A Confused Mind

I woke up to a dark morning on September 6, 2024. My thought was that fall was in the air as I turned on some lights. I fixed breakfast, ate, took my medication, and looked outside and it was so dark it looked like night time. The clock told me it was eight o'clock but my mind was telling me it shouldn't be so dark and instead of getting lighter, it was getting darker.

My watch  buzzed and I looked to see that the date was September 5, 2024. What? It was still Thursday and not Friday. I had a busy day on Thursday, attended a YAH board meeting, ran some errands and around 5 p.m, I decided to take a nap. That's where my brain glitch came into play. After waking up from my nap I truly believed it was Friday morning and I wondered if I should go to mass and First Friday breakfast.

Contacting some friends to ask if they had ever experienced such a weird happening, one said that only when she took a long, hard nap she might wake up confused. Retracing my steps I realized that Wednesday night I had slept for about two hours. I had been up most of the night so my nap was needed and I slept for about 2 1/2 hours. When I retired on Thursday night I was afraid that since I had slept so hard during my nap that I would have problems falling a sleep and a cycle of day and night would begin. That was not the case, because I slept all night long and awoke in the morning at seven on Friday. My body and mind needed the sleep I had missed.

It's a scary feeling when what you believe, and what actually is, are two different things. I am thankful that it all got straightened out and I am back to a normal day!

"Sleep is the golden chain

that binds health and our

bodies together."

Thomas Dekker

Footsteps of St. Paul 2005

 Footsteps of  St. Paul in 2005

"In my other life I must have been Greek," I jokingly tell people because when I hear Greek music, the sound of the bouzouki, eat Greek food, or read Greek mythology, I feel a certain stirring deep inside of me.  For years I have thought about traveling to Greece but it wasn't until 2005 that my dream came true. On October 10-22, 2005, I joined the Catholic Biblical School of the Archdiocese of Denver on a pilgrimage to Greece and Italy. We flew from Denver to New York and then to Athens and Thessaloniki. When we couldn't read the street signs we would say, "Well, it's Greek to me!"

I noticed how the majority of women dress in black, people scoot around on motor bikes, kiosks (small stands) sell water, newspapers, pop, postcards, sunglasses, umbrellas, candy, gum, magazines and potato chips. In the evening men sit around drinking coffee in outdoor cafes though I didn't see a lot of women at those cafes, teenagers look pretty much like they do in the United States and what I noticed was the friendliness of the people.

We visited areas where St. Paul, the Apostle,  converted Greek, Romans, Jews, and Gentiles. Philippi where St. Paul baptized Lydia, his first convert,  was our first stop. The narrow stream, Kranidis, was chosen for our first mass. Fr. Pat Dolan of Most Precious Blood in Denver was our spiritual director and celebrated mass next to the stream. Our singing voices blended in with the soft gurgling of the stream as one of our leaders, Tom Smith, soaked his feet in the water! 

Walking through the ruins where St. Paul had been imprisoned and gazing at the many stones, columns, and outdoor theater that survived from ancient times filled me with awe. A friendly Greek lady shook an almond tree and give us some grayish brown almonds. Orchards of tiny, sweet, lime-green grapes and almond trees are scattered throughout the country side. On the grassy slopes, goats and sheep are tended by shepherds and their working dogs.

Kavala, a picturesque fishing village is thought to be the place where St. Paul crossed the sea to visit the Greek Islands. In Thessaloniki, the fortress of Trigonion is located. We were lucky to see the sun set in red, orange and pink colors. The wall, at one time had gone all the way to the sea but some of the wall had deteriorated.

Small shrines honoring persons who have been killed can be seen as we travel to our next stop of Meteora. The Agean Sea could be seen in the distance. Amazing to see the gigantic towers of stone pointing towards the sky and on top of each stone cliff there was a monastery. We hiked to one of the monasteries and someone said there were 150 steps. Women are not allowed to wear slacks so they have a large basket filled with skirts of all sizes for visitors to wear as they go through the monastery. The Orthodox chapel had many icons painted on the walls. A nun watched us closely to make sure we were quiet and respect. 

Kalambaka was where we spent the night and since it was only a block from the downtown area we wandered in and out of the many curio shops. Our next stop was Corinth where St. Paul spoke to Corinthians. We sat on stones in front of the Bema Seat. A feeling of amazement was present as we listened to Tim Gray, the leader of the tour, tell us about St. Paul. The altar was a small round decorated stone and after mass we looked around at the many ruins and admired the work on the columns. We learned that if a column was plain it was probably Roman but if it was ornate it could be Greek.

