The Day After Christmas.....a corny poem by Martha

Tis the day after Christmas
 Our home still a mess
But Christmas was great fun
Very little stress

The food, it was great
but it could've been less
Fed all the no-meaters
the fussy, the quirky
And did it all
 with no need for Tofurky


Family was perfect
Nary a complaint
I'm sure  some day
They will all be called Saints

No praise do I seek 
I am humble and meek 
Just looking forward to
No cooking for a week

Impressive!

Joe and I attended the Jazz concert at Sealth High School and as always it was entertaining.
This concert was impressive for anther reason. All students and teachers wore green badges in honor of the children who lost their lives in the horrific school killing spree.

Stormy Weather....Sleepless Night

After laying in bed listening to the wind howling, hearing branches hitting the ground, I decided to get up and get something done.
I don't understand how Joe can sleep through all this but I'm glad...he needs the sleep.

As I'm feeling my way through the darkness, I find the kitchen window, just in time to see lightening.
I decided to head downstairs and work on the Christmas cards..a quiet job.

It is finally light out and I can see there has been some minor damage which will require clean-up but so far nothing major, like a tree across the driveway. Also power is still on, so that's a bonus.

Our friends Chinh, Michelle and Kenny were over for dinner last night, before they happily head for the holidays with family in California. They can't wait to leave and I'm sure this storm adds to their glee.

 Hope everyone  is safe.  When the weather is bad I can't help but think of the homeless.

We are so fortunate to be in a warm home.

Our thoughts and Prayers........

How many times will I need to say this to a person who has lost a loved one?
The shooting in Connecticut brings such sadness to all of us. We don't know these people, still
the sadness is there. I can't imagine being one of those who lost a family member in this way.
It is so senseless.
It is difficult to understand and even more difficult to explain to a child, who feels safe in the Lord's care, how this could happen.

However, the Lord gave us a free will.

Is there an answer to this problem of violence. I'm sure we will hear all sorts of comments on who to blame,
the healthcare system, those in charge etc.

Think about it...this has been going on throughout history.  With the advanced methods of communication,
we all share the information, sooner, complete with film of the events, interviews with witnesses etc.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all.  May God give you the strength you  will need to cope with this horrific experience.

Are They?

Are parishioners at St. James Cathedral a little spoiled?  When it comes to music, I think some have no realization of the great music program  present at St. James.
e.g. This morning we had to begin the Magnificat a few minutes before the beginning of mass. This was necessary to fit the music into the time frame of the service.
The people were talking, as is customary before the beginning of the service, but they continued to talk while a gifted violinist played.
I admit that  I am easily distracted,  but this gifted  teenager had my attention and admiration the minute she began to play.

Julianna is a lovely talented young woman. We are very fortunate to have her with us.

I'm back............

My brain seems to have re-entered my body, and Christmas preparation is underway.
I managed to make filling for pasta shells and fill eighty of the little imps. Just don't want to sit still
while being filled. The first batch looks Martha Stewart perfect. The second batch is Martha MacKenzie
imperfect. Oh well. They all taste the same.
Now, I have to decide what else I can make ahead, and stuff into the freezer. Biscotti for sure. Maybe a Strata.
Liz just suggested I ask for help. Sounds like a plan. 

Yes Sister.....Yes Sister

Sunday we visited our friend at Mt. St. Vincent, I first took Judy to St. Joseph's so she could visit her friend
Sister Marie.  On my way from one building to the other...there were  women with walkers or in wheel chairs  looking cheerful, and giving me unsolicited advice and direction. I would just smile and say thanks.
Later, I thought about it, and realized they were all nuns.  I laughed to myself and thought, "Does it ever end?"  Am I still in parochial school?

Bless them all!

The Precepts of the Church

We covered several in the last few days.
 Our wonderful nephew, Tony, passed away on Nov. 26.from a brain tumor.
We attended the Vigil  and Memorial Service at St. Stephen the Martyr Church in Renton.
Father Ed White presided over both and was extraordinary. The Church was filled for both services.
Tony was loved by many people and they were anxious to share their stories.
There were about one thousand persons in attendance. It was truly inspiring.
I was doing fine holding back the tears until Father White shed a few during his talk. He also made me laugh.
He was spot on when he said that Tony had perhaps performed his first miracle since his Dad (my brother, John) was in the front row of the church. He is always in the back with one foot practically out the door.

We had a few relatives stop by our home after the reception. Everyone was inspired by the service.

Sunday, Judy invited us to lunch, we accepted, phoned Liz to ask her the location of a good place to eat in West Seattle.  Judy invited her along and she accepted, drove us to an excellent place to have a healthy lunch.

After lunch we visited Sister Marie Colorossi. She attended Immaculate with Judy. Sister Marie is suffering from a brain tumor and is in residence at  St. Joseph's, near  Providence Mt. St. Vincent
where our friend June  is recovering from a stroke. We combined the visits and although it was sad, we felt good that we had made the effort to visit the sick.
June is in rehab and will be fine in a few months. Sister Marie is close to being in heaven.

God Bless both of them. May  June heal without  too much pain.  May Sister Marie go in peace.

On a less serious note:
This morning the power went off 4:30 a.m.    Joe got the generator running. I cooked breakfast and lunch in the microwave.

Judy just called from Sea-Tac. Good thing we left early as she barely made it to the correct gate in time to board the plane. They had changed gates!

Joe is in the garage trying to find out why the anti-freeze is leaking from the truck.

I think it's time for a trouble free Hallmark moment!