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The Old-Fashioned Way!

Uncle Louis and Aunt Cathy with their daughter Chloe (held by Cathy)
and Uncle Dominic and Aunt Monica's daughter, Clara. 💕Cousins💕
* Crazy thing: three of our most recent new grandbabies are named
Claudia, Clara, and Chloe! (Everyone insists it was pure accident!)

It makes me so happy that most of our families with cousins live in the same zip code now -- or are a relatively short drive away! What a wonderful thing to experience that family link amongst friends you will grow up with and know your whole life! And best thing about our eleven cousins (so far): they are not only linked by blood, but by Faith! I never got to experience this kind of cousin bond, so maybe it's unique and extra special to me, but I have to tell you, I am so enjoying the first budding of these friendship. 😊  and I'm totally looking forward to watching these relationships unfold over the years!

 

Throwback Thursday

 

William Then

(2009 -- about four years old)

And Now

(Or last summer, anyway) 

See how that little tenor has developed!

Specs: William (tenor), Gabe (bass), Anna then -- now Sr. Evangeline -- (alto), Sr. Antonia (soprano). Summer, 2020, at anonymous rest stop with good acoustics, somewhere in the middle of Iowa. Notice how shy these kids are about singing in public. 😉

Wednesday Weird and Wonderful Words

In a Queue:

1. bibliophile

noun: one who loves books and reading

Passing on the love. Margaret Mary reading The Hobbit. (upside down,
but, hey, everyone has to start somewhere. See how she's got the posture
and disposition already mimicked?😄  )

2. discombobulate 

verb: to confuse 

These two (Fr. Philip and Gabe). Whom our youngest child
(William)  discombobulates on a fairly regular basis, bless his heart.

3. halfpace

noun: that landing at the top of a flight of stairs where you have to turn to take another flight of stairs.

What we need right here at the RV door!
(Hoping Gabe will build us a small set of 
stairs  this summer with a landing so we can
 get in this door while carrying a toddler or an umbrella
 without putting everything down and having to maneuver
ourselves up and in...)

4. jentacular

adjective: having to do with breakfast

'Nuff said.

 5. kakorrhaphiohobia 

noun: the fear of failure

A healthy thing in proper doses, kakorrhaphiohobia keeps us motivated -- concerning everything from saving our souls and raising good children to reading recipes carefully and not giving your husband a haircut when you're tired and cranky

Not my husband -- because I refuse to cut his hair when I'm 
tired and/or cranky.  Kakorrhaphiohobia. And just plain old mercy.

.

6. kerfuffle 

noun: loud and boisterous behaviour

My favorite kind of kerfuffle -- though more loud than boisterous --
 in the basement of the Church after Sr. Evangeline's acceptance as
a Novice (CMD) in March. So noisy you can't
hear a word anyone says -- but it's OK. Ya lipread. Or
just enjoy the bliss of seeing all their smiling faces.

7. lackadaisical - adjective: unmotivated

8. lollygag - verb: to be idle or lazy

Dawsey. Lollygagging after a long weekend of being constantly loved up
(house guests and parties with Monica's family after Fries family graduations Sunday)
--  too lackadaisical now to even protect the house from the mailman. 

9. quire

 noun: a pack of paper, usually around 25 pieces; less than a ream.

It's a fascinating thing, what people tend to hoard during hard times. Last year I think we were all drawn up short (snort) by the run on toilet paper at the beginning of the China Virus Plandemic. A different kind of paper than that which is bought in quires, but a vital thing is toilet paper, no denying it. He who controls the TP controls the world. (Charmin: "Muwahaha!") Fast Forward to May 2021: at the very mention of possible gasoline shortages, everyone runs and fills up their gas tanks. (We did!) Fuel is vital; a two mile line is worth the wait! But, my Dad, who lived through the Depression, always stayed stocked up on paper -- writing paper -- quires and quires of writing paper (and bins of Ivory soap) stored under our house -- probably to this day. I'm guessing these were things he especially valued and missed in his childhood. Tells you a lot about my Dad, huh? Does anyone buy loose leaf paper any more or is that a relic of a bygone era?

(For the record... We also have bins of paper and notebooks and journals and school supplies. And books.  And soap. And toilet paper. And gasoline. And ammo.)

10. ulotrichous

adjective: having curly hair

Or nowadays in all the rain and humidity here in Iowa, what is more generally frizzy hair -- in a pony tail. 

