Dinner With 8: Recap

Steve and I have just returned from our Dinner with 8 event. For dinner we had brisket, cowboy beans, raman noodle & cabbage salad, rolls, and apple pie and ice cream.  The meal was good.  The brisket came from Delano Barbeque Company in Delano, KS.  The BBQ restaurant is owned by a son of our hosts, Roger and Diane.  I have never eaten at this place, but Steve has and he says the food is pretty good.  Our next get-together will be in mid-March.  Either Andy & Michelle or Steve & I will be hosts.  Our last dinner date will be in May or June.

Roger was telling us at the dinner that his Lion's Organization recently completed a count of the homeless in Wichita.  The total amount came to around 700 persons!  700 homeless persons!  Where do they go when it's cold outside?  There are many Wichita outreach programs that serve homeless and other needy people.  Roger's Lion's Club provides haircuts, dental work, eyeglasses, showers, and clothing to the homeless.
The local Lord's Diner provides daily meals for free to all who visit the center plus there are now 3 vans that stop in various parts of Wichita with food.  It is not unusual for the diner to serve up and over 1000 persons daily. The Lord's Diner is supported by area churches and their volunteers.  Stacy (who was at the dinner), Roger and Diane volunteer at the Lord's Diner once a month.
We truly never realize how very blessed we are until we hear information like this.

Clark rides the lubed up sled

Roger was also telling us that he and his wife, Diane, were extras in the National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation movie.  During the scene where Clark and Eddie are in Wal-Mart shopping and Eddie puts bags dog food in the cart, you can see a man in a red coat behind them farther down the aisle - that's Roger!  Chevy Chase turns the corner in the store and speaks to Diane.  Also Roger is by the side of the road when the super slick sled goes by the school bus.  LUCKY DUCKS! This is one of favorite movies! Can you believe that the movie came out in 1989?!?

Today's weather was wonderful!  It was almost 80 degrees warm!  Spring is in  the air?
Maybe this great weather is the reason there are so  many wild animals being seen around Wichita. A man living near Roger & Diane said that he saw 16 deer on his morning walk today.  Stacy said that there seems to be an over abundance of squirrels this year.  Michelle found an armadillo in her back yard.  There seems to be a lot of roadkill too.  Sad.

I better end this blog,  Church comes early!
 

I Have A New Job

My new job?  I've joined the volunteer staff at my church's library.  They have a nice sized collection.that serves children to adult patrons.  The collection contains more that books.  There are DVDs too.  The library staff is made up of volunteers from the parish and they open the library after the 3 Sunday services and on Wednesday evenings during the school year.  However, volunteers can come into work in the library during weekdays.  The catalog is automated and tied to the school's preschool-grade 8 library.  I was very happy to find that the automation system is Destiny - one that I'm familiar with!  I worked last Thursday from 8am to 5pm,  What did I do?  Processing book data into the computer.  I don't know if there is a materials budget, but I do know that many books are donated.  I must have entered over 100 books.  There are still 2 rolling book carts left to do!  Don't pity me! Processing books is one of my favorite tasks.

Pews & Alter at SEAS

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church or "SEAS" as parishioners call it, is a beautiful church. There are over 6000 members.  Of course, it helps that a private school is connected to the church building.  The church parish isn't very old as it was established in 1982.
One of the ministry programs offered by the church is the "Over 55 Luncheon" held every month from September through May.  A free luncheon is held every month for parishioners who are aged 55 and over in the church hall.  There is wine and appitizers before the meal. After the meal there is entertainment and door prize drawings.  The meal goes along with the monthly theme.  Since I am over 55 I have attended these luncheons.  They are very nice.  The sponsors say it is their way to pay back long time church members.
This is a very active church with many ministry opportunities.  Steve and I also belong to a group participating in the "Dinner For 8" ministry.  A multi-aged group of 8 adults meet at each other's homes to share a meal.  I have to bring the dessert.  I think I'm going to take 2 pies and some ice cream.

