September 21, 2008

The last day of summer and tomorrow starts fall! This past week has been a nice summer week. And it sounds like rains will start tomorrow and for a few days.

Last Sunday evening I was with Sister Mary Kalis when she went to meet God. She had a very peaceful and quiet death. She just stopped breathing. What a wonderful way to leave this world. Sr. Mary’s Funeral was Friday. I just looked back at my last Blog and I said that Sr. Lois was very sick. I meant to say, “Sr. Mary.” Sorry for my error.

Today we had “Donor Appreciation Day.” About 150 Donors joined us Sisters for 11 a.m. Mass, Lunch and a Program. Sisters Rose Mae and Aurora told us about Mexico and the work of the Sisters at our Mission in Mexico.

Our Friend Larry Anderson from Morris, MN, came today bringing us 305 pounds of cabbage. That is in addition to the cabbage he brought a few weeks ago. Sr. Ruth made all of that cabbage into 50 gallons of sauerkraut. Now she can make more sauerkraut and we will NOT run out of sauerkraut this next year. Larry also brought us a couple boxes of green peppers, some tomatoes and a watermelon. God bless you, Larry for sharing the produce of your garden with us Sisters. Gardening is hard but rewarding work. Larry, we are grateful for your generous gifts. And we pray for you and your family.

On Wednesday this past week, I went with the Gary Block Tour to the Old Log Theatre to see the play Forever Plaid. The trip, the meal and the play were all worthwhile ventures. With almost two hours of singing, dancing and moving around, I said to one of the performers afterwards, “You must be really tired after a show like this.” He said, “We are!” I can believe it. A little treat on the journey home was a stop for a dish of ice cream at Culvers—a treat that was brought right out to the bus for us!

Each year our Brainerd Fraternity of Secular Franciscans does a pilgrimage. Yesterday was the day. We went to visit the new St. James Church in Aitkin, MN. It is beautiful! They used all the beautiful stained-windows from the old down-town Church in the new building. In the old Church the rose window was high up. Now it is the first thing one sees when one enters the new building. I admire architects who can plan and erect such marvelous structures.

For some time now we have been making our own laundry soap. It is called “Going Green Laundry Soap.” (Green meaning environmentally good.) For some time, I have been meaning to give the recipe. So here it is: 16 cups of HOT tap water, 4 Tbsp. of Washing Soda (such as Arm and Hammer Washing Soda,) 2 Tbsp. of Borax and 1 oz. Castile Soap. Put all ingredients into a one-gallon jug and mix. Use one cup for a large load of laundry and a smaller amount for smaller loads. We have been using this laundry soap for some time now and are happy with the results.

May God bless all the activities of our week.
Pax et Bonum,
Sister Mary Lou