still blooming

The library's Christmas cactus is still in full bloom. (The link is from a three year old photo.) It did begin blooming in December, as it was supposed to, right when we were getting new carpeting and everything was in an uproar. I took some time off to avoid any new-rug smells which might have been bothersome, and expected I'd miss the flower show. When I came back to work, it seemed almost finished, but something made it rally and continue making buds - we don't know why! I checked it today and there are several more buds forming, so it isn't done yet. We're quite amazed.


I've finished reading the depositions from witnesses to the beginning of our War of Independence from Britain. As much as I love that era, I hadn't realized that there were provocations from the red coats which caused everything to escalate to the point of war; I guess I just thought that a war was the only way the forefathers could finalize the separation from the mother country.

"I, John Parker, of lawful age, and commander of the militia in Lexington, do testify and declare, that on the nineteenth instant*, in the morning, about one of the clock, being informed, that there were a number of the regular officers riding up and down the road, stopping and insulting people as they passed the road, and also informed that a number of the regular troops were on their march from Boston, in order to take the province stores at Concord, I ordered our militia to meet on the common in said Lexington, to consult what to do, and concluded not to be discovered, nor meddle, or make with said regular troops, if they should approach, unless they should insult or molest us; and upon their sudden approach, I immediately ordered our militia to disperse and not to fire. Immediately, said troops made their appearance, and rushing furiously on, fired upon and killed eight of our party, without receiving any provocation therefor [sic] from us."

The book contains quite a few accounts, all legal depositions, including that of Paul Revere, briefly describing his famous ride to warn the townspeople about the British. What Longfellow's wonderful poem doesn't get into is that our hero was accosted by the British afterward and told they'd "blow his brains out" - a familiar threat, according to many of these testimonies - but he said he had nothing to hide and told them what he'd been doing and they could do what they liked with him. They finally just confiscated his horse and he had to continue on foot. I'm glad this booklet crossed my path. It's enabled me to picture the circumstances of that night of ordinary men being extraordinarily brave. 

*almost everyone used this term, "instant", but not in the way we use it today

looking for the reward

"We desire to be paid for what we do; and when we are truly wise, we work for God: we choose that profession, of good works, which he patronizes, and we are certain of our wages....Religion and work should never be disjoined.

For every good work, every kindly thought, or tiny act of humble helpfulness, God gives a reward, a merited return of sustenance for our souls, or answer to our pleading for some purpose. The orderliness of heaven cannot be disturbed, and if our free will is not given wholly to the act, in a consecration clear and sweet, the corresponding mercy cannot approach us. ... It may be fatiguing to think of meriting at each step, but it also fatiguing to study Greek or Mathematics. The things of most worth are not cultivated without labor. And to imagine that it would be more generous to do something for God without reckoning at all upon a merciful return from him of any sort, is not intelligent virtue...for God will give mercy in return to every act worthy of reward."


                        -  Rose Hawthorne, daughter of Nathaniel Hawthorne and foundress of the Dominican Sisters for the Care of Incurable Cancer

Sweetie reads a magazine

or gives a good imitation of it.

something to attain to

"The eyes of peacemakers are watchful, caring eyes and their fellow wayfarers find warmth in them like people at the fireside. They never find a motive for fighting because they know that they are only accountable for peace and peace is not preserved through battles.

They know that dividing a single atom can unleash cosmic warfare.

They also know that there is a chain that links human beings together and that when one human cell is torn by anger, jealousy or bitterness, the reaction of war can rebound to the end of the universe.

But because they believe in spreading love, they know that whenever a little peace is created, there is planted a virus of peace that is strong enough to infect the whole earth."


                                              -  Madeleine Delbrel

one clean window - a beginning

Today was another beautiful day, in the fifties. I was just about to wash the floor when I had the idea to wash a window. Just one. In March.

You may recall that I never cleaned the windows last fall - last October was not conducive to window-washing. It's always my habit to do them in May and October if I can. You see, I like to wait for a day of mild breezes, such pleasant air that you just long to hang outside your windows and breathe it in. That's usually in May and October.

But weather isn't predictable anymore, is it? I realized I need to think outside the box, to seize my opportunities when they come.

So, when I also remembered that I had to hard-boil some eggs for my brother's lunch tomorrow, I set them on to boil and cleaned one of the kitchen windows. I took my time; I thoroughly enjoyed it. Then I washed the floor.