I finished the Murdoch Mysteries book - Night's Child - by Maureen Jennings.  I was able to give the characters a face by matching them with the characters from the TV show.  I tried to guess who the evil guys were, but I think Murdoch was better than me!  I 'm going to start reading another Maureen Jennings book - Season of Darkness.  This one is from the Inspector Tom Tyler series and takes place during WW2 in England.

I was talking to my grandson, Sam, via the phone tonight and he told me that he wanted a bike for his birthday in April.  He said, "Oma, order my bicycle for my birthday.  I want a bike for my birthday."
I asked Marie if she was putting Sam up to this and she said that she didn't know where it was coming from.  That little whippersnapper!

On this past Thursday, there was a shooter that killed 3 people and injured 14 others at the Excel Industries in Hesston, KS.  The shooter was also killed by police.  What a sad time for the people.  My thought and prayers are with them.

Well, it's getting late.  So goodnight for now.

The Force Be With You

I mentioned in an earlier post that I would give my views of the new Star Wars movie, The Force Awakens.
I have long been a Stars Wars fan. (not a fanatic)  I was there in 1977 when the first original movie came out. I saw it 12 times!  Back then a movie ticket cost $4.00, so I was in for almost $50.00.  Big dollars for a college student with only work-study money.  Ahhh, the memories.....
I was going to marry Han Solo/Harrison Ford. Well, that didn't happen, but I still like HF as an actor.  I can honestly say that I've enjoyed most of the movies he's been in. Favorites: Indian Jones series, Star Wars series, American Graffiti, Witness, Working Girl, Cowboys & Aliens, and The Devil's Own.   I'd still marry him if wasn't for one thing - Steve.  And Ford's wife, I guess!  HAHA.

Mathison & Spielberg

FYI  Speaking of Harrison Ford; his 2nd wife, Melissa Mathison, was Oscar nominated for the original screenplay of Steven Spielberg's E.T: The Extra Terrestrial and also wrote the screenplay for The Black Stallion. Sadly, she passed away in 2015. They were married from 1983-2004.

Back to the latest Star Wars movie....  I was thrilled to see the old trio - Luke, Leia, & Han - back together again.  One of the things that I noticed was that this latest story line very closely mirrored the 1977 plot.  That was a sad realization - I expected so much more.  Viewers who might not be familiar with the first movie might not notice the little references to prior SW movies. For instance, the hologram game on the Falcon (played by 3CPO & Chewie), the cantina band (similar song), the girl lounging against the creature at the entrance to the space bar (Jabba & Leia), the desert planet (Luke's home planet), battle to shut down the Empire's weapon core, and Han and Chewie running down the death planet's hallways (like on the Death Star).  And why did it have to be another death star the Rebel Alliance has to shut down?!?  Couldn't the writers think of something else?
I was also dismayed that Princess/General Leia looked so old.  I know the actress Carrie Fisher has had some rough times, but really there's such a thing as make-up.  Of course it's been 30 years and didn't expect a slim, trim & petite Leia (look at me). I just think her close-ups could have been handled better.  SPOILER ALERT - I was sad to realize that she and Han had separated and their son, Ben, was a Sith. I just know that Leia and Han still loved each other to the end, I'm predicting that Rey is Luke's daughter. I wasn't happy with the Han ending either.

On another note, I am pleased to report that a Cardinal bird couple have been visiting our home lately. They don't stay very long because the dogs scare them away, but they have been here several times.  I just smile and say, "Hi, Mom!  Thanks for stopping by today."

I hope this day finds you happy and healthy....

Asking For Your Prayers

Hello, Everyone!  It's been awhile since I last posted.

The BIG NEWS is that my Dad, Stan Sherrill, is going in for his heart valve procedure (TAVR) next Wednesday, February 24.  He will also have a throat microscopy on Thursday, February 25, while in the hospital. Trudy is flying into Atlanta on Sunday and Tina will arrive on Monday. They plan to stay during the week.  Dad seems to be taking the upcoming events well, but I know he'll be glad when it's all over with.  Please include Dad in your thoughts and prayers for a successful procedure.  If you would like his address, let me know and I can send it to you.