Out of ten children, we have only three who are actually ulotrichous besides me: Paul, Sr. A., and Sr. E. -- and Sr. A might be considered more wavy than curly; she's right on the border. We have  only two with wavy hair: Fr. Philip and Michelle (though you'll never see Fr. P's hair long enough to know it's wavy). Out of the grandchildren so far, I'd say there's only one who's a true curly-top: Margaret Mary (Dominic's older daughter)! I have to get a picture of her Shirly Temple curls to share! But Lilly's hair (Paul's youngest) is very wavy, just this side of curly and Daria and Claudia (Michelle's #1 and #3) have some nice wave, too. Jury's out on the babies (Sophia, Quinn, Clara, and Chloe); they needa grow some more hair before we can tell! All our grandchildren are gorgeous, though, of course💖, no matter how ulotrichous they are or are not!

* Anyone who wonders: I have both Sr. Antonia's and Sr. Evangeline's ponytails (that the bishop cut off at their entrance ceremonies) in little velvet bags in a glass cabinet where we safeguard our saints' relics. I also have one of Sr. E's little dangly bangs curls in my jewelry box (because I asked for one especially and Sr. Johanna was sweetly understanding, of course). Do I mind that I'll probably never see their curls again? Not a bit! Their heavenly Spouse sees them and keeps them for His own. How could I ever complain about that?

11. xertz 

verb: the act of gulping something down with haste.

I'm invariably half finished with my meal before Dan gets
this far. (Not much exaggerating.) I admit it; I am a xertzer.
Especially when I'm really hungry -- and the food smells so good!

* Photo taken at Boxer BBQ in downtown Council 
Bluffs, IA. Great barbecue, great atmosphere,
great service -- No masks to be seen anywhere!
Highly recommended!

Wednesday Walkabout

Documenting HOME

May 12, 2021

The baby ivy geraniums that will be planted in the "window" boxes you can see in the background.

We found the "diamond-pane" fencing in the brush at the edge of the property. They are very heavy and

sturdy -- and exactly long enough to stretch across the patio, as if they were made to be there. 😊 We

think they might have come from the abandoned trestle bridge that spans Pigeon Creek, but who knows? One way or another, they contribute beautifully to the Bavarian Biergarten theme we're trying

to achieve out here. The trailing geraniums, if we can make them grow as beautifully as the Bavarians,

will be the crowning touch! (That and beer, I guess. 😉)

 

And as a signal that Mommom is
happy to have grandbaby time (flag down) --
or is in the middle of a project (flag up).

The purpose of this mailbox:
to store seeds, gloves, and trowels --

Just a shot of the RV patio -- a work zone. The baby geraniums that need to be hardened off before planting; the hoe leaning against the RV that needs to be employed in some more weeding behind

the RV; the hummingbird feeder that needs to be cleaned, filled, and hung; the bbq just waiting for

something to cook for dinner.

Dominic and Monica's newest garden area. When we first moved here, this was the site of the hen house. It was falling down, though, so we removed it a couple years ago -- and this became the compost corner. I don't need to tell you I bet that this is extremely fertile soil, right? The perfect spot for a special little flower garden! First of all, the arch you see, will be planted with something vining. (I'm not sure what.) You can see that Dominic and Monica have marked out a twirly yellow-brick-road-shaped path that they'll be filling in with mulch -- and not yellow bricks. You can't see it, but the far corner is marked out just for Margaret's very own poppies. The rest of the area between the bricks will be filled in with an abundance of flowers, from dahlias to hollyhocks. This was an inspired spot as it's a focal point as you come up the driveway -- and it's right outside the bedroom window of the RV!   💖 

Here we are -- b etween the RV and the "Hobbit Hill." The portable firepit we inherited from Fr. McGuire. We have  yet to use it, though. Maybe this weekend. We've never used this corner of

the property as much as we do now that the RV is parked right here. And that hill back there that Dominic has been working so hard to eradicate of stinging nettle and get grass seed to sprout...? Eventually we want to put a faux Hobbit door -- and copy the outside of Bag End. Maybe this will be the summer?

A needs-work corner. The seed spreader. It's dead, Jim. Also the trampoline

is missing a couple bolts. (Imagine. That  thing has been heavily used these

last five years or so!) And this corner is the last to get mowed because so much

stuff has to be moved out of the way...

The vegetable patch -- just started. There are four tomato plants started --

and I think a few seeds (squash?) so far. The path (with the weed barrier weighted

down with old tiling) is waiting for a truckload of mulch to be delivered.

I'll revisit this spot in about a month. It'll look completely different!

Raspberries. 💗

Need to freshen up the paint on our Bookworms Directions signs.

The  western inside edge of the sunken garden.
We have roses planted all the way around -- but
can't decide what to plant here. I'm thinking some
kind of perennial would be pretty -- one that blooms
all summer -- but I can't decide what. Any ideas?

The southeast corner of the "sunken garden."
I want Gabe to build steps here -- if and when
lumber prices come down. 

Because I have to document a found spoon -- for my friend, Anne. See the 
paper plate out there in the grass that went with it? Some youngin. Last weekend.