Highlights in Greece were the Acropolis, climbing the hill (Mars) where it is said St. Paul spoke, seeing the Royal Guards in their pleated skirts, riding the clean subway and relaxing in the National Park. Tasting the pretzel like bread covered with sesame seeds and eating the sweet desserts was a plus on this trip. Athens is known for its honey, almonds and grapes!

From Athens we flew to Rome where the churches, fountains, many statues and the large coliseum greeted us! Seeing Pope Benedict was a highlight even though we waited a few hours in the rain for him to appear, but nothing dampened our spirit! Another surprise was seeing many brides in their white gowns come for a blessing from the Pope. The Vatican Museum had us walking through hall after hall filled with beautiful art, tapestries, sculptures and paintings and I felt as if my brain could not take one more image! The Sistine Chapel had me gazing, open-mouthed, at the work Michangelo did so many years ago. I appreciated the magnificence and talent of Michangelo as I gazed at all the different areas of the Sistine Chapel. Entering St. Peter's Basilica, I saw people touching the foot of a statue and was told it was of St. Peter and the foot is worn down from the  many hands that  touch the foot. The tomb of John Paul II is located below the church where he was laid to rest among other Popes, including St. Peter.

The famous Fountain of Trevi, the Coliseum, the Spanish Steps plus other gorgeous fountains completed our tour of Rome. I noticed that compared to the subway in Greece, Rome's was dirty and graffiti covered.

Assisi became one of my favorite spots. The area around the town is lush with agriculture plots. It is a quaint town with many churches, cobblestone streets and shops. Knowing that St. Francis had lived in the area was overwhelming. To think that he had walked in the same spots I was walking made me respect history. In the area where he had been a hermit there were many white doves fluttering around us and I thought it was quite appropriate!

At St. Paul, Outside the Wall, we saw where St. Paul was entombed. The pilgrimage should have ended there but it has continued. The bible has become real to me. It is no longer a story "out there," that happened years ago. I close my eyes and I see a dusty St. Paul, sandals, dirty feet and in long robes speaking to me. The song from the King and I,  runs through my head, "Getting to know you, getting to know all about you," and I find myself reading the Acts of the Apostles and am amazed that I also walked in the same areas!

We were told that if we returned from the pilgrimage and our lives were changed, then it was a good pilgrimage. But, if we returned and nothing in our lives had changed, then it was a good vacation. I know it was a great pilgrimage because without knowing, planning or being aware, my life has changed.

"I like many sayings from the Bible and many quotes I have seen are St. Paul's.

"God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted

 beyond what you can bear. But, when you are tempted, 

he will provide a way out so you can endure it."

St. Paul, The Apostle

A Joyful Picnic

My parish of Spirit of Christ Catholic Community celebrated its 50th anniversary with a picnic. Months before the picnic, planning by volunteers began for August 18, 2024. The volunteers worked hard and provided a fun day that surprised everyone attending. I heard that there were over 1000 persons in attendance at the south parking lot as it became an area of tents, tables and games. Food of pulled pork and hot dogs were served inside along with the many side-dishes brought by volunteers. I have never seen so much food! A room was called the Bingo room where many tried their luck. Outside there were games, activities like rock painting, photo booths, a cake walk, dunking station and other games. Popcorn and Icees for everyone. A highlight was having the Parochial Vicor dunked into the water. At one point I saw about fifteen persons, young and old, wanting to send Fr. Trevor into the water! Our pastor, Fr. Chris, took the first try and ended by hand pushing the lever that sent Fr. Trevor into the water! 

Everywhere I looked I saw happy faces. Everyone seemed to be having fun whether young or old. The organization for the food lines was perfect as people got their sandwich of pulled pork or hot dog and then walked along the many tables filled with salads and side dishes. I have never seen that much food or people move in such an orderly way to fill their plate! The one remark I heard was that people were seeing friends that they had not seen in a long time. What I could see was joy and happiness!

Thanks to Fr. Chris and kudos to the many volunteers that made the picnic happen. A perfect celebration for the parish's 50th year of being in existence!

"Reflecting on our church's

journey, we see a

tapestry of lives changed

and spirits uplifted."