In brighter news, the weather here has been gorgeous!  Today it was 77 degrees!  I have some plants showing already!  I hope we don't get a snow storm.

This afternoon I attended a meeting put on by the area Daughters of the American Revolution at the Midwest Historical & Genealogical Society.  I've long wanted to join the DAR organization.  Since a relative of mine, Eulalee Hendricks, is already a DAR member I won't have to prove a lot genealogical connections.  Our Revolutionary War patriot is Moses Justice from North Carolina.  I know my sister, Tina, and my cousin, Marcy, also want to join DAR.  My local chapter (club) would be DAR Flores del Sol. (Sunflower)  It's appropriate as the sunflower is the state flower of Kansas.  There are 6 DAR chapters around Wichita.  There are also chapters for men and children (SAR = Sons of the American Revolution and CAR = Children of the American Revolution).  I know there is a SAR chapter in Wichita.

I finished the Jessica Day George book I started last weekend (Silver in the Blood).  I really liked it! I would recommend it to teen readers.  Not because of any negative content but I think the story line would appeal to older readers.  I would like to read more novels by the author with the Florescu cousins in the plot.

I've turned my reading attention to a new book: Night's Child (A Detective Murdoch Mystery) by Maureen Jennings. Jennings, a Canadian author, has written 7 books in the Murdoch series; plus 2 books in the Christine Morris series, and 2 books in the Inspector Tom Tyler series, as well as a nonfiction book.  The popular TV series, "The Murdoch Mysteries" featuring the characters of   Detective William Murdoch and his co-works at the Victorian-era Toronto Constabulary is based on her Murdoch Mystery books. The TV show can be found on regular television and Seasons 1-7 are on NetFlix.  Check out this book (or TV) series!  ** See my 07-FEB entry for more about the Murdoch Mysteries series.

And finally......

Happy St. Valentine's Day!!!

Happy St. Valentine's Day!
My celebration of the day went pretty well!  Yesterday Steve and I ate breakfast at one of my favorite restaurants: Cracker Barrel.  Then we stopped at the Watermark Book Store & Cafe and author Jessica Day George was doing a book signing.  Then for the evening we went to see Star Wars: The Force Awakens at a local theatre.

Jessica Day George

If you have young readers or teens you might be familiar with the American author Jessica Day George.  She has written several series for various age groups: the Princess series, the Dragon Slippers trilogy, and Tuesdays at the Castle with it's remaining days of the week books.  She also has 2 stand-alone books: Silver in the Blood and Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow.  An interesting tidbit:  the word "dragon"  appears in someway in each of her books.   Here is her website:  http://www.jessicadaygeorge.com/ 

I purchased the 2 stand-alone books and I am currently reading Silver in the Blood.  So far it's not bad.  It involves 2 American teen girl cousins who travel to Romania to meet the ancestral family of their mothers (who are sisters). Somehow their family is connected to the descendants of Count Dracula, Vlad the Impaler. There is danger, mystery, magic, and a little romance.  Since I'm only about half way through the book, I can't really say anymore!
Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow is a retelling of the story, East of the Sun, West of the Moon.

The Watermark Book Store and Cafe in Wichita, KS, is an independent book vendor that carries a wide assortment of books. They feature about 4 author signings a month, plus story time and other book related activities.  I really like this place!

Jessica Day George gave this advice for a person who wants to be an author:

1. READ.  Read everything.  Experience different types of writing: poetry, nonfiction, fiction, different authors.
2. WRITE.  Write every day, even if it's a list of names, things or short paragraphs.
3. KEEP.  Keep everything you write.  Put it away and bring it out for ideas or to continue.  

Finally, we went to see the latest Star Wars movie.  I was both happy and sad.  I was also somewhat disappointed.  But more on this in another blog.



I hope your February 14th is/was a great day.

Until next time.......

