Frugle Error

Greetings,

Well, I have deep wisdom to share with all students. Don't use standard shipping to save a few or even alot of money. When a professor decides to 'save' you money and 'lets' you order all your textbooks online, buy new from the company and pay extra for the fast delivery. Because the resale folk really mean 7-14 Days when they say it; in fact, they lean toward the 14 days.

A week before the course was to begin, I checked my school e-mail (thank God). There the new teacher (an M.A. on her way to a Ph.D.) requested we get our books online and gave us all the info to do so without a problem. In theory, I have no problem with this arrangement, except it can take up to TWO WEEKS to get your books through an online server. Ah, well...I can count myself lucky. Another of my classmates just let me know she had been on vacation when the suggestion was sent out and hopes to copy my book until hers can arrive.

Right now I am sending up silent prayers that God may guide the U.S. Postal Service with speed and efficiancy right to my doorstep!

I love school,
Blessings,

Over Hill & Dale

Greetings,

I have returned to the big city and now await my class in "Practitioner Research Methods".

The drive up was uneventful but intersting. Wednesday night prefaced the drive with a series of thunderstorms, tornados, and lightning strikes. Thursday's drive was full of vacationers that actually followed the speed limit--until I got to Madison area. There I encountered a variety of tourists, Chicago commuters, and town-folk. I'd never been cut off by a pickup pulling a camper and car before. When I finally drove clear of the area, I needed a Coke before continuing on my way.

As I neared the city, the traffic got a bit zooier...the Brewers game was over and those fans merged into traffic with the Summerfest fair-goers. The only blessing was another drivers curse. She had made it to the edge of the road and was standing a few steps ahead of her car, talking on the phone and guesturing wildly while three lanes of traffic all pulled into the far lane to avoid the SMOKE BILLOWING OUT FROM UNDER HER HOOD! Not steam, no no no...SMOKE! Thank God, I was heading East and not West!

Along the way, I stopped for lunch and chatter with Nettie (hello dear). It was great to catch up and see the kiddos. The baby is quite the cuddler!

So now...now...I try to get my business in order and prepare for summer coursework and my last year of school.

Blessings,

Summer Fun

Greetings,

This week has been wild! My parents camped out at the lake and my sister Joy and her family had a cabin right next to them. The grandkids (my niece and nephews) were all systems go with energy to spare...the grownups had a hard time keeping up. We went to the beach, toured the monastery, checked out the visitor center, fished, built campfires, went to the beach again, and even played at the area arts festival for kids. Whew...I'm tired.

Today, I had my oncology check up. Vinod looked at the numbers, looked at me, and told me to get out since I was too healthy to be there. The nurses and docs at our cancer institute are able to laugh with those who are joyful just as they cry with those in sorrow. Ah, I have another year clear and free of doc visits!

The next two days are set aside for the Community's Spring Chapter meeting. I will be in discussion with our sisters over a variety of issues...keep us in prayer.

Blessings,

May?

Greetings,

I was prepared to begin gardening when I arrived home for my spring/summer visit before returning to University for a summer session in July. I had brought out my summer ministry 'box' with a water bottle, sunscreen, capri work pants, t-shirts, bandanas, and bug spray. I was set for May's warm South Dakota sun. Those first days in the garden soared from the 80's to 90's in temperature and all the earth started to sprout forth.

Ahem...it has now been in the 60's and overcast for the past several days. April's showers have overcome May's warm sun for the flowers. The gray will sprinkle rain on us every now and then; and there was a good soaking drizzle last night. However, the only thing to grow since the temperature drop is the creeping jenny. The weeds are taking off in this cool dreary weather while the young plants and seeds seem to be waiting for the sun to return.

The pocket gophers have also found the garden. The newly planted squash, cucumber, and melon seeds have been pilfered by some well fed four legged thiefs! Still, we cannot replant until we see what actually has been taken. To do this, we must wait for the remaining seeds to sprout and break to the surface. It is hard to be patient.

I have decided to enjoy the dreary sprinkles today. I have gathered a good mystery, a cup of coffee, and discovered a wonderful spot to read. The lower level patio of the Monastery has a beautiful view of our south lawn. The grass is green, the iris are in full glory, and the bird feeders are thick with golden and purple finches. It is a great place to enjoy a book and some silence.

Blessings,

Movie Fun

Greetings,

I recently went to the movie Star Trek...and I loved it! The movie was the fastest two hours and fifteen minutes I've ever spent in a darkened theater. The show's visual effects were a great blend of the 1960's style and the new effects.

The ship was finally shot moving through space without needing to be right side up. This was always a point of discussion among my Next Generation friends. The dialogue reflected the style of the origional cast without trying to imate them. There were great little references using lines from earlier shows or movies, but they were integrated so well that the context was smooth. I was most happy to see they kept the away party member in RED!

Sr. Erin and I laughed, gasped, whispered questions, and totally enjoyed the show. We even watched a good portion of the credits to match vaguely familar faces with names. Neither of us could believe that it was already 9:30! The movie had reached out and grabbed us and left wanting to watch again. In fact, I'm going tomorrow afternoon with several of the Sisters from our Monastery.

I give it two thumbs up!
Blessings,

Finally @ Home

Greetings,

I know it has been quite awhile since I last posted a note. However, the last two weeks of school were a flurry of papers, presentations, and even a test! I was also happily planning my trip home. I have over a month before I return to the grindstone of education, but now I've returned to the Monastery grindstone.

Our sorrowful way and cemetery walks are filled with the scent of lilacs and apple blossoms! The lanes are lined with white and purple lilac bushes and the orchard is blooming beautifully. The many little flower beds are blooming with tulips, iris, and a few other spring beauties. Most of the trees are in full leaf and all seems green and growing...It is wonderful to be home.

Sister gardener is making full use of my volunteer service while I'm home. Mornings are designated as garden time. Right now we begin with picking asparagus. She has planted only those vegetables or plants that can handle the spring time temperature dips. Soon, it will be time to plant the rest of the vegetable garden (just short of an acre). However, this does not mean we're idle. We have planted two cherry trees, two pear trees, and three other trees of non-orchard nature. After the first morning of service, I was quite tired and chuckled when others asked how I was enjoying my "down-time"...the shovel is heavier than the pages I've been turning.

I'm off to bed much earlier now that I've returned to our prayer schedule plus the gardening. I admit the only piece I don't miss at school is the 6:30 AM prayer. I am glad to rejoin the sisters at the Liturgy of the Hours, but I've never been a morning person...

Well, I'm off to collect some afternoon volunteer ministry!
Blessings,

College Fashion?

Greetings,

Saturday, the sun warmed us to the cozy 70's. Sunday, the April showers began in earnest. Today, the rains continued and showcased a new fashion statement. Most of the fashionable ladies about University were sporting rain boots. Yes, mid-calf rubber boots in the most delightful array of colors! I believe the local Greek houses were responsible for the prevalence of pink boots, but a whole variety of designs and hues were represented. Most of the ladies sported the boots with a sweatshirt with the hoodie up and no umbrella--apparently, they're a fashion no-no.

What did I wear? It's over 50 degrees, so I have returned to my Birkenstocks sans stockings. I paired them with a black umbrella with rainbow polka dots and black Avera raincoat from last Spring's Minneapolis meeting.

Blessings,