The things you didn't know you didn't know

We need gentle rain without severe storms. The plants around here need a good drink. This morning I was reading from Jim Gilbert’s Minnesota Nature Notes book that one inch of rain over one acre of land would mean 27,143 gallons of water and would weigh 226,512 pounds. (You always wanted to know that didn’t you?) Most of our rain in Minnesota comes from the Gulf of Mexico.

Another thing you always wanted to know is that July 31st is the birthday of Shredded Wheat (1893).

On Tuesday we honored the Health and Recreation Center. The swimming pool at the Center opened as part of St. Francis High School in 1931. In 1979, it opened as the Health as the Recreation Center. There are 1,000 members to the Health and Rec Center of which 97 of them are employees who are members. The Department offers a pool with hot tub, racquetball court, gym, weight room and exercise room and is open seven days a week. Another very popular program is Silver Sneakers. There are 27 staff members.



Wednesday we had the funeral for Sister Ruth Nistler. Her two sisters were not able to attend…but many nieces and nephews and friends were here. We celebrated her life in a great way. At the Wake on Tuesday evening her niece, Elaine, told a great story. Several years ago, Sr. Ruth had asked Elaine if she would do a reading at her Funeral Mass. Elaine told Sr. Ruth that she would be happy to do that…but don’t do it too soon. Some time later, Sr. Ruth said that she now knew when her funeral would be. This announcement kind of shocked Elaine. Then Sr. Ruth said, “It will be the day after my Wake.”

Yesterday we had a glorious celebration of our three Golden Jubilarians. Sisters Grace, Shirley and Pat had many family members, friends and Sisters to celebrate with them. I liked very much the quote from Kahill Gibran that was on the cover of their program and at the tables: “I wake at dawn with a winged heart, and give thanks for another day of loving.” The weather was very nice. After lunch the children went out to the tree on the west lawn and broke a big piñata. Again, I say “Thank You” to these Sisters for their years of dedicated service as Franciscan Sisters.

 

Saturday, August 3rd, is the day of the Paint-A-Thon here in Little Falls. About 200 volunteers will paint 8 homes of elderly and handicapped home owners in Little Falls. This year is the 20th anniversary. To celebrate, we had a picnic at Lions Park last Thursday for Share-a-Meal participants, painters and home-owners. It was a beautiful evening. With a shower at 2 p.m., I would never have dreamed that it would be so nice at 5 p.m.

The Breckenridge Nurses Reunion on Thursday was a very happy event…lots of talking and visiting and laughing. Next year will be the 50th year since the closing of the Nursing School at Breckenridge, MN.

Very early Tuesday morning (1 a.m.), Sisters Isa and Aurora will begin their journey back to Mexico. They have been here in Minnesota for the past month. Their college classes begin August 5th. It has been very good to have them here these days.

Peace and blessings,
Sister Mary Lou

We are not years old, rather, years young!

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow.  We’ve had many blessings the past week.

One blessing that came as a shock to all of us was the sudden and unexpected death of Sr. Ruth Nistler, age 81. Friday afternoon she left Little Falls for Rice Lake for a mini-vacation/family reunion.  She was so excited about this trip.  Saturday afternoon she was sitting and watching the families playing water golf.  She stood up and collapsed.  EMT and fire department people were present.  They did CPR, called 911 and took her by ambulance to the Grand Rapids, MN hospital.  The first report was that her heart was very weak … and at about 4 p.m. she died.  Eternal rest give to her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her.  May she rest in peace.  Sister Ruth’s funeral is at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 24.

Friday evening was the 20^th Morrison County Relay for Life at the High School track.  The evening was beautiful, except for a brief shower (with lots of lightening) that sent everyone inside for about an hour.  The inspiring speaker at the Opening Ceremony was Bunny Tabatt—someone who knows a lot about cancer.  As a young woman, she lost her eyesight because of cancer, her fiancée died of cancer, as did 4 of her leader dogs. Yet Bunny is always optimistic and smiles easily.  The Relay took in about $107,000!  That’s a lot of money!!!   There were 216 walkers on 19 teams.  My hero is 93-year-young, Keith Manbeck, who had knee surgery two months ago and walked the Survivor’s Lap!  God bless all those who raise money for cancer research and help those who have cancer.

Friday morning I attended the Chamber of Commerce Friday Morning Coffee event at Paradox Chiropractic.  It was a most interesting program.  Doctor D is licensed to do chiropractic work on people and on animals. The “on animals” part was  totally new to me.  She goes to the patient.  She told stories of how horses and dogs, etc. have been helped and relieved of their  pain.  It was a most interesting program.

Yesterday noon was the potluck family picnic at St. Camillus Place.  Three of us Sisters are on the Advisory Board.   St. Camillus Place is a 14-bed home for physically and mentally challenged adults.   It was a beautiful day for a picnic.  LOTS of family members were in attendance.  All the residents had visitors for the get-together.

Besides the funeral on Wednesday, the other big event of the week is the Breckenridge Nurses Reunion.  About 60 nurses will be here for Mass, lunch and lots of visiting.  It is always a fun time when  they are around.

Next Sunday, July 28 we will celebrate the 50^th Jubilee of Sisters Grace, Shirley and Pat.  Thank you, Sisters, for all the service you have done for so many.  All three of them served in the Foreign Missions at some time.

Another big puzzle was finished last week. The over 1,000 piece puzzle of Mother Polar Bear and her two cubs has pictures of 32 arctic animals in it.  

A trivia note:  Bugs Bunny’s is 73 years young on Saturday, July 27.

May God bless and continue to care for you this week.

Peace and blessings,                                                                                                 

Sister Mary Lou