'Squatch. Looking a little ragged. But, then, I think maybe he's supposed to.

The big firepit. Many marshmallows have been roasted here, many songs sung!

A peek at the house from between the hedge bushes. (As I walked across after

throwing that paper plate in the burn pile in the fire pit.)

Looking up toward the Mary garden through the chives -- Margaret-level. Those are strawberries

on the other side of the step -- and cilantro.

Across the front of the Mary garden -- which is still early season. It'll come
to life as the weather warms up. But -- check out Gerome posing there. 💙

The deck steps that lead to the chiefly-used entrance to the big house. I'm not
sure why it is we seem to have a flying pig theme here. May have some deep
meaning -- but probably not. St. Francis there, too. More meaning for sure.

Where all the cats -- and Gerome -- come for water, even though we provide them

with a bowl. (What's with that, anyway?)

Some of the iris. It's all over the property, thanks to the previous owner!

This little tableau -- just because it cracks me up. In the grandchildren's
"Gnome Garden."

Highly recommended spot to come with a book. Or a husband.

View from the hammock.

The peonies! Still a couple weeks from blooming probably. I can't wait!

The messages on the front porch. All true: 1) "Welcome" 2) "Doorbell broken; yell dingdong really loudly!" 3) "This property patrolled by package eating Pyrennes; please do not leave packages on porch!"

TTFN! 

I'll update later in the summer!

The Mass

 Folks wonder a lot these days how we got to this point, what's happened to our world -- it is so *messed up!* This is the answer -- too few true Masses are being offered, too few people gaining the grace from them to the perfection of their own souls -- and therefore the salvation of the world they live in, too. It's not just disintegration of the family that accounts for the downward spiral we all see. That's been an important factor -- but it's an effect of the greater foundational problem. The bedrock of a healthy soul, healthy family, healthy society: the life of Christ within us -- is the holy sacrifice of the Mass. The only way to fix this world is through the Mass and the sacraments and a return to the basic understanding that the fuel to the engine of the human race is grace. 

Prayer of Mothers

                                            Prayer of Mothers

Father in heaven, grant me the grace to appreciate the dignity which you have conferred on me.  Let me realize that not even the Angels have been blessed with such a privilege— to share in your creative miracle and bring new Saints to heaven. Make me a good mother to all my children after the example of Mary, the Mother of your Son. Through the intercession of Jesus and Mary I ask your continued blessings on my family. Let us all be dedicated to your service on earth and attain the eternal happiness of your kingdom in heaven. Amen.

Simple Morning Simple Daybook

 For Today

Looking out my window...

A Spring masterpiece again as only Our Heavenly Father can create. Everything still sparkles with spring newness, though the elm and cottonwood leaves are fully bloomed out now. The walnut trees, our late-bloomers are just leafing out, the raspberries are finding the support wires and starting to curl around them, leafed out and full of promise. The strawberries are flowering and we have tomato plants in the ground. And the flies are back. 😩 No mosquitoes yet, though. 😊

I am thinking... 

About flying insects now. Margaret (our two-year-old resident grandaughter) has never seen fireflies! I can't wait for them to show up. There's nothing like the wonder of a toddler discovering God's crazy creations! I imagine that He watches these introductions with the same delight that we do. ❤

I am thankful... 

For emojis! They really do help, I think, bridge the communication gap we tend to have in social media -- where the inflection of our voices and the looks on our faces can't help interpret what we put in print. See how I'm smiling as I type this? 🤗

One of my favorite things...

Thunderstorms in the camper. That particular sound of rain on a tin roof. And the wind shaking the whole "house" making it feel like a boat on rough seas -- while watching the lightning flash across the sky from the big windows all around -- shivering to the vibrations of the thunder... BEST place for a ceraunophile, bar none!

I am creating...

Actually... not much right now, though I'm waiting for my ivy geraniums to arrive in the mail so we can continue working on the German biergarten theme of the camper's patio. (Can you tell we are thoroughly enjoying the camper?) 🥰

I am wearing...

A very comfortable teal-blue "sack dress" over black leggings. (It has pockets!)

I am reading...

The Foundling -- by Francis Cardinal Spellman. I keep starting this book and getting distracted away from it. I'm determined to finish it this week, though!

I am hoping...

The new pants I just sent William in Idaho are the right size... 😬  I hate buying clothes online -- with no opportunity to try them on -- especially when we're talking about teenage boys who grow overnight!

A picture thought for the day...

My view this morning with my first cup of coffee. 💗 Love our Iowa home.

Five

 

1. Making this for dinner tonight...

And the thought of how good it's going to be is distracting me from other thoughts of other things I should be doing...