Lenten Season 2016

The Lenten Season has begun.  Christians observe this liturgical season in various ways.
One of the most heard questions among Catholics, especially Catholic youth, is, "What are you giving up for Lent?"  Most often the answer is desserts, candy, soda pop, not obeying my parents, or arguing with my sibling, and recently, playing on my computer.
Sometimes we choose to do something instead of another or add something to our routine, like say a rosary every day, go to daily mass, do more exercise, visit grandparents every week, be nice to the dog, etc.  You get the picture.
Of course, Catholics are identifiable at the start of Lent by the ashes on their forehead placed there by the priest on Ash Wednesday. You can wash off the ashes if you want, but many don't.
To be honest, I've observed Lent in both ways - by giving something up and by doing something extra.  I once gave up eating candy bars.  I lost weight and to this day I seldom eat candy bars.  When I'm tempted, I just tell myself, "It's for Jesus." and it's easier for me.
One year during Lent the kids gave up eating various foods. Marie would only eat chicken or fish and Geoff gave up eating hamburgers.  Lynne doesn't like fish.  Meals were interesting to say the least!
Steve usually doesn't share with me what his lenten penance is.  It is a private 'deal' between you & God.
Lent also means, for Catholics, no meat to be eaten on Ash Wednesday or Fridays during the next 46 days.  Now comes all the fish sales at the grocery stores, fish meal deals at restaurants, and local fish frys held by organizations!  I really miss the big fish fry held at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Mason City, IA!

The following info is taken from Catholic Online.  If you would like more info on the Catholic practice of Lent, please go to this link:  http://www.catholic.org/clife/lent/ashwed.php 

Ash Wednesday is one of the most popular and important holy days in the liturgical calendar. Ash Wednesday opens Lent, a season of fasting and prayer.

Ash Wednesday takes place 46 days before Easter Sunday, and is cheifly observed by Catholics, although many other Christians observe it too.

Ash Wednesday comes from the ancient Jewish tradition of penance and fasting. The practice includes the wearing of ashes on the head. The ashes symbolize the dust from which God made us. As the priest applies the ashes to a person's forehead, he speaks the words: "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return."

Alternatively, the priest may speak the words, "Repent and believe in the Gospel."

Ashes also symbolize grief, in this case, grief that we have sinned and caused division from God.

Writings from the Second-century Church refer to the wearing of ashes as a sign of penance.

Priests administer ashes during Mass and all are invited to accept the ashes as a visible symbol of penance. Even non-Christians and the excommunicated are welcome to receive the ashes. The ashes are made from blessed palm branches, taken from the previous year's palm Sunday Mass.

It is important to remember that Ash Wednesday is a day of penitential prayer and fasting. Some faithful take the rest of the day off work and remain home. It is generally inappropriate to dine out, to shop, or to go about in public after receiving the ashes. Feasting is highly inappropriate. Small children, the elderly and sick are exempt from this observance.

It is not required that a person wear the ashes for the rest of the day, and they may be washed off after Mass. However, many people keep the ashes as a reminder until the evening.

Recently, movements have developed that involve pastors distributing ashes to passersby in public places. This isn't considered taboo, but Catholics should know this practice is distinctly Protestant. Catholics should still receive ashes within the context of Mass.

In some cases, ashes may be delivered by a priest or a family member to those who are sick or shut-in.

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Season of Lent. It is a season of penance, reflection, and fasting which prepares us for Christ's Resurrection on Easter Sunday, through which we attain redemption.

Why we receive the ashes

Following the example of the Nine vites, who did penance in sackcloth and ashes, our foreheads are marked with ashes to humble our hearts and reminds us that life passes away on Earth. We remember this when we are told

"Remember, Man is dust, and unto dust you shall return."

Ashes are a symbol of penance made sacramental by the blessing of the Church, and they help us develop a spirit of humility and sacrifice.

