray for us
Retreat of those who groan, pray for us
Terror of the treacherous, pray for us
Standard-bearer of the Martyrs, pray for us
Treasure of the Faithful, pray for us
Light of Confessors, pray for us
Pearl of Virgins, pray for us
Comfort of Widows, pray for us
Joy of all Saints, pray for us
Queen of thy Servants, pray for us
Holy Mary, who alone art unexampled, pray for us

Pray for us, most Sorrowful Virgin, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Amen

Last Dance

1952-2009



Rest in peace, Patrick.

The Exaltation Of The Holy Cross

Today, September 14, is the Feast Day of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.




Here is my post from last year.




Collect for today:
O God, who this day dost gladden us by the yearly feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross: grant, we beseech Thee, that we who on earth acknowledge the Mystery of Redemption wrought upon it, may be worthy to enjoy the rewards of that same Redemption in heaven. Through the same Christ our Lord who lives and reigns with Thee and Thy Holy Ghost. Amen

†

A Simple Woman's Daybook

Monday, September 14, 2009

Outside my window...
Cloudy skies with bits of blue. It's nice to write that we've been having rain.

I am thinking...
that I need to be more patient with the puppies, and about errands I must do today.

I am thankful...
for time away with family, and sweet homecomings.

From the kitchen...
Nothing for an hour. I just took my synthroid.
Pad thai for dinner tonight.
Beans and rice tomorrow evening.
Roasted chicken and potatoes Wednesday.
Beef curry on Thursday.
Mac and cheese on Friday.
That's the plan, Stan.

I am wearing...
denim capris and a gray tee shirt.

I am creating...
nothing.

I am going...
to Mom's, her bank, my bank, the garden center and to buy a new purse.

I am hearing...
puppies barking and traffic sounds.

Around the house...
More decluttering, laundry, general cleaning.

One of my favorite things...
sleeping baby faces.

A few plans for the rest of the week...
the usual routine.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

I took a picture of Josh taking a picture of the scenery.

Speaking of Josh, please pray for a job for him. He recently lost the job he's had for two years and he has a family to support. Thanks for your prayers.




Please visit Peggy's site to read the daybooks of other bloggers.

Saturday Summary

Today, September 12, is the Feast Day of The Holy Name Of Mary.

Grant, we beseech Thee, O almighty God, that Thy faithful people who rejoice in the name and protection of the most holy Virgin Mary, may by her loving intercession, be delivered from all evils on earth and be found worthy to come to everlasting joys in heaven. Through Christ Our Lord. Amen
(The Roman Missal, 1962)

It's been a slow, pleasant Saturday. Reece and I slept in this morning while Ron took care of the puppies, so I didn't have to get up at 7 AM.

Reece went with me to see his Great Gran. We stayed there for a couple of hours because she is one of his favorite people in all the world and he never wants to leave. They played, we took Teddy for a walk, and I made Mom some chicken noodle soup and toast for lunch before we left.

Aubrey was delighted to see us when I took Reece home. She has the brightest grins in the world. Camryn also gave me some big smiles. It's always nice to get those sweet baby kisses from the little girlies.

Ron and I had leftovers from dinner last night for a late lunch (blackened talapia and rice) and watched a movie. Then he got on the computer to use the drawing program to design another woodworking piece he is planning.

I went outside to work with the puppies. They are doing very well with the commands "sit, stay and come." Now I've added "down" to the list, and they're doing surprisingly well with that one, too. They enjoy our little training sessions.

I got my book and some tea and sat outside with them for awhile (until mosquitoes started biting). They lay down at my feet and were content to stay close to me, giving me puppy kisses on my toes now and then.

I'm reading a Maeve Binchy novel, Quentins, that I picked up at the thrift store. I had planned to read it while we were in Arkansas, but had little time to read during our trip. The story revolves around a Dublin restaurant named Quentins and the people who run it. I always enjoy Maeve Binchy's characters and the way she tells a story.

Have a blessed Sunday tomorrow!

We Remember 9-11

"Thousands of lives were suddenly ended by evil, despicable acts of terror. The pictures of airplanes flying into buildings, fires burning, huge structures collapsing, have filled us with disbelief, terrible sadness and a quiet, unyielding anger."
George W. Bush

"All of a sudden there were people screaming. I saw people jumping out of the building. Their arms were flailing. I stopped taking pictures and started crying."
Michael Walters, a free-lance photo journalist in Manhattan.

"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free."
Ronald Reagan

Rain and Cherry Pudding

We are finally getting some rain. We've been in a severe drought, so we're thankful for it.

