Cottage Blessings

Rugged-y Andy

Once again, Patrick reminds us that he plays a bit differently from his sisters.

Yesterday, I found him locked in a desperate struggle with--of all people--our normally mild-mannered friend, Raggedy Andy. When I came upon the fray, I asked Patrick what was going on, and he said, "Oh, Andy's just kicking himself in the face. Look, there's the fat lip and two black eyes."

Such odd behavior. I guess Andy doesn't hold his liquor well.

[Postscript: When Marie heard this report, she exclaimed indignantly, "Fighting? It was Patrick acting him out! He would never do such a thing!"]

A Profitable Morning

Please do not miss the many beautiful, moving and memorable pieces shared by Lynn at Life is Beauty. I spent the morning sipping coffee, reading and commenting (OK, gushing, I admit it). Normally I would link to a post, but I can't narrow it down. I recommend that you read all of June!

Raggedy Ann and Andy in Wine Country

You didn't think we would leave them in New York, did you? : ) : ) : )

Now that's authentic

Noah's New York Bagels is a popular eatery here in San Francisco. I smile whenever I go inside to see its emphatic subway motif and list of coffees with homey names like "Midtown," "Gramercy," "Soho," and "Chelsea." We have become regulars at our local establishment, instantly lining the small shop to the walls and drawing amused glances from the locals every time we show up. (San Francisco is chock full of spry young mothers with babies in every kind of carrier imaginable, but not many moms with a double stroller and five children besides.)

The other day, I was shivering on a bench outside the shop, warming my hands round a piping hot cup of Soho, when Agnes observed, "These don't really taste like New York Bagels."

"No?" I asked. "What do they taste like?

"They taste exactly like the bagels we get at home."

Noah's should hire us for their next ad campaign!

Passing Notes

I have been having trouble accessing my usual email account. Please make a note of my new address if you would like to reach me.

(Click "email me" in the sidebar!)

The Unicorn

Please visit Catholic Exchange today for The Last Unicorn, the third in a series on Catholic family life.

Many, many thanks for all your kind comments on these pieces, by the way. I appreciate it!!!

One

If you had told me one year ago that this little angel would spend her first birthday walking near the Golden Gate Bridge, I would have been more than a little surprised!

A Postcard from the California Cottage

A faulty internet connection and unfamiliar laptop prevent me from going into detail at the moment, but I am writing from our temporary home on the west coast. Daddy had business here, so we packed the whole gang, trading in the roaring waters of the Atlantic for the undulating gray green of the Pacific. Needless to say, it has been an adventure!

If you have a moment, please be sure to visit Catholic Exchange today to read A Promise Delayed, the follow up to last week's piece, A Promise Kept.

Many thanks!

This Is Lissa, Hacking into Alice's Blog

Alice doesn't have internet access today, but I couldn't resist popping in here to let her readers know that her beautiful piece, A Promise Kept, is a featured post at Catholic Exchange today!

There is already a lively discussion going in the comments over there. Leave it to Alice to give us all "something to ponder and discuss!"

For the First of June

The Anima Christi

Soul of Christ, sanctify me
Body of Christ, save me
Blood of Christ, inebriate me
Water from the side of Christ, wash me
Passion of Christ, strengthen me
O good Jesus, hear me
Within Thy wounds, hide me
Permit me not to be separated from Thee
From the malignant enemy, defend me
At the hour of my death, call me
And bid me come to Thee
That I may praise Thee with Thy angels and saints
For ever and ever.

Amen.

[July 28, 2007, amended to add: This was the last post I wrote before we hopped on a plane from New York to fly to San Francisco, California. Our internet access was spotty for a while after that, so, except for Lissa's note here about Catholic Exchange, I would not post again for another ten days. This is the beginning of the category, "Golden Gate Gunthers," all about our unique extended trip.]