The distribution of ashes comes from a ceremony of ages past. Christians who had committed grave faults performed public penance. On Ash Wednesday, the Bishop blessed the hair shirts which they were to wear during the forty days of penance, and sprinkled over them ashes made from the palms from the previous year. Then, while the faithful recited the Seven Penitential Psalms, the penitents were turned out of the church because of their sins -- just as Adam, the first man, was turned out of Paradise because of his disobedience. The penitents did not enter the church again until Maundy Thursday after having won reconciliation by the toil of forty days' penance and sacramental absolution. Later, all Christians, whether public or secret penitents, came to receive ashes out of devotion. In earlier times, the distribution of ashes was followed by a penitential procession.

The Ashes

The ashes are made from the blessed palms used in the Palm Sunday celebration of the previous year. The ashes are christened with Holy Water and are scented by exposure to incense. While the ashes symbolize penance and contrition, they are also a reminder that God is gracious and merciful to those who call on Him with repentant hearts. His Divine mercy is of utmost importance during the season of Lent, and the Church calls on us to seek that mercy during the entire Lenten season with reflection, prayer and penance.

Laura & Randy

 We're wishing a wonderful day full of happy birthday wishes to Laura V. up in Iowa!

Hope you can dig out of the snow so you can celebrate your day!

I don't want to make you feel too badly - we got up to 66 degrees today here in southern Kansas. 

Earn Your Beads!

It's Mardi Gras time!  Well, I'm not in New Orleans but I can celebrate, can't I?  I made a Mardi Gras supper (baked sausage and veggies and King Cake).  No red beans and rice because Steve doesn't like them.   I've been to New Orleans but not during Mardi Gras.  I know my sister Trudy, her daughter Amy, and my daughter Marie have. My friend Kathy Buxton Frey once sent us some beads and trinkets from the parade. That was special surprise. Being from the North, I don't really celebrate like they do in the South. There are parades, music, partying and feasting.  Of course, beads are everywhere!  Sometimes they are tossed off the parade floats.  (Or you can really find them anywhere.)   One way to get your beads is to show your chest to the person giving out the beads.
The colors associated with this celebration are purple representing justice, green representing faith, and gold representing power.  Then there's the King Cake.  A yeast bread decorated with sparkles of the traditional celebration colors and with a baby Jesus hidden inside.  Whomever gets the baby Jesus can expect good fortune until the next Mardi Gras and they get to host next year's celebration.  Mardi Gras occurs the day before Ash Wednesday and the start of the Lenten Season.

 Mardi Gras, also called Shrove Tuesday, or Fat Tuesday,in English, refers to events of the Carnival celebrations, beginning on or after the Christian feasts of the Epiphany (Three King's Day) and culminating on the day before Ash Wednesday. Mardi Gras is French for "Fat Tuesday", reflecting the practice of the last night of eating richer, fatty foods before the ritual fasting of the Lenten season.

Popular practices on Mardi Gras include wearing masks and costumes, overturning social conventions, dancing, sports competitions, parades, debauchery, etc. Similar expressions to Mardi Gras appear in other European languages sharing the Christian tradition, as it is associated with the religious requirement for confession before Lent begins. In many areas, the term "Mardi Gras" has come to mean the whole period of activity related to the celebratory events, beyond just the single day. In some American cities, it is now called "Mardi Gras Day".

While not observed nationally throughout the United States, a number of traditionally ethnic French cities and regions in the country have notable celebrations. Mardi Gras arrived in North America as a French Catholic tradition with the Le Moyne brothers, Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville and Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville, in the late 17th century, when King Louis XIV sent the pair to defend France's claim on the territory of Louisiane, which included what are now the U.S. states of Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and part of eastern Texas.

Jeff & Marie

I'd like to send out a Happy Birthday wish to our son-in-law, Jeff.  We hope he had a great day.  We look forward to seeing him and his family soon.  

             FINAL THOUGHTS......

