Start your day by serving God.
Wake-Up Call
The day starts with an early morning walk with Mike. We gather our thoughts, talk about life, and especially about the project we have going on in Santa Barbara.
A quick smoothie and toast, and I’m off to Mass.
Daily Mass
My day goes a lot smoother with a dose of the Holy Spirit — it’s my incentive to boost the rest of my daily activities. To me, it’s important to dress properly for daily Mass. You will never see me with messy hair or wearing pajama bottoms. But yesterday, during Mass, I reached for a tissue I knew was in the pocket of my jacket — only to discover I had worn it inside out! So, there are a few fashion faux pas here and there, but for the most part, my day starts with Communion with God.
Come, Holy Spirit
In every sense of the word, my attempts to incorporate the daily readings into my life have proven fruitful. To promote this blog, I share a reading each day. Am I always in the Spirit? Not really — because if you cut me off while driving, it can stir a mental battle that quickly sends me stepping with my big foot right into the ungodly world. But not to worry: once I receive Communion and my sins are absolved, I fluff my wings again. For the last couple of days, my guardian angel has been working overtime — twice I turned into a lane without carefully checking my mirrors.
The Left-Hand Turn
Every morning on the route to Mass, I need to make a left-hand turn. Believe me when I say that no one in my family allows me to drive. Why? Each one of them will tell you a different story. But deep down, I know the reason — I lack confidence behind the wheel, and I’m okay with that. So before making that left-hand turn, a prayer goes out: “Lord, cover me with Your blood.” It works every time.
Daily Cat Routine
We are dealing with our cat, Purdie, who in human years is over a hundred years old. We put up with everything she throws our way. For instance, last night she was so sweet to jump up on my lap — but I quickly discovered why. She had the most disgusting little turds stuck to her bottom! I quietly called her into the other room and, with a wet wipe in hand, relieved her of her heavy burden. I dared not tell Mike, because lately she has found refuge on top of his desk.
This morning, all bleary-eyed, I stepped into the bathroom — and what I thought was a black bow on the rug turned out to be a fancy turd. Yes, I picked it up with my bare hands and quickly cleaned up the mess. The grace God bestows on both Mike and me to care for this little old lady cat is truly beyond measure.
Dinner
It starts around 2:30 or so: “What do you want for dinner?” In my head I’m thinking, all we ever eat is chicken or steak, and on rare occasions we venture into salmon. In order for me to eat the pink fish, it must be saturated with teriyaki and honey.
Apparently, I’m the only noodle connoisseur in the family, because every time I offer to make it, Mike gives a resounding “NO!” I make it anyway.
I love tostadas, and salads are also part of my main meals. Experimenting with salad dressings is my new love. Plain yogurt is always the base — from there, anything goes, and it always comes out delicious: no recipe, no measuring, no problem! Mike always needs a protein, and that’s when I sneak in the salad. Oh, and can I share — I eat more than my husband. This is not said to boast, but it is, sadly, a matter of fact.
Family Dinners
Every Monday, without fail, our daughter Sonja’s family comes to dinner. We usually make a good old-fashioned Mexican meal, and my contribution is always the beans. God knows I have a special talent for making the best beans, and I make them at least once a week. We pray before our meals, and I savor my food by making beautiful, completely annoying sounds like, “Mmm, this is the best dinner ever.” While I’m enjoying my meal, the rest of the family is rolling their eyes in despair.
Mikos and Jenny
Many Sundays, Mikos and Jenny — son and daughter-in-law — invite us to dine with them. Truth be told, the appetizers are my favorite: Minnesota corn dip, compliments of the Driscolls; creamy hummus; and, of course, guacamole made by yours truly. By the time the entrée arrives, I’m already quite full.
It’s always a pleasant meal — but for some odd reason, it inevitably ends with them climbing into the jacuzzi. First: where does the old water go? And second, I no longer wear bathing attire. So the moment we hear the sound of bubbles, both Mike and I make our exit.
Worries
Lately, the biggest worry has been exceeding all the storage on my phone. Videos and photos are overflowing even into iCloud — no more room! The computer is registering the same complaint. Posting video on the blog has become a great challenge lately, because the phone desperately needs a good cleanup. Has it really come to this? Am I a phone hoarder? Apparently so — guilty as charged.
My Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, guide Mike and me to make the right decisions with our property in Santa Barbara. Lord, in our twilight years grant us good health and order every step we take. May our prayers reach the throne of Heaven and find favor in all our endeavors.
I continue to pray for all those who You have placed on my heart. Please bring healing and restoration to those suffering physical pain. Heal the lonely and broken hearted, guide them into the arms of Your holy Mother Mary. Make us good stewards of every gift You have entrusted to us. Amen.