From the Internet

Sixty Two Years Ago

 My ex-sister-in-law's sister passed away at the age of 100! I knew the family for over sixty-two years but had not heard from the family for the past twenty-five years or so. On Sunday I saw my nephew's family at mass and I was told that Helen had passed away. Memories flooded my brain of when I had known her. I remembered her husband, a tall man nicknamed Buz, their teen-age son, Rod, died from cancer, they had two daughters, Drucila and Claudette. I would see Drucila at different functions at St. Joan of Arc Church and she had told me her mother had Alzheimer's, they had a miniature pony farm in Broomfield, I'd see her and her sister, Rosanell together and they often went shopping together, their brother Ralph had passed away and his friend was Dr. Emily, who became my dentist, and then since I was no longer in the family I heard nothing at all.

A big shock came to me when I found out that Drucila had passed away about two years ago from a heart attack.  Yesterday at the funeral, one of Dru's daughter's resembled her so much that I would have thought she was Dru. Helen's son in law, Dru's husband, mentioned that Helen made the best Pizzelles!  I did not know anyone at the funeral except for my niece married to my nephew, her son and another great niece. Even after all the years that have passed they still call me auntie and that makes me feel good!

I was surprised that Claudette remembered me! She knew my name and who had been my husband!

The mass was sad but beautiful and at the reception I was able to catch up on what my ex's family had been up to in all the years since I had last seen them. I was in the family for about ten years and I surprised myself that, I remembered as much as I did! The only time I would see them was for funerals where I caught up on their lives.

"It is so much darker

when a light goes out

than it would have been 

if it had never shone."

John Steinbeck

Showers and Laundry for Those in Need

 Today I saw something that made me want to blog again. I took some food items to The Community Table which is our food bank in Arvada. As I drove into the lot I saw a large van parked by the entrance and when I glanced in, I saw what looked like four machines washing clothes.  The lady that attends to doing the laundry for homeless people was cheerful and told me she loves working on washing clothes for the needy. The washed and dried clothing is put in a bag with the owner's name. I told her it was a great idea because that is probably what someone wants done when they have no place to wash their clothing and it is a free service.

As I drove away I saw another van with signs saying Free Showers. I was impressed that this kind of service is provided for those in need! Bayaud Enterprises, I found out through the Internet, operate laundry and shower services for those who need them. The only criteria needed is to express the need for assistance.

It is my understanding that the vans move to different parts of the city where they are needed. I had no idea that these services are provided nationwide under different names. Laundry Love's motto is, "Love, dignity and detergent." Laundry Care Foundation, Love the Laundry, and Love, Inc. Wave of Hope is for help to disaster victims. 

Makes me wonder why some homeless people do not take advantage of these services!

"Homelessness is not a choice, 

but rather a journey that many 

find themselves in."

Asa Don Brown

Spirit Night 2024

 Spirit of Christ Music Committee with the Music Ministers and the 50th Anniversary Year presented an evening of music on June 14, 2024. I was amazed at the talent that our choirs possess! I admire the persons that sang solos and also the group singing. There was a variety of religious music plus popular music. There were even a couple of funny tunes that had everybody singing!

Sing to the Glory of God, Revelation Song, How Great Thou Art, I Am The Way, Bread of Angels, Oh Rest in the Lord, In the Heart of God, Salt of the Earth, Holiness is Faithfulness, and Behold plus other hymns were sung beautifully. Many in the audience joined in the singing and a lady sitting at my table had a nice voice and I thought she could have been in one of the choirs!

An instrumental tune called Promises, A solo of The Sound of Music even got me singing, everyone joined when Lydia, The Tattooed Lady was sung, and Hell's Full of Volunteers was written by one of the choir members and his wife also sang a solo. A duet in English and Italian was my favorite of the evening!

The evening ended with A Ukrainian Prayer.

 A wonderful, happy, inspiring evening directed by Ron Marinelli, our music director. I hope we have more of these presentations in the future!

It's A Small World

I have been so busy that I have not been able to write in my blog because I have been busy preparing for a trip that is coming up soon. Something happened that made me feel that I needed to write my blog again. 

As I spoke with the clerk at my bank I mentioned that one of my stops would be in San Luis, Colorado. The teller sitting in the next cubicle said, "Oh, that is my home town. In fact I have many relatives that still live in the area." He mentioned a few towns and one of the small towns was Manassa. I said, "I used to know a couple that lived in that town. What is their name?" He told me the names of the husband, wife and three girls and I said, "I know that family!" I told him I had visited them at their home and met some of their relatives. Probably some of his family.