Many Little Thoughts

We had a very interesting sermon at church today.  The topic was about Jesus's resurrection.  Before His death, Jesus told of the Father's mercy and love. He also told of life everlasting for those who follow and love God.  There were many followers, but words are just words.  The reality of His words were not wholly believed until the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  The whole basis of the Christian faith is the fact that Jesus died and rose from the dead to forgive our sins. Imagine the surprise when finding the empty tomb and hearing the words of the angel!  No other prophet has returned from the dead to proclaim his truths.  Words to think on.

Following church we ate breakfast at Neighbor's.  My only complaint was that my over-medium-until-the whites-are done eggs were not cooked to order.  I just can't eat snotty eggs!  I love their logo though - "It's cheaper to eat at the Neighbor's."  Otherwise the food is inexpensive and good.

How about those Broncos?  Way to Go!  I'm really happy for Peyton Manning, the Bronco team and their fans.  I remember when I was in college the Pitsburg Steelers played the Minnesota Vikings. My roommate was from Minnesota and was a BIG Vikings fan,  I don't think the Vikings won.  To think this year was the 50th Super Bowl game!  That alone is a milestone.  BTW, I didn't watch the game although Steve had to go into the station to make sure all went well.

I'm really a fan of the Murdoch Mysteries that I currently watch via Netflix. The below information is taken from Wiikipedia:  The series takes place in Toronto starting in 1895 and follows Detective William Murdoch (Yannick Bisson) of the Toronto Constabulary, who solves many of his cases using methods of detection that were unusual at the time. These methods include fingerprinting (referred to as "finger marks" in the series), blood testing, surveillance, and trace evidence.^[2]

Some episodes feature anachronistic technology whereby Murdoch sometimes uses the existing technology of his time to improvise a crude prototype of a technology that would be more readily recognizable to the show's 21st-century audience. In one episode, for instance, he creates a primitive version of sonar to locate a sunken ship in Lake Ontario. In another, he effectively invents wire-tapping. In still another, a foreign police officer has a photograph that Murdoch needs as evidence, so Murdoch asks the other officer to overlay the photograph with a grid numerically coded for the colour in each square, and to transmit the numerical data to Murdoch via telegraph – with the end result that the foreign officer has essentially sent Murdoch a bitmap image they call a "facsimile" – a telefax.

Detective Murdoch is assisted by the three other main characters: Inspector Brackenreid (Thomas Craig), Doctor Julia Ogden (Hélène Joy), and the inexperienced but eager Constable George Crabtree (Jonny Harris), who aspires to be a mystery-novel writer. Brackenreid, Murdoch's immediate superior, is a blunt and sceptical Yorkshireman with a fondness for whisky, and prefers conventional methods of detection over Murdoch's eccentric methods, though he is typically pleased and proud when Murdoch is successful despite the odds. Crabtree is often unable to grasp the more advanced methods, but his enthusiasm and loyalty make him a good assistant. Like Crabtree, Dr. Ogden is a great supporter of Murdoch's methods. Her skill in pathology usually helps by revealing a great deal of useful evidence to aid Murdoch in solving cases. Throughout the series, Murdoch's growing infatuation with her, and his inability to express his feelings, provide a light subplot. In the fifth season, after Dr. Ogden is married to Dr. Darcy Garland (a colleague she met in Buffalo), a new doctor is introduced, Doctor Emily Grace (Georgina Reilly). She and George Crabtree show some romantic interest in each other.

Real history is an important element in most episodes, and the plots, though fictitious, sometimes involve real people, such as Buffalo Bill Cody, Annie Oakley, H G Wells, Nikola Tesla, Wilfrid Laurier, Jack London, Arthur Conan Doyle,Queen Victoria, Oliver Mowat, Orville and Wilbur Wright, Henry Ford, Sir Winston Churchill, Bat Masterson, Alexander Graham Bell, Emma Goldman, Harry Houdini and Thomas Edison. Future events are often foreshadowed. For example, it is implied that secret British-American government co-operation has produced a highly advanced aircraft similar to an airship, and Crabtree and Murdoch allude to the building of a secret government facility in Nevada and New Mexico "at Concession 51" (an allusion to Area 51). Characters also refer to actual inventions of the 19th century and extrapolate from them to future inventions such as microwave ovens, night-vision goggles, computers, the games "Cluedo" (marketed as "Clue" in the U.S.) and "Hangman", the toy Silly Putty, and a silencer for small arms.

