Whew!

This summer has been a whirlwind of activity, both in parish projects and at home. It's been good stuff!




Still, when Jack and I got away last weekend to go camping, it was a much appreciated breather.




It was a time to put away my watch and schedules, to spend time alone with my best friend, and to be surrounded by the gifts of creation.

I wasn't sure I would still like camping. At 54, I was unsure about sleeping on the ground, and not having a shower or having to walk some distance to a bathroom - but I LOVED it! Morning coffee and bacon never smelled so good! Everywhere we looked it was beautiful...even in the rain.

And yes, we did wimp out and go to a hotel the night we sat in the tent with rain, wind, lightning and a forcast of being in the 30s...plus the fact that earlier in the day we had seen a park ranger in the parking lot with a bear trap.

But, half the fun was being able to change our minds at a moment's notice, not to be tied to any plan. It was such freedom!

Thanks, Jack! for the idea, for the fun, for your love.

It's All Gift

In a world with so much pain and so many serious

problems, I know that the garden is all luxury and gift,

and I am so grateful.