I'm Back and Blooming in Kansas

I'm always at a loss for what to say when I've been away from blogging for a while, but I'm determined to start. Please bear with me while I find my voice again! For any longtime followers who are still miraculously about, we sold our house in Texas in February of 2017 and moved to southeast Kansas.

We bought a large house in a subdivision just north of town because it has a mother-in-law suite, and it is so close to the refinery where Herb works that it only takes him ten minutes to get to work. He doesn't even have to get on a highway! At the time we needed a place for my mom and dad, and this space worked perfectly so I could take care of them at home.  In February of 2018 my dad passed away, followed in September of 2019 by my mom. I was blessed to be able to be at their bedsides at home as they passed. I saw a report yesterday that said 60% of elderly people die in the hospital, 20% at home, and 20% in the nursing home. I am so grateful they were in the 20% at home. But more than that, I am grateful that they both died as Catholics.

I am still trying to figure out my focus since the death of my mom. It's the first time in 28 years that I haven't had anyone to take care of besides dear Herb. Happily, I have a chapel within an hour's drive of my house, and this morning I am getting ready for a ladies rosary in the chapel followed by a potluck lunch and visiting in the hall.

I'm finishing this post while the iron heats in front of a window looking out on the backyard. It's getting ready to storm, but I like the way the green leaves sort of glow in the gloom. I moved the ironing board out here to the family room during Holy Week when I was blessed to have Sister Mary Catherine and Sister Josephine Marie of Congregation Mater Dei stay with us. We all three took turns at the iron. On Holy Saturday we were quite busy getting ready for the Easter Vigil. Sr. Mary Catherine worked on making covers for the baptismal water container and jar. Luckily I had an old twin bedskirt trimmed with Battenburg lace that she was able to utilize. And thank goodness my sewing machine was in good working order! Sister Josephine Marie ironed tablecloths for the statue tables on either side of the altar. And I had washed a priest's surplice and needed to iron it. It was such a joyful experience having these two nuns with me that now I am loath to take the ironing board back to the laundry room. It helps me remember their sweet presence here and their singing at the piano.

Here you can see a glimpse of Sr. Mary Catherine's handiwork for the blessing of the baptismal water.

I hope you have a lovely day and check back in as I get back into the habit of posting. I plan to create a brand new blog soon. I'll keep you informed.