Another underlying theme of the series involves the fact that Murdoch is a Roman Catholic in what was at the time a predominantly Protestant city, and the prejudices that he occasionally encounters as a result.
Check out this TV show!

Until next time......

New Star Wars Book Series

While shopping at my local grocery store (Dillon's/Kroger's) I discovered a new Star Wars book series.  There are, at this time, 3 books in the series: Star Wars: A New Hope - The Princess, the Scoundrel, and the Farm Boy by Alexandra Bracken; Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back - So You Want to be a Jedi? by Adam Gidwitz; and Star Wars: Return of the Jedi - Beware the Power of the Dark Side by Tom Angleberger.   I purchased the tome by Alexandra Bracken to read.  I will purchase the rest!
The authors may sound familiar to you!  Alexandra Bracken is author of the "Darkest Minds novels" - The Darkest Mind, Never Fade, Through the Dark, and In the Afterlight.  Her latest title is Passenger, due out this year.
Adam Gidwitz has written the "Grimm series" - A Tale Dark and Grimm, In a Glass Grimmly, and The Grimm Conclusion.  Tom Angleberger is the author of the well-known "Origami Yoda series" -  The Strange Case of Origami Yoda, The Secret of the Fortune Wookie, Darth Paper Strikes Back, The Surprise Attack of Jabba the Puppet, Emperor Pickletine Rides the Bus, Princess Labelmaker to the Rescue, and ART2-D2's Guide to Folding and Doodleling.
So far, I'm enjoying the Bracken book.  It contains 3 stories about, you guessed it, Princess Leia, Han Solo, and Luke Skywalker, told from their points-of view.
If this book or series sounds like something you might like to read, look for them at your favorite book store, or grocery store!

Tonight Steve and I ventured to the Longhorn Restaurant in Wichita for our usual Saturday "date night."  Sadly we had to wait almost an hour to get a seat.  I keep telling Steve that we MUST go before 7:00pm.  This time we were there at 6:30pm and the place was packed!  We both enjoyed sirloin steak.  YUMMMM.  As we were being seated, a woman also waiting to be seated, handed me a coupon for $10.00 off our Longhorn tab.  That was so nice!  She must have been from Iowa!

I've read that Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, and South Dakota are in for another blizzard starting Sunday or Monday.  Here you go again!  Remember, spring is supposed to arrive early!

Well, my friends and family, it's time to say good-night.  Pleasant dreams!

International Book Giving Day

Instead of giving candy on St. Valentine's Day, give something sweeter - books!  February 14th is International Book Giving Day!
Or take your little Valentine to MacDonald's for lunch or dinner.  I read on FB that from now until February 15, you will get a book as the toy in a kid's meal.

Dustan & Dylan

I'd like to wish our nephews a Happy 21st Birthday!  Dustan lives and works in Iowa and Dylan is in the US Air Force.  He has been deployed to the Middle East.  They are the sons of Steve's brother, Doug.

While I was in Georgia I wrote down some recipes from the cookbooks Tim bought to find recipes for Dad.  Since I've been home I've tried a few of those recipes.  Steve has been my quinea pig eating delicious dishes made to share for supper.  I tried to pick recipes that contained items Steve would eat.  This has been no easy task.  Steve declines to eat potatoes, rice, pasta, mushrooms, or white bread.  Or eating only small amounts of such. (except mushrooms!)  Of course, it's easy to switch brown or wild rice for white rice.  So far we've enjoyed "One Dish Chop Suey," "Scalloped Potatoes & Ham,"  and Sharon's Chicken & Rice Dish."  Since I didn't reduce the serving sizes, we have leftovers!  Tonight is "Leftover Night."  There's really only scalloped potatoes & ham and chop suey left to finish up.  The chicken & rice dish and the chop suey were my favorites,

sopa de feijao

Speaking about recipes, when I was in Georgia, Laura made a delicious Brazilian soup made with beans, hamburger meat, potatoes and noodles.  I so like bean soup! And ham and cornbread.  FYI: Steve does not.
Laura is a good cook.  Tim and Dad are lucky to have her there to assist with meals.  She says the cuisine of her homeland of Brazil uses a lot of beans, rice and fresh fruit.  She also makes a mean fruit smoothie!

