thanks for the memories

Friday, March 29, 2013

Good Friday

My dear friend Lisa is one of the most incredible Catholic women that I have had the pleasure of meeting.  I was going to post a tribute to the day and a little meditation.  After reading Lisa's most moving post, Are We There Yet?: Good Friday, I decided that I could not add a word.  Please read her post and be inspired to take up your own cross.

Monday, March 25, 2013

The Simple Woman's Daybook 25 March 2013

 
Outside my window...it is cold and gloomy.  But that is highly appropriate considering what week it is. The weather seems to be aware that Our Lord will be suffering his passion and death this week.
 
I am thinking...about other Holy Weeks in other years.  If I have learned nothing else in all my years it is to savor every moment with my children and now grandchildren.
 
A am thankful for...the Catholic faith that infuses my life. 
 
From the kitchen...the bread machine is doing its job, there is a large hunk of meat in the crockpot for barbecue later on, and there is ground meat thawing to make shepherd's pie with.  Everything has to run like a well oiled machine this week.
 
I am wearing....long johns and a flannel nightshirt.
 
I am going...to spend the day immersed in the duties related to my state in life.  I would like this week to epitomize the Lenten sacrifice.
 
I am reading...The Complete G K Chesterton.
 
I am hoping...that Kim had a quiet night with a sick Savannah and an 8 week-old infant.
 
 I am hearing...Layn discussing his wardrobe with his Auntie Mate, Melissa in the kitchen doing up the breakfast dishees, and the washer cranking out its first load of clean laundry for the week.
 
Around the house...love, togetherness, and industry prevail.
 
One of my favorite things...hearing the sounds of Matthew video chatting with the various members of the family for most of the evening yesterday. 
 
A few plans for the rest of the week...contemplation on the Passion of Christ and the gift of his Resurrection.
 
Here is a picture thought that I am sharing with you...
Matthew took this shot of all of us chatting with him yesterday.  He was so pleased to see the little people and to visit with those he loves.

Thursday, March 21, 2013

If you don't like the weather.....just wait a little while!

Yesterday was the alleged first day of spring.  You wouldn't know it by the weather here in Central New York.  However there is an old saying that is eminently true when it comes to the weather conditions here in New York; if you don't like the weather just a wait a few minutes it will change!
 
 
It can be rightly assumed that talk of the weather conditions is a big topic around here especially when it is snowing.  That is exactly what has been going on around here for several days.  It is hard to believe that on 10 March we took a walk in just light jackets and the little people played outside on the front porch.  On 17 March the snow fell, and it fell, and it fell.  Poor Ian has had to catch naps where he could get them for beieng called out in the middle of the night to clear the roads.

That's ok though.  It somehow is all worth while when the day dawns like today, cool, crisp and sunny.  Sure the weathermen are talking more snow later in the day, but I will just soak in this glimpse of the sun and store it up for later when the sky opens up and the weather changes, again.

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

The Simple Woman's Daybook 19 March 2013

 
Outside my window...there is snow falling!  Not that it is something unusual for this place or this time of year but if you are a native to this place at this time of year you are probably tired of the white-stuff falling from the sky.  Just between you, me and the wall I would be happy for the muddy season right about now
 
I am thinking...about the difference between wisdom and knowledge.  Very heavy thoughts for such a light fluffy day.
 
I am thankful for....snow plows, ice scrapers, and heated seats.
 
From the kitchen....there will be red velvet cupcakes made to celebrate the feast of St. Joseph.
 
I am wearing...an orange shirt and blues sweatpants.
 
I am creating...matching outfits for my grand daughters for Easter.
 
I am going....to work hard here at my desk until it is time to go to Adoration later on today.
 
I am hoping...that Ian gets to come home for some much needed rest soon.  He has been out on the roads since 11 last night.
 
I am hearing..Layn loudly protesting about getting dressed (he is at that stage), Melissa trying to talk him down to a reasonable decible level, and the swish of the snow as it brushes through the fir tree outside my window.
 
Around the house...everything is status quo, just the way I like it.
 
One of my favorite things...the silence of the outside world when it is snowing like this.
 
A few plans for the rest of the week...school work, hours of adoration, a doctors appointment and plenty of family.
 
Here is a picture thought that I am sharing with you...
Even the beefers seem to dislike the snow.  They are all huddled together in the feed bunk looking forlorn.

This is a sight that I like so much better.  Grandpa holding Savannah!!!!

Sunday, March 17, 2013

The happiest day

Our Kay will be 90 this coming June.  She has been a part of my life for all of my life.  I cannot remember a time when Kay wasn't a part of family celebrations and get togethers.
Since I have my own family Kay has been there for all of the gatherings that this family has enjoyed.  She has seen marriages, births and deaths for all the members of this large group that we call family.
 
 
Today we celebrated Jason's 25th birthday and Kay was there with us to snuggle babies and enjoy cake.  What a pleasure for all of us to see her snuggling the next generation.  Though these little people may never have memories of being with grandma Kay, we have these wonderful reminders of a time when they knew her love.

Thanks be to God for the love of family, the stories and wisdom that comes from being together. We love you Kay.

Saturday, March 16, 2013

We have another birthday!

The month of March is a big time for celebrating in my family.  Last Sunday we celebrated my eldest son's birthday.  Today is the birthday of a beloved priest who administered the sacraments to all of my children and married my husband and I.
Tomorrow is my son Jason's 25th birthday, Monday is his godfather's birthday and the following day is St. Joseph's day which is also a big day for us. 
 
