Never drink downstream from the herd...

Today we went to Geoge Washington's birthplace for a little shark tooth hunting and beach time, but first we stopped at the visitor's center and this was the sight we saw on the inlet.  And the cattle had right idea: it was in the 90's under intense sun.  We went with Laura, Mimi, Jeanne and Peter.  There were lots of shark teeth but all of them were tiny.  Kenny found what he thinks might be a dolphin ear bone, which is pretty amazing.   We had a blessed time.  A "cold" front came through on the way home, which brought a lot of rain and a thunderstorm, and tomorrow's high forcast to be a much cooler 81 degrees. 

garden post

Welcome to the garden!

Here is the lovely fence that Ken built to keep the dogs out enclose our kitchen garden which consists of three 4x4 foot raised beds, two 2x8 foot berry beds, an herb garden and a robin nest.  The most beautiful plants in the garden at this time are the glorious cabbages.

And this is "Audrey", a trombocino squash that Betty and Bill gave us.  I am hoping Audrey will grow up the deck post, and perhaps even along the top of the deck.  Trombocino squash are alleged to be very vigorous plants that produce a big crop.  The squash can be harvested when very small or they will grow to be about 3 feet long.  Hello Audrey!

We also have a strawberry patch near the shed and three tomatoes and three rhubarb plants in the garden near the back fence.  The neighbors behind us have planted a very tall screen of evergreen trees that  shades the back garden most of the day, but the strawberries and rhubarb are thriving.  The tomatoes are right on the edge of the bed, so they get as much sun as possible.

So this is how the garden looks today.  We are so thankful to be off to a good start, and I am hoping to post pictures every Sunday, so that we can have a log of what is growing well (or not) throughout the summer.

happy anniversary

On January 21st, Nonie and Nano celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary.

It was a lovely day full of joy and thanksgiving to God for all the blessings He has bestowed on our family!

Audra supplied the exquisite cake, which was as delicious as it was beautiful.

Who lives....?

One of Pete's favorite joke lines is the one that starts "Who lives...", as in "Who lives in the mailbox?" Bill. "Who lives at the bank?" Rob. "Who lives at the radio station?" Mike.


Well, the other night after he was in bed, he called out "Mom, I've got a new joke." sigh. I was tired. "What is it Peter?" "Who lives in the soul?" that's interesting, "Who, Peter?" "Will."

Very good, Peter! You are absolutely right!

afternoon jaunt

Start with a beautiful day at Signal Hill Park...




Add one dog.

Stir in 2 young boys.

Fold in 3 sisters....."Point your toes, Jeanne"

Bake in a cool January oven for 30 minutes. Give Thanks for God's goodness in the sunshine, weather and company. Enjoy!

Chistmas Eve visits

On Christmas Eve, we went up to see Nonie and Nano with the family and Mikey and Nicole.

Just after this picture was taken, Jeanne read "Spanish Teresita" for the amusement of all!

Friday reading

After completing his math and writing this morning, Peter settled in for an hour of reading, sharing a blanket with a canine "carpet potato" (who is NOT allowed on the couch).

New kitty

Lu got a kitten from the twin's house to surprise Mikey with for the 8th day of Christmas.

She is about 12 weeks old, and an outside cat. Her old name was Morpheus, and I believe her new name is Cat. :-)

Tom and Kris

Congratulations to the beautiful couple!!!

The wedding was on December 29th in St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church in Pen Argyl, Pennsylvania---with windchill to zero degrees.

A lovely day to walk the dog....

I really didn't want another big dog....

We already have one golden retriever, and what would we do with 2?

But, well, you know....Father's Day.....!

Surprise, surprise!

And, like Mimi said, "Its a comprimise, she'll be small for 6 months!"

So welcome, baby Bella.

"I prefer the monotony of obscure sacrifice to all ecstasies.To pick up a pin for love can convert a soul." ~ St. Thérèse

Procrastinated Prom Posting

Sorry about this late posting, but here are some pictures from prom, and I hope you enjoy them!

The fruit of sacrifice is peace. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

Seton Graduation

Last night Mimi and Libby graduated with their class of about 60 students. Mass was concelebrated by Frs. Searby, Cilinski and Kenna. Representative Fortenberry from Nebraska spoke about how life unfolds unexpectedly, and how careers often take surprising directions. Fr. Searby encouraged the students to follow Christ and to practice their faith.

This is a wonderful accomplishment! God be praised, and may He bless these dear girls, and, as their lives unfold, may they be always true to their Christian Faith!

Summer's first campout

Well, ok, "Camp-in".

First day on the job at Quantico

John said their job today was to dig trench 7' deep in search of a particular pipe....they found it.

St. Augustine quote

Without God, I can't, and
Without me, God won't.

Mary Help of Christians, pray for us!

Today, on this lovely feast of Our Lady, Help of Christians, let us thank the Blessed Mother for her intercession, love and protection and beg her to enkindle in our hearts fervent love for Jesus and the grace to always do His holy Will!

Mary, Help of Christians, draw us close to Jesus!
Mary, Help of Christians, protect our children and godchildren!
Mary, Help of Christians, defend us in the day of battle!
Thank you, good Mother, for the graces you have so generously obtained for our family!
Mary, Help of Christians, pray for us!