Signs of spring on campus - Praise God!

May 6, 2013

We are into May and spring seems to be on its way. Praise God. I went to the Cities Friday afternoon and at one point a rain snow mixture was hitting my windshield…but it didn’t last long. Sunshine is so welcome. I went looking for signs of spring on campus. I found quite a few crocuses, hyacinth, daffodil and even one open tulip. The grass is starting to green up. There are still a few small, dirty snow banks. I went to the dam to look at the Mississippi. Water is coming over the top of the dam and most all the gates are wide open. There a little buds on the lilac bushes. The bees are flying in and out of their hives south of the lilac hedge at the south end of the cemetery.

In a little corner of the dining room is a lovely, little display of the Arts of Mexico.

Last Wednesday, May 1st, was May Day and also the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker. May God bless and protect all workers and bless their labors…and assist all who are searching for jobs. At each place in the dining room we found May Baskets containing two or three live little marigold plants. Sisters on second floor with the help of Cheryl, the Activities Director, and her staff started the little plants and decorated the paper cups they were in. I replanted my little flowers into a larger pot and will enjoy seeing them grow and blossom. Pictured are the two plants I grew from last September.

Yesterday was the Spring Magic Dinner and Dance at the Falls Ballroom sponsored by the Advisory Board of St. Camillus Place. Three of us Sisters are on the Advisory Board. Over 200 people attended this event for the mentally and physically handicapped persons in our county. Gary Bloch was the DJ. He really knows the music to play so the guests have a wonderful time dancing. The Chicken Dance and the Hokey Pokey are the favorites.

Tonight is the Taste of St. Cloud fund-raiser event to support our Franciscan Community Volunteer ministry, at the Territory Golf Course/Coyote Moon Grille in East St. Cloud. There will be 16 food vendors. Take it easy at lunch today so you have a good appetite when you get there. There is also a silent auction with many beautiful items to bid on. One of the guests will be the artist, Gina Sanderson, who donated three paintings for the auction. She is the lady who donated us a painting of an apple that I talked about almost a year ago.

Tomorrow we have a Woman’s Health Expo (in partnership with St. Gabriel’s Hospital) program in St. Francis Hall. I was just listening to an interview of the presenters on the radio Party Line Program. It will be a good presentation.

Thursday evening Kathy will be hosting a Volunteer Appreciation event for our volunteers. I’ve been watching the gathering of ambiance items that have been collecting in Kathy’s office. FUN is coming!

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY to all mothers and to those who have shown motherly care to others.

The Feast of the Ascension of the Lord is Thursday this week, but has been transferred to the following Sunday, May 12th.

The fishing opener is Saturday. I hope fisher-people can find lakes and rivers that are not ice-covered.

Peace and many blessings,
Sister Mary Lou