Blackened Salmon and Avocado Mango Salsa Tacos

2. I love how...

Our children, though they are scattered all over the world, make it a priority for all the cousins --- our grandchildren --- to know each other, even though some of them don't get to see one another very often. They send pictures of the children on our family app -- and all the Mommas and Dads share them with their own children -- and talk about them often, so that there will be a connection amongst them. One proof of how well this is working is how Dominic and Monica's two-year-old, Margaret, has named all these dollies (from Mommom's toybox). Here she is, naming them all off for me, in order, L-R: Daria, Ella, Claudia, Sophie, Evie, Lilly. ❤

3.  If I were going to open my own store... 

Should I ever have that kind of capital and confidence in the economy...  It would be a children's new and used clothing, toys, and bookstore. I would call it "Kinder."  Get the play on words? Wouldn't that be too much fun?

Because...

4. A Day in the Life

 So, we've got into a bit of a routine here at the old Iowa homestead, where Dan disappears into the office near our bedroom at the crack of dawn (or thereabouts) to begin his remote workday. (The best thing to come out of these crazy times is Dan getting to work from home!) I sleep in a little bit most days (still working on the Lyme's rest cure), stumbling out of bed around 8 or 8:30. By then I usually hear Dominic and Monica and the girls moving around in their upstairs apartment while I say morning prayers, make my bed and get dressed. Dan has already made himself a pot of coffee by the time I emerge from the bedroom -- but Dan and I see coffee differently; I'm an espresso kinda gal and he likes his, as he calls it: smooth (i.e., weak and watered down with creamer). To each his own, though. I'm good with it! I now have the option of kissing Dan good morning (and  "see ya later") and heading over to the RV kitchen and my mocha pot for my own coffee. 

Not every morning, but many mornings, I'll make scrambled eggs and Dan will join me at the RV at about 9 or 9:30 for a late breakfast. By then, Dominic and Monica have come downstairs for their breakfast at the Big House (Margaret's nickname for it). Then around 10 or 10:30 Margaret comes over for a visit. I drink my coffee, she sips her "tea" (a bit of warm water and a few drops of honey in a sippy cup) and plays with the dolls or the magic pen coloring book and chatters and chatters -- and I understand about half of it, but smile and nod at all of it. 😉

Monica and Margaret planting carrots and tomatoes.

 Around 11 or 11:30, Monica or Dominic (since Dominic hasn't started his day job yet) comes to retrieve Margaret -- and they generally work on the gardens together -- then lunch and naps. I spend the afternoons working on various projects, including the literature study guides I'm working on for Sr. Antonia, among other literary endeavors. Dan and I have a midafternoon "Nuncheon" -- usually over at the RV, and then a very small dinner (usually salad or crudités or something like that) around 6 or 7. Unless it's a weekend night -- and we have something special planned. Like tonight. We'll probably share the salmon with Dominic and Monica and dine alfresco on one of the patios. With wine and good conversation as we watch the sun set over the hills. (Bliss.)

We all enjoy the beauty of the change of the seasons, the time together, the easy structure of our days, the common denominator and security of sharing the most important things: our family and our Faith  -- and you know? The rest of the world can go where it wants in a handbasket: we don't have to let it bring us down. We do discuss current events -- but only when pertinent and not ad nauseum. Most of our conversations revolve around the gardens, the children, the goings on in our parish, and what we're going to do when Gabe and William are home for the summer -- or who all will be here for graduations -- or how much we're looking forward to our Religious children's home time in June -- and when's the next volleyball party...? Living in the world, not being of it. It's the only way to go. Praying that, regardless of how the world goes, we can maintain the ability to think and live positively and well, appreciating the simple things -- accepting the changes and difficulties as challenges to overcome for the good of our souls. The same as it's always been. It's all good.

5. Also this: 

I've been playing with the craft of needle felting -- without really studying it especially hard or actually watching all the how-to videos I've saved on Pinterest --  so you can probably guess how well I'm doing. (grimace) The spritely, highly detailed needle-felted forest gnomes that I fell in love with online, the amazing needle-felted landscapes, the bunnies and foxes I've been admiring ever since I first ran across them on my Pinterest feed...? Well, my first attempt looks nothing like them. At all.  But I had fun snuggling in on the RV couch last week over a couple rainy days, trying to figure out how to construct a needle-felt butterfly for my mother for Mother's Day -- without bleeding to death. Because needle-felting is a "poky" thing. So here's my butterfly. It may look pretty amateur and a little hokey, but there's lots of love and a little of my DNA in this Mother's Day gift. Not Pinterest worthy. Only a mother could love it. Thank goodness!

The almost-finished front side.

The very first steps. And there's that
poky felting  needle... 

The almost-finished message side -- with magnets.

I love ya, Mom!