Happy Feast Day!

Today we celebrated the Feast Day of St. Nicholas, bishop and martyr.

Each year we start the feast day with a few gifts left in our stockings.

This year we all received "Santa" hats.

Even Kolbe dressed for the occasion.

After we open our stockings, we put up our tree (actually 2 trees) and decorate the house.

Mary and Joseph begin their travels to the Bethlehem...

Where the stable is currently inhabited by creatures great and small.

Near the fireplace stands our "memory tree" where hang special ornaments in memory of our family members no longer able to share in the holidays here on earth, but who remain close in our hearts.

We also have a tree to decorate our living room bay window.

Beautiful all lit up.

The view from outside looking in!

Feast Days

September 14th

Feast of the Triumph of the Holy Cross

We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You

Because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.

September 15th

Our Lady of Sorrows

And your own soul a sword shall pierce. Luke 2:35

2 WEEKS ON THE ROAD (Part 4)

Monday... Destination = Ohio Friends = Steve and Emily

The next leg of our journey took us to Ohio to visit some friends who use to live in MN. It had been a few years since our last chance to see each other and it was great being able to spend some time catching up and enjoying each other's company.

The kids got along great. They had so much fun together.

My godson, Adam. What a pleasure to see him growing into such a fine young man!

Thank you, Steve and Emily and family, for making us feel so welcome!!

We had the opportunity to visit their store. Steve and Emily, we wish you all the best in your new adventure!

Want a great deal? You can get all this for just $99.99. Any Takers?

2 WEEKS ON THE ROAD (Part 3)

Wednesday. Destination = Tennessee. Family = Mark's family

We arrived in TN late Wednesday night (actually, early Thursday morning). After sleeping in

Thursday, we rode up the Incline Railway to the top of Lookout Mountain; a mile high trolley ride ending with a 72.7% grade incline.

We then crossed the boarder into Georgia to drive through the Chickamauga Battlefield. This was the sight of the second bloodiest battle (second to Gettysburg) of the Civil War. It encompasses over 5300 acres and includes 705 monuments and historical markers.

Friday we drove up into the Smoky Mountains. We went to Cade's Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Friday evening were treated to a southern meal for dinner at Mark's parents... fried taters, fried okra, cucumber salad, beans, and corn bread. YUM! Thanks, Audrey. It was delicious.

Saturday we were invited to Mark's sister's home for swimming and a cook out. Unfortunately, Mark's older sister and her family and Mark's dad left before we thought to get a group photo. Thank-you, Maria and Scotty, we had a great time.

After Mass on Sunday, we spent the afternoon driving around Chattanooga and visiting some local attractions.

Mark's home is a short drive from the McKee Foods Corp. McKee is the company that makes Little Debbie products. It was fun to drive by the plant and visit the bakery store. Every time we restocked snacks for driving, Little Debbies were included, so it was great to get them at a discount! Each one of us was able to find our favorite.

Of course, no trip to Chattanooga would be complete without a stop to see the Chattanooga Choo-Choo!! It is, after all, the "World's Most Famous Railroad Station!"

To finish off our visit in town we took a ride on the indoor carousel.

Next post... Monday... Destination = Ohio Friends = Steve and Emily