I have no idea when the next window-washing opportunity will arrive. I will look forward to it.

proof that spring is really coming

I saw two robins in the front yard on Monday.

what turns us away from praying

"Prayer consists...in an interior attention and a conversion of the heart, because what turns us away from God and keeps us from praying is less the number of words than it is the number of desires or worries that preoccupy us."

                                         - Cardinal Jean Danielou

log cabin quilt

I decided a couple of weeks ago that I needed a sewing project. I have lots of scraps, so I am making a log cabin quilt. You can see how wonky my work is - this is how I operate. We will see how it turns out. I've got twenty eight squares, and I think I'll add one more strip and then stitch it all together. I feel very good about using up so many scraps! In this square are pieces from four dresses, one skirt and a pillow cover.

a little unexpected bit of history

Somebody returned an inter-library loan this morning while I was at the main desk. It was a small book, or booklet, of eyewitness accounts from the revolutionary days: Paul Revere's ride, the Concord fight, Battle of Lexington. It says, "Being the depositions and narratives of PERSONS WHO PARTICIPATED".  (caps their idea, not mine!) 

So exciting! Oh, did I say that I cancelled the return of this book to the owning library and checked it out to myself? Did I need to say that?

caught red-handed

Picture taken through the curtain, in a hurry. He's actually sitting in the bowl of seed, which is in this urn. Hey, I don't mind - it's been cold.

the creatures who come through

It snowed all Sunday night, and we got a lot. Now, it's cold and I'm keeping the bowl of bird seed topped up outside; the birds finally discovered it. The little orange feeder disappeared weeks ago - it was suddenly gone, but hadn't fallen into the bushes. So, if someone - a squirrel, or raccoon, perhaps - took it, that's fine with me.

But some of Diane's cats are hanging out underneath the little table near the seed. I see them out there, then open the front door and startle them. They're cute cats, and they look at me in wide-eyed nervousness, ready to fly if I try to come too close. I said to my brother, "The way most cats look at you is not the same look as the way Mr. Kibble always looked at you." He said something I hadn't thought of. He said, "Well, he was looking for help."

All those years, "asking" for food, roaming from place to place, keeping his distance. But yes, he was looking for help, he just didn't know how to go about it.

a surprise gift

When I arrived at work Friday, there was a package from Beth waiting for me - another crocheted bag with some goodies inside:  cucumber relish, and these -

Both are on the thin side and neither is sweet like jam. So, my favorite thing to do with these is put some in my tea, or heated almond milk. Last night I just boiled some water, and put in the cocoa topping with a bit of almond milk - no teabag! It gives just the right amount of sweetness.  We used the relish with meatloaf yesterday - thanks, Beth!

bridges to God

"Those who live only for pleasure become cynical in middle age. A cynic has been defined as one who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing....

Once you realize that God is your end...you begin to see that friendship, the joy of marriage, the thrill of possession, the sunset and the evening star, masterpieces of art and music, the gold and silver of earth, the industries and the comforts of life, are all the gifts of God. He dropped them on the roadway of life, to remind you that if these are so beautiful, then what must be Beauty! He intended them to be bridges to cross over to him."

                                                                     -  Fulton Sheen

coziness

I don't think it's overkill to have a throw on as many chairs as possible.

"wisdom breathes life"

Wisdom breathes life into her children

and admonishes those who seek her.

He who loves her loves life;

those who seek her will be embraced by the Lord.

He who holds her fast inherits glory;

wherever he dwells, the Lord bestows blessings.

Those who serve her serve the Holy One;

those who love her the Lord loves.

-  Sirach 4:11-14

a great invention

I don't go anywhere without a sweater, just in case, and they are mostly acrylic. It's easier care than wool and quite warm, but these sweaters get pilled and I used to think I just had to put up with that.

Then I remembered that I had this little thing in the drawer. It works like a charm; sweaters that I was embarrassed about because they were so fuzzy looking are smooth now and like new!

good to remember

"...prayer keeps evil's plague away,

and draws from life its weariness."

- from a 10th century hymn

real progress

My brother had to call me at work today - couldn't wait till the evening - when he was going out this morning, Mr. Kibble was there; he brought out a dish of food and decided to scratch his back, he rubbed his side, he Petted his Head! Mr. Kibble was looking up at him while he petted him on the head! Hurrah!

a melancholy truth

It's Presidents' Day again.

