A true man of God

I have been a parishioner of St. Barnabas The Apostle Church St. Barnabas RC Church since 1974. I am a Cradle Catholic & religion is a very big part of my life.

I love my Church - it is my place of refuge and haven of peace. I was married there, Christened my son there, sent him to it's Parochial School and he received his First Holy Communion and Confirmation there. I lead Girl Scout and Cub Scout troops affiliated with St. Banabas and currently teach fourth grade Catechism there. It is so intertwined in my life, I really cannot separate it from my being.

It is quite majestic, as seen in this post  and it's beauty is attibuted to one glorious man, Father Peter Dooley (Father Peter as he is affectionatley called). He lead our Church for the last sixteen years. In that time he has brought me back into my religion like never before. My Parish was no longer stuffy or righteous. It allowed me to worship and belong with no qualms or inhibitions. It was like he opened a window and allowed a fresh breeze to blow through it.

He took all of us to his heart, he loved our school and loved his people.

Sadly, he was recently reassigned to another Church, as is the policy of the Diocese (we were lucky he stayed as long as he did - he received several "reprieves" and was able to stay on several times). His time was up and it was a sad day for my Parish. He will be greatly missed.

God Speed Father Peter.

Started a new garden plot

We put a new fence up across the back this Spring - so of course I had to plant a new flower bed there. Found a darling chair & painted it up & made it the focal point of the new bed. The old galvanized can belonged to Guy's mom - took it home from Maine - fits perfect!

New composting ways....

I was using an old ketchup container to hold kitchen scraps, which I would dump into the outdoor composter.

Recently, during one of my Saturday morning scavenger hunts, I ran into a real gem - a beautiful, red enamel tin, with a lid - perfect for my kitchen & for holding scraps! It sits perfectly in the corner & washes well too!

I "harvested" two years worth of compost - I gathered pounds & pounds of rich, beautiful earth. Which I spread around all my flower beds.


Sadly I dismantled the black plastic bin and sent it to the graveyard. Compost in a closed container has to be aerated. It was a hassle to have to "stir" it all the time. So I finally reverted to an old fashioned open, wire bin. It is easy to get to, dump in and never has to be stirred. It sits contentedly under the pines, carfully guarded by a sleeping cow!

My Winter Wonderland

While not a photographer by any means - just a few shots of things that caught my eye during our latest storm....

Katrina Kenison - The Gift of an Ordinary Day (Did I tell you I love my son?)

He is growing so fast - not the cute little boy I once held in my arms. I know we are supposed to raise them, only to let them go - but sometimes that thought just devestates me! I want to share this video that a mother of four beautiful boys sent me - it sums up motherhood quite well. (Get your tissues out!)




Here he is through the years...

Seventeenth Summer - by Maureen Daly

Is one of my favorite - no make that my MOST favorite book! I was first introduced to this book when I was in 6th grade - by a fabulous teacher by the name of Mrs. Gainsa. I eagarly read it then and have continued to do so every two years or so ever since.

Each time I read it, I get transported to Fon Du Lac, and that glorious summer - the writing is so descriptive that I feel as if I am actually there and experiencing what Angie Morrow felt that glorious summer when she first fell in love.

Until the summer before college, Angie Morrow didn't really date. Her mother didin't like her to go out much. But no one -- not even Angie's mother -- can resist the charm of strikingly handsome Jack Duluth. His good looks grab Angies's attention from the moment in June when Jack throws Angie a smile at McKight's drugstore. And on their first date sailing under the stars -- when Jack leans in and whispers to Angie, "You look nice with the wind in your hair," the strange new feeling s begin. Tingles, prickles, warmth: the tell-tale signs of romance. It's the beginning of an unforgettable summer for Angie, full of wonder, warmth, tears, challenge, and love.

Those Who Bloom