I drove to Mom's this morning in a downpour, with a prayer on my lips because everyone seemed to have forgotten how to drive in the rain.

I had a load of groceries, a box of sodas, my purse and umbrella in my hands, and as I stepped onto the curb from the parking lot at her apartment complex, my foot slipped and down I went.

I wasn't hurt at all, but had an appointment that afternoon and my white jeans and brown top were filthy from the wet, dirty parking lot. I had on brown sandals with slick soles--stupid to wear those in wet weather!

I got everything inside, and Mom loaned me a robe so that I could wash my clothes. While they were washing and drying, I made her an old-fashioned cherry pudding, using a recipe that my late mother-in-law gave me. She got the recipe from her mother. Mom loved it!

After leaving Mom's, I drove to BAMC for my appointment with my East Indian diabetes counselor. He was pleased with my progress, and told me to keep doing what I'm doing, "and don't fall off the wagon," in his wonderful sing-songy voice. :o)

Traffic coming home was horrible because there were several wrecks on southbound I-35 because of the rain. Two tractor trailers had jack-knifed, causing two other wrecks down the highway--what a mess! I pray that no one was hurt. I was going north, but our side of the highway was slowed as much as the other side.

When I got home the puppies were so anxious to get out of their crate, but when I took them outside they didn't want to get off the porch because of the rain. This from the two water dogs who love to get into the pool! I got my umbrella and walked out into the yard, and they followed me. Now that I think about it, they've not seen much rain in their short lives.

Now they are snoozing, Ron is asleep and I'm up late because I took a long nap late in the day.

Here's the cherry pudding recipe:

Twylah's Cherry Pudding

Batter:
1 C white sugar
1 C flour
½ C milk
1 t vanilla
1 t baking powder
dash salt

Filling:
1 (No. 303) can tart cherries
¾ C sugar

Spread batter in 8X8 or 9X9 pan. Bring the can of cherries and ¾ cup of sugar to a boil and pour slowly over batter. Bake at 350° for 40 minutes or until pudding is golden brown. Serve with milk, cream, ice cream or whipped cream. (Ron likes it with milk poured over it).

This is really sweet, so you might want to add only 1/2 Cup of sugar to the cherries. Don't use cherry pie filling, but tart canned cherries.

Enjoy!

Back To Normal?

We're getting back to "normal" around here after being away, but I don't have much to blog about. I found this meme at Jenni's blog, One Thing. She linked to the creator of the meme, Linda, at 2nd Cup Of Coffee (new blog to me). Anyway, here's the meme.


1. When you go to Wowmart, what one thing do you get every single time, besides a funky-wheeled squeaking cart full of frustration?

Crystal Light peach tea.

2. What is something that people are currently "into" that you just don't get or appreciate?

Reality TV, twitter.

3. What is something that really hoists your sail that other people might feel "ho-hum" about?

Latin Mass

4. Favorite song to sing in the shower or car?



5. A really great salad must have this ingredient:

Toasted sunflower seeds.

6. Advice in a nutshell to new bloggers (one or two sentences):

Use lots of pictures, keep it simple.

7. What was the alternate name that your parents almost named you? Do you wish they had chosen it instead of the one they gave you?

I don't think there was an alternate name, but I like the one I've got.

8. What in your life are you waiting for?

If you have the money and opportunity to do what you want, don't wait for anything. Just go ahead and do it. I'm not waiting for anything. I'm just livin' my life and enjoying the good things that happen.

9. You get a package in the mail. What is it, and who is it from?

Books from Amazon, or cigars that Ron ordered.

10. Today--what song represents you?

This is how I am with Reece. Whatever he wants, he gets. :o)



11. What is one thing that blogging has taught you about yourself?

I think I've been most surprised that there are so many other bloggers who share my lifestyle, opinions, values and that they are much smarter and more articulate than I could ever be.

12. How are you going to (or how did you) choose the clothes you're wearing today? What do they say about you in general or specifically how you're feeling today?

Reece (4 yr. old grandson) spent the night, and I was hurrying to get dressed because he wanted to go downstairs. So I just went into my closet and grabbed my most comfortable, easiest clothes to put on. They say that I put comfort ahead of fashion. I can do anything I need to do without worrying about my clothes, including walking Mom's dog in the rain, making her lunch, sitting on the floor to play cars with Reece, kicking an old soccer ball around the yard for the puppies, cleaning the kitchen and going to the grocery store.

You can copy the questions and code for the Random Dozen picture at 2nd Cup Of Coffee. She has a new set of questions up, too. Maybe I'll do those tomorrow. Thanks for the meme, Linda!