"It is a melancholy truth, that a suppression of the press could not more compleatly deprive the nation of it's benefits, than is done by its abandoned prostitution to falsehood. Nothing can now be believed which is seen in a newspaper. Truth itself becomes suspicious by being put into that polluted vehicle."

                                       -  Thomas Jefferson, 3rd U.S. president

fixed the pocket

I use this basket for current sewing projects; just the fact that whatever I'm currently making is kept in a nice basket lends an air of what? - romance to the project. I don't put the mending in there. It's really just a place to keep all the pieces together. What's in there now is the other summer dress I was going to make ages ago - I just haven't been sewing much.

Except last night - I "fixed" my brother's jacket pocket! I had to - he was supposed to go away this morning and was hoping to have sound pockets. I can't describe what I did, or how. I didn't take photos - if I had, they wouldn't have been clear. This jacket has sort of double pockets on each side, they're sort of side-by-side and one was shredding. I snipped off the shreds and examined it. If you've ever made a pocket, it's the two pieces, seamed together along the curved edge and then attached to the garment where you put your hand in. This particular arrangement had a third piece attached to the other two but sewn to an opening next to the other one, so there are two places to put your hand, right next to each other, with one of them zipping up, if you want. I have no idea how clear any of this is, but I managed to - very makeshift - whip up another pocket and stick it in there, all by hand because it was just easier. It worked!

He didn't end up going. But the fact that I had very little time made me force myself to charge ahead and do something that I had no idea how to do. (I prayed beforehand for help, and I guess I got it.)  Not sure it's the best way to do things, though - kind of a seat-of-your-pants experience.

the faithful companion

"Jesus, with a largess truly divine...  walks before us, his hands charged with gifts; he walks at our side with a beautiful countenance; he walks behind us with extended arms. He walks before us, to smooth the rough places of our paths; he walks at our side as a faithful companion, to cheer, encourage, console and defend us. He walks behind us, to receive us if we fall. He walks before us, that we may follow and imitate him; he walks beside us, that we may not grow lonely on the road, and he walks after us, to be the remedy of our evils."


                                                              - Peter, Abbot of Moustier, from Magnificat, February, 2019

a little valentine cake

I like few things better than observing holidays - traditional ones, anyway. So, even though I had to go out mid-day, before I went I mixed up the dry ingredients for a banana chocolate bread from the latest Magnolia Journal magazine.

And then I got out the heart pan and baked it when I came home. Wasn't sure what we were having for supper, but had to make a Valentine's dessert! (we did not starve)

I was too lazy to put the excess batter into a cupcake tin, and I think that's why it sort of cracked - the pan was over full. Tastes delicious!

*I saw a youtube video the other day about aerating flour before you measure it. Well, we all know it's better to sift, but does anyone bother? Not me. But this person just ran a whisk through the flour canister - I can do that! So, that's what I did. A great idea.

the barnacle

When I sit at my computer, Sweetie usually appears from nowhere; she either jumps onto my lap or gets onto the other end of the table, moving toward me, purring more and more loudly. It's hard to get away from her.

Earlier this evening, she did this. I read once that cats don't like wind. So as she approached, I blew in her direction; she stopped where she was and waited in that way animals do because they know we call the shots. This is where I feel guilty. I blow on her and she sits there, purring (because purring is the Most Important Thing she does), and I feel badly for thinking she is a pest. (she is, though)

I often let her on my lap, really. But sometimes she would get in the way, so I blow. It doesn't matter. We will repeat this whole performance tomorrow. And the next day.

finis

I was going to have to make dinner after work today, as there were no leftovers - oh, how I depend on leftovers! Anyway, the prediction was snow with ice to follow, and so the library closed at twelve thirty - how convenient! I had plenty of time to make dinner, and even get a doze in beforehand.

Snow outside, a short day at work, a nap - all contribute to that feeling of hygge which is getting so much attention these days. Debra gave me this book for Christmas and I finished it the other day. Different from others I've seen on the subject, less wordy - more hyggelig, I guess you could say! Very pleasant.

I decided to finish working on my jacket repair. That may be a funny way of putting it, but I wasn't able to finish sewing it. I just could not get the needle in that last section; I couldn't make stitches hold there or figure a way to secure it, so I just decided to be done. And I put a safety pin in that last space to keep it secure. And I'm leaving it that way. I am tired of not being able to wear this coat.