Tomorrow we will bust out the corned beef for ruebens, alfredo sauce, and various other favorite dishes for the birthday boy man.  After the feasting the cake will be presented and the man of the day will be feted.  I love birthdays because they are a good excuse for eating, drinking, being merry and loving on my family.

Monday, March 11, 2013

The Simple Woman's Daybook 11 March 2013

 
Outside my window...the sun seems reluctant to come out from behind the clouds this morning.  Perhaps it was exhausted from shining so beautifully yesterday.  The weather men are calling for rain later today which is a big hint to do any outdoor things this morning.  Spring is slowly creeping up on us around here.  When I walk outside there is the distinct smell of tilled earth coming awake after a long winter.  The fields are brown and fertile looking lying in wait for the right time to be sown with seed.  The birds are very busy flying back and forth searching for I don't know what.  But their songs sweeten the air and promise that warm weather will be here soon if we can only be patient.
 
I am thinking...about words.  Words that I like the sound of and words that I enjoy looking at all spelled out on a fresh sheet of paper. 
 
I am thankful for...my sons and daughter.  I am particularly thankful for my eldest son whose birthday we celebrated yesterday.  It is the fulfillment of all a parent wishes for a child when that parent witnesses him stiving for a Godly life and raising his own child to have the same.
 
From the kitchen....brown rice porridge for breakfast.  I think a stir-fry of fresh vegies and fake chicken will be on the lunch menu then oatmeal for supper.  There now that it is all planned out I can forget about the kitchen for the day.
 
I am wearing....sweatpants and a flannel shirt with Tinker Bell on it.  Today is a good day to get caught up with the school work left from last week and to make a good start on this week's work.
 
I am going....to stay right here and be diligent about my work.
 
I am reading..."Salem 1692 what Devils Made Them Do It?" by Bruce Wilson
 
I am hoping...that the conclave brings us a good and holy Pope.  One who is true and loyal to the truth and teachings of the Holy Catholic Church.
 
I am hearing....the news from the Vatican playing in the den, The Priests singing in the kitchen, and the traffic as it whizzes past the house.
 
Around the house....it is still and peaceful.  I love my family and there is nothing that I like better than to be in the middle of the chaos.  But when it is time for me to be productive, thank you God for good friends who live in quiet houses.
 
One of my favorite things...the rich, fertile smell of the awakening earth.  I am so thankful that I live in this rural area where I am surrounded by life in all its forms.
 
A few plans for the rest of the week....school, adoration, and more school.
 
Here is a picture thought that I am sharing with you...
Yesterday Savannah and Layn got to play out on the front porch.  Savannah took this chance to get reaquainted with some old friends.  I love her little lisp when she says, "Who'th that?"

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Realization

Ever since I was a kid I have had trouble with my weight.  I'd like to blame it on the fact that I live in a family that celebrates life with food and that my mother was a fantastic cook.  But the blame lies solely with the fact that I am all about the food. 

This is me at my smallest (I'm the cute one with all the curls).  


About twelve years-ago I thought I had the whole over-weight thing beat by losing 150lbs.  Wrong!  It's not about dieting and losing weight, its all about eating right and living right.

So here's me after gaining back some of that weight (I'm the fat one in front).


So now my focus is not to lose weight, necessarily, but to learn how to live.  (at 51 it's better late than never).  This is not an easy lesson for someone of my age to learn either. After all I am still all about the food.  Just for an example, my eldest son turns 29 this weekend and I have spent the last couple of days planning his birthday meal and checking the budget to see how all out I can go.  He says he doesn't care but this is my way of saying I love you and so it must be done.  (Not that he won't enjoy the lasagna dinner followed by strawberry rhubarb pie)
So what does all of this mean you may ask.  Why am I bothering to set this all down for posterity to remember?  Because life is all about balance.  I can celebrate with the food and the family dinners but I also have to balance that out with celebrating me and my health by being wise with what and how much I consume and then not sitting on my butt letting it all go to my hips.
Here's to a lasagna dinner to remember and a good run when it is all over.

Sunday, March 3, 2013

The Simple Woman's Daybook 4 March 2013


Outside my window...the snow is lightly coming down.  The temp. was 22 when I was out earlier.  The weather man is threatening us with more snow later in the week, go figure.  This is the time of year when even snow lovers get a bit tired of the white-stuff.

I am thinking...about life.  Thinking about how lives appear from the outside and trying hard to remember that my life often looks perfect to others when it isn't .

I am thankful...for good friends and the use of their house while they are away.  It is so much easier to get my writing done when I am alone.  The silence and solitude are also conducive to a fruitful Lent as well.

From the kitchen...there is nothing exciting to report.  MK and I are both starting a cleanse before beginning the Candida diet.  Wish me luck!

I am wearing...sweats!  Staying in most days is very conducive to being comfortable.  Being comfortable is a great assist with writing.

I am going....to stay home each and every day unless I am absolutely forced to go out.  We will see if that plays out.

I am reading...nothing for fun.  

I am hoping...that Matthew is successful in the next couple of week's training.  

I am hearing...the sounds of the house creaking and groaning as it settles in for the night.  This old house is pleasantly noisy as it lives it's daily life around me.

Around the house...there is a distinct feeling of home! This house has sheltered so many families in it's long life so that the atmosphere breathes comfort and safety.  This house is one of the only other houses outside my own that I feel completely comfortable being in.

One of my favorite things...immersing myself in a good mystery, one that I cannot figure out before the end.

A few plans for the rest of the week...write, read, pray and spend my time in the silence of my own thoughts.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...
The view of my office for the next week.