I hope my friends and family in Iowa, Minnesota and Nebraska have dug out of their snow piles.  I know there was no school for 2 days in some parts of Iowa.  What a blizzard!  The weather in north western Kansas had blizzard weather too.  We had no snow here in south eastern Kansas - just heavy winds.  All is not lost - Punxsutawney Phil the ground hog DID NOT SEE his shadow on February 2nd, so spring is on its way!

Enjoy your day. Until next time.....

Happy Spring! Happy St. Brigid's Day!

   In Ireland, February 1st is celebrated as St. Brigid's Day.   It also marks the Gaelic Festival of Imbolc, the first day of Spring.

St. Brigid's Cross

Saint Brigit of Kildare or Brigid of Ireland (Irish: Naomh Bríd; c. 451 – 525) is one of Ireland's patron saints, along with Patrick and Columba. Irish hagiography makes her an early Irish Christian nun, abbess, and founder of several monasteries of nuns, including that of Kildare in Ireland, which was famous and was revered. Her feast day is 1 February, which was originally a pagan festival called Imbolc, marking the beginning of spring. Her feast day is shared by Dar Lugdach, whom tradition says was her student and the woman who succeeded her.

Celebrating Imbolc

St. Brigid's Well

The saint shares her name with an important Celtic goddess and there are many legends and folk customs associated with her. Some scholars suggest that the saint is merely a Christianization of the goddess. Others suggest that she was a real person who took on the goddess's attributes.

St.Brigid is a patron saint of Ireland, dairymaids, cattle, Irish nuns, midwives, and newborn babies.  There is a pilgrimage site near Liscannor, County Clare, in Ireland called St. Brigid's Well.

Here is an URL's for St. Brigid:  http://www.irishcentral.com/roots/irish-women-should-follow-st-brigid-not-just-st-patrick-189219961-237561981.html,  This site will give you more information on the festival of Imbolc  (pronounced, i-MOLC):  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imbolc.

 Saint Brigid Hearth Keeper Prayer                       

Prayer Cloths on tree at St. Brigid's Well

Courtesy of SaintBrigids.org

Brigid of the Mantle, encompass us,
Lady of the Lambs, protect us,
Keeper of the Hearth, kindle us.
Beneath your mantle, gather us,
And restore us to memory.
Mothers of our mother, Foremothers strong.
Guide our hands in yours,
Remind us how to kindle the hearth.
To keep it bright, to preserve the flame.
Your hands upon ours, Our hands within yours,
To kindle the light, Both day and night.
The Mantle of Brigid about us,
The Memory of Brigid within us,
The Protection of Brigid keeping us
From harm, from ignorance, from heartlessness.
This day and night,
From dawn till dark, From dark till dawn.

   I'm back home after an uneventful plane ride from Atlanta, via Dallas, to Wichita.  I did sit next to a young looking Georgia Tech mathematics professor en route to Dallas to visit his sister.  I don't ever remember having ANY college professor that looked that young!  While going to Wichita, my seat mate was a 20-something woman from Maine who is now living in Wichita. BTW, there were a lot of cowboys riding from TX to KS.  There were some cowgirls too.  Maybe they were coming or going to a rodeo!

   My dog girls were very happy to see me when I came home.  They wouldn't stop kissing (licking) me and wanting to be where ever I was.  Steve was glad I was home too.

   Sending thoughts and prayers to all my Iowa friends and family as they dig out of their latest blizzard. Keep safe!  No snow here in Wichita.

Love ya!