But I already have another jacket repair awaiting me: my brother's favorite has a pocket that's wearing out. I can easily make a pocket, but I'm not sure he how much picking at this jacket he wants me to do. If I can just crudely attach it in some way that'll hold, without getting heavily involved in picking seams apart, that will be preferable to all parties.

I'm liking these vases of evergreens

fixing a jacket

My beloved, two-dollar, washable parka needs repair and I'm having a heck of a time trying to finish it up. There's a flap across the back, and underneath this flap is where the lower section is sewn to a piece of lining. Well, it tore away all across and I've been working on it.

I first bound the lining edge with some bias tape, zigzagging it along to secure it better, then turning it under and whipstitching it on the other side. Now, I've been using a back stitch to re-attach the under piece back onto the lining.

I have been going from right to left, knowing that when I got near the end it was going to be really hard to get a grip on it to finish - oh, did I mention that it's got a filling, not down, but fiberfill - anyway, because of that the lining isn't hanging free at the bottom for me to reach under and get a proper grip on it. If you don't sew, or haven't ever looked at the way your coats are constructed you might not  know what I'm talking about, but I am wishing this last section could just be glued together and be done with it!

I guess I'm just complaining here. I don't think anybody's going to give me a better solution. I'd better get back to work.

thanks for stopping by

Mr. Kibble showed up yesterday - I'm sure he's put on weight. I automatically fed him, and when I put the bowl down, I scratched his back! He liked it, but when he started to turn his head my way, I knew enough to move my hands behind my back. When he sees hands, he strikes out. But he wouldn't start eating until I was in the house - well, Rome wasn't built in a day.

He ate about half of it and looked at me. I told him he could eat the rest, or eat at home. (How hungry can he really be, anyway?) Diane's car was out much of the day, I noticed, and I think he was probably outside longer than he intended to be.

We don't want to give him too much food here, or do anything that might confuse him as to where he belongs. As long as he keeps going back there every day, all is well. He's learning, and meanwhile, it's very nice to see him now and then. He still has that way of looking at you.

sky drama

I'm always drawn to the dramatic contrast of dark and light up above.

to be, or not to be

"Ours is a time of continual movement which often leads to restlessness, with the risk of 'doing for the sake of doing'. We must resist this temptation by trying 'to be' before trying 'to do'."

                                                      -  Pope John Paul II (from Magnificat)

fur, feathers and foliage

One week ago today, it was bitter cold; today our windows were open - I even wore my sandals!  Barefoot in February! In the house, that is - what with the oven and everything, I just got too warm.
I have to say it was lovely, although not normal. But two days ago, snow covered everything; now it is gone.

I took apart the wreath today. Sweetie helped me with the tree. The living room is back to the way it was. I've been bringing in evergreen cuttings, though.

My brother took a walk this evening, and ran into Diane pulling into her driveway. He asked about Mr. K. She said she lets him out on nice days, and when he's had enough, he comes back in just like that. Imagine - Mr. Kibble getting domesticated - will wonders never cease! God is good; there is no matter too small for the help of the saints.

Last week I'd set out a sturdy bowl full of bird seed, and placed it inside a container on the front step. I wanted something out there and safe from wind, but I never knew if any birds found it until the other day  - Dolly was making some cat noises as she looked out the window. There was the little wren at the orange feeder again, and also at the bowl! I'm glad somebody knows where this food is, although I'm not sure the wren wants to share her information.

sunny afternoon

just the same

I have a little book of Christmas poems which I'm just about the put away for next time, but tonight I read this line which I have to share:

An angel stood with her

Who said, "That which doth stir

like summer in thy side

Shall save the world from sin."

That which doth stir like summer in thy side - how poetic that is! I am all amazement on rare occasions when I read something like this, a simile that surely no one else could ever think of.

A Lullaby 

Lullee, lullay,

I could not love thee more

If thou wast Christ the King.

Now tell me, how did Mary know

That in her womb should sleep and grow

The Lord of everything?

Lullee, lullay,

An angel stood with her

Who said, "That which doth stir

Like summer in thy side

Shall save the world from sin.

Then stable, hall and inn

Shall cherish Christmas-tide."

Lullee, lullay,

And so it was that Day.

And did she love him more

Because an angel came

To prophesy His name?

Ah no, not so,

She could not love him more,

But loved him just the same.

Lullee, lullee, lullay.

-  Janet Lewis