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Painting: Potthast, Beach Umbrella, in US public domain due to age

As Much As You Like

Retire!

This Summer

This Summer Day

This is my first attempt at "blogging inside the lines," (in other words, according to an outline... more or less..).  I'll just be adventurous and see what comes of it!  I am joining up with the ladies at Suscipio today for Catholic Woman's Almanac.  

Here goes... 

Today I am thankful for:
+ AIR CONDITIONING.
+ “My special window,” beside which I sit to pray and read and blog.  It has a bookshelf right beside it, and at hand are my Bible, concordance, Cathecism of the Catholic Church, Liturgy of the Hours, books of saints, papers, pencils, CDs, folders of writings and newsletters.  I look up from the computer screen onto a blazing hot day.  From my white-curtained window, the afternoon looks absolutely cheerful.  But if one goes out into it?  Not so much.  So very hot.  Thank God for trees in their best summer green.  They soften the piercing sun.
+ Watermelon.  It IS summertime to me. 
+ A wonderful blogger who recently affirmed my 10 months of blogging in a very kind way.  If you're reading this, my friend, YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE!

Today I am praying for:
+  The USA. The world.
+  Our beloved Church.  Priests.  Religious Orders.
+  My family.  My friends, including blog readers.  And this means you.  Yes, you.
+  My friend Brian, who will be having brain surgery in a few days.

Today I am reading:
  Several things at once.  As always.
+ Strange Gods Before Me by Mother Mary Francis PCC.   An older book (1964, I think) that I'd read a number of years ago.  A friend gave it to me recently, and I am enjoying anew Mother's holy wisdom and keen sense of humor.  She often has me laughing aloud. 
+ Adam and Eve After the Pill by Mary Eberstadt

Today I am looking toward: 
+ A fourth of July caring for my youngest grandchild (age two) while her mommy works as a hospital nurse.

Today I am remembering:
+ July fourths when my own grandmother took me to our city's fireworks displays.  Such excitement!
Boom BOOM Boom boom BOOM boom BOOM !

"I will give thanks to You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, and I will glorify Your Name forever"  (Psalm 86:12)

(painting of "Watermelon" by Eugenio Lucas)