I told the teller that when I had volunteered in Mexico at an orphanage, the people who trained me were his relatives. I told him the the three girls were around five to seven years of age and he laughed and said, "All three of the girls are married and have children! We talked for about ten minutes and he caught me up on his family but he spoke mostly about his grandmother and she is related to the family I knew.

We both thought our world is a small world and what a surprise that he overheard San Luis and said something. He could have stayed quiet and we never would have known that I knew his relatives. He will be going to the area in about two weeks and will let my friends know he spoke to me.

My question was if he had ever eaten at the restaurant in San Luis and he said he had and that it was good food. Now I am looking forward to eating at Mrs. Rio's in San Luis.

Mariano Diaz is the name of the teller and I will look forward in seeing him again.

"Friendships will always last

no matter how much time has past!"

E. Moscoso

A Reunion

June 30, 2024

 Around the early to mid-1980's I met two persons that worked in the same building I did. We became good friends. Yearly we met around Christmas time to eat and exchange gifts plus going out to lunch during the time we knew each other. 

As time would have it we all went our separate ways and had not seen each other for at least twenty  years. Today the three of us met for lunch and to catch up on what has been happening in our lives. I parked my car and before long a woman parked beside.  I did not recognize her and thought it was a worker coming to begin her day at the restaurant. She got out of her car and came around to my car and said my name. Then I recognized my friend. She used to have black hair and now it was highlighted with blond streaks and that made a big difference.

We were greeted by a friendly waiter and he let us choose where we wanted to sit. Tables were covered with white cloth tablecloths and white napkins. When our other friend arrived we all embraced and our conversations took off. She looked pretty much the same but her hair was also highlighted. The restaurant has delicious food from the Puebla, Mexico area and if we thought we were going to eat Tex-Mex food, we were so wrong. I ordered a salad in a light tortilla basket and guacamole, chicken and bean filling. One friend ordered a large bowl of posole and the other ordered enchiladas in mole sauce. The dishes are beautifully arranged with a flower on the top. 

I took a booklet I had prepared from the past when we used to meet and we enjoyed looking at ourselves when we were younger. The diplomatic waiter said we still looked the same which made us feel great even though we didn't believe him!

"Friendship improves happiness and abates misery 

by doubling our joys and dividing our grief."

Marcus Tullius Cicero

God is Good!

 God is Good

Thirty-eight persons traveled to New Mexico from Spirit of Christ Catholic Community in Arvada, Colorado on a pilgrimage to Pecos, Santa Fe, Taos and Chimayo. Our first stop was The Abbey of Our Lady of Guadalupe Monastery in Pecos. The Abbot welcomed us with "God is Good" and we answered, "All the time!"  He told us about the monastery and about his journey to become a priest, a monk and an Abbott. We were fed dinner and breakfast and the Benedictine Brothers made us feel at home. Mass in the beautiful chapel the next morning filled us with a peacefulness.

Our journey took us to Santa Fe and to the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi where Theresa Garcia, the Madrina, who is responsible in dressing the Blessed Mother, showed us all the beautiful gowns. This is the oldest wooden statue of the Blessed Mother in the United States having arrived from Spain in the 1600's. The 300 plus gowns are donated by persons in thanksgiving or in answer to a prayer.

We saw the Spiral Staircase at the Loretto Chapel and the original nuns believed that St. Joseph had built the unusual staircase. We were scheduled to take a one hour and fifteen minute trolley ride and to hear about the history of Santa Fe. This is when the first "miracle" took place. No credit cards accepted, only cash for the $25 per person ride. I did not have that kind of cash and after talking, pleading, begging I was allowed to use a credit card and we enjoyed touring Santa Fe.

After a delicious lunch at La Cocina in Espanola, we arrived at the Hampden Inn Taos. I now know how Mary and Joseph must have felt when they were told there was no room at the inn. The young girl at the desk said, "We are sold out and I have no rooms for you." After a lot of discussions the next "miracle" occurred. The manager, Michael, found twenty rooms, at the best hotel in Taos and it is a 5 Star hotel! It took about four hours for arrangements to be made but around 9:45 p.m. we went to our spectacular rooms, each with a private jacuzzi! The rooms were huge, each patio had either Aspen trees, slopping grounds with green grass or ponds that we could enjoy. Two of the women ended up in a cottage and they loved it. All we could think was, God is good!

The Taos Pueblo made us feel thankful for all our blessings and found it difficult to understand how Native Americans continue living as in the past. They are trying to keep their traditions alive and live as their ancestors lived!

San Francisco de Asis is one of the most photographed churches and Georgia O'Keefe has painted the church. There is artwork inside and a beautiful statue of the Holy Family outside. We were shown the mystery painting that once the lights are turned off, people can see a dark cross in the picture. Some see the bow of a boat. When the lights are on, the eyes and the toes follow and seem to move with the person. We ate lunch at Ranchos de Taos Grill located on the grounds of the church! The amazing sopapillas were huge!

On Saturday morning we arrived at Chimayo, known as the Lourdes of America, because miracles have happened in the area. There is a small room with the "holy" dirt that is known to cure illnesses. Fr. Roca, the priest who would greet us in the past and has now passed away, told me, "That is dirt, what cures people is their faith!" There must have been around 400 or more persons waiting for a pilgrimage coming from Albuquerque that would end in Chimayo. A mini-miracle was watching our bus driver maneuver through the many cars in the parking lot. We left the bus and waited with the crowd for the procession to arrive .When they arrived they were singing, wearing shell necklaces, white t-shirts and we heard many shouts of Viva Cristo Rey and Viva Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe! I saw the Archbishop in the middle of the pilgrimage and he would  be celebrating mass outside under a large tree.  It was exciting to be part of their 100 miles in 100 degree weather as we joined their joyous pilgrimage! I wondered if it was part of the Eucharistic Procession that came through Denver.

Our mass at 11 a.m. took place in the Santuario, (small chapel), and my group was filled with holiness and spirituality as they worshiped in the small chapel surrounded by the beautiful art work.

Without God our pilgrimage could have been a disaster but He watched over us so we could have a successful pilgrimage, and I repeat, God is good!

My Friend, The Author

 

Manuel Ramos has published many books, but one of his first books is being republished and on Sunday, from 2-4 p.m. at Adobos in North Denver he invited his friends to share the good news. The Ballad of Gato Guerrero is about, as the Denver Post wrote: Luis Montez is back, grappling with a case of equally colorful characters and facing even more harrowing circumstances. 

This husband and wife team has been in my life for over forty years and I thank my lucky stars for having them in my life. He was an attorney at the Legal Aid Society of Metropolitan Denver (now Colorado Legal Services) until he retired and she was instrumental in bringing a Spanish speaking radio station (KUVO) to the Denver area. Both have received numerous awards and recognitions!

At the get together today, they treated us to chicken wings, wine, beer and pop. I noticed many of the people purchased delicious looking plates of Mexican food that is served at the restaurant. I was happy to see some of the people I used to work with and some I had not seen for many years. I would say we had a very mini-reunion of six people! We are all retired and finding our passion in whatever turns us on! The talk was remembering those we knew, children, grandchildren and great- grandchildren, and what we are now doing.

I have an original paperback of the book and I had the author autograph it. It's exciting to know famous people! Many years ago, I happened to have my camera with me, on or about 1994, and the author needed his picture taken for his book, so I am on the back cover as the photographer. That makes me feel proud and happy that I contributed something to the now famous author.

Photos above are from the party. Beginning with the original book, Flo and Jim, Jim and me; Linda, Gen and Gina with me, Manuel, Pocho Joe, (Radio Announcer), and newly weds, Christina and Will! A wonderful get together for a great reason and I am now looking forward to his next book!

"From the flashing eyes of dancers 

at a Chicano party to a wild fiesta in New Mexico 

The Ballad of Gato Guerrero is the lyrical and 

dramatic work of a gifted American mystery novelist."

Publishers Weekly

Senior Volunteer Fair

"By the time you are eighty years old

you've heard everything. 

You only have to remember it."

George Burns

I had to meet one of the travelers going to New Mexico to give her the itinerary and as I  walked in to the Apex center there were tables with lots of information set up all around the room. One lady came up to me and said, "Welcome to the 50+ Job and Volunteer Expo!" I told her I was meeting a friend and that I was not there for the event. She handed me a sheet of paper with all the exhibits and said, "If you stop at all the tables you will get free gifts, learn about Seniors Helping Seniors and you will be entered to receive a prize!"

My friend arrived and after our meeting we helped ourselves to the free refreshments and I decided to visit the many tables. At each table there was information on how I could volunteer or how to receive help. The agencies represented were, A Little Help, Community Table, Hope House Colorado, Orion Mortgage, Red Rocks Community College, Seniors Helping Seniors, Volunteers of America, City of Arvada Volunteer Opportunities, Developmental Disabilities Resource Center, Kaiser Permanente, Reading Partners Colorado. Roundup River Ranch and Touching Hearts at Home.  A couple of the information tables were something I could use and one I thought I might like to volunteer. Though I am already volunteering through my church,  I wondered if I should volunteer somewhere else.

At every table I picked up goodies: small blanket, playing cards, a couple of hand stress relievers, package clip, lanyard. 3 tote bags, tall drinking glass with straw, small ice/hot pack, jar opener, healthy trail mix snack, flashlight, 2 collector pins, coffee package, sanitizer, flash drive, luggage tag, 3 fountain pens, and 3 tablets for note taking. Lots of items that I may use or not use, but it is always fun to receive freebees!

What amazed me were the many young persons volunteering to help seniors. They were all cheerful and devoted to what they were doing. My thought was that it would not take long and they also would be attending a senior's fair. Much sooner than they ever imagined! I turned in my sheet showing I had visited all the tables and now I will wait to see if I win a prize!

"At age 20 we  worry about what others think of us.

At age 40 we don't care what they think of us.

At age 60 we discover they haven't been

thinking of us at all."

Ann Landers

A Chicken Fiasco

 

Kentucky Fried Chicken

What does one do when there are over 164 persons waiting to eat lunch and the chicken that has been paid for and expected on time has not even been prepared? Lwana, the lady responsible for getting the 300 pieces of chicken, for a great price, made a few trips to the Kentucky Fried Chicken eatery to spur the workers to get the chicken ready. If it had not been for her persistence I have a feeling the chicken would never have been prepared! Kudos to her! Evidently, the manager never told the workers about the huge order and they had no idea until she showed up to pick up the order. 

In the ten years that I have belonged YAH, this has never happened. Our lunches are usually at the time stated or a few minutes off. This time, almost an hour passed until 200 pieces were done and the buckets placed on the serving tables. Luckily, those waiting to eat were understanding and when they went up for their plates of food, everyone seemed happy!

The afternoon had been saved by one lady who made a few trips to KFC, got the workers to prepare the chicken and was able to pickup the chicken. She mentioned she did not trust them to deliver because they were young, didn't seem to have good work ethics and might have gotten lost in delivering the chicken so she drove over to pick up the chicken. She did tell me that when the manager came in, he would not give her eye contact!

Even with the chicken fiasco, the luncheon was a huge success. The food was delicious, the people enjoyed talking to each other while waiting, birthdays were celebrated and the speaker gave an interesting talk on the Vocation Chalice. 

"The best comfort food

will always be greens,

cornbread and fried chicken."

Maya  Angelou

El Jardin

 I heard about the Mexican restaurant called El Jardin about three years ago. An article about the restaurant made me want to go there but the drive to Commerce City just seemed too far. Some of my friends went there quite often and they raved about the good food. Yesterday, after mass, I was invited to go to El Jardin and I gladly joined them. I managed to get myself into their huge truck and pulling myself up to the seat made me feel like a mountain climber. Once we were seated in the beautiful truck the Mexican music over the speakers made me want to dance. The music touched my soul with the Corrido sound and made me remember dancing when I was growing up!

It is a long drive though it only took about half an hour to reach the restaurant and what a surprise I got! The Spanish type architecture building is huge and beautiful. Lots of reddish-brown adobe looking walls with wooden decorations. I felt as if I had been transported to a Latin country! 

The inside was crowded yet, the service was good. My friends ordered the coolest bloody Mary's with celery and a skewer with an olive, cheese, sausage and shrimp. Not only did it look pretty, but I was told it was delicious! The margaritas passing by our table were large and looked yummy in the salt rimmed goblets. The salsa and chips were brought to the table and the tortilla chips were thin and crispy. The sauce was spicy! I know that many other Mexican restaurants have stopped serving chips and salsa and we have to order them separately, but not at El Jardin! The dishes that arrive at the table are hot and have a special touch, like a scallion draped across the food!

The only set back is the distance but my guess if we want to go to the restaurant we can car pool to eat the good food in a beautiful setting!

"Feeding the community for over forty years.

 Any plate will have your tastebud dancing."

El Jardin

License Plate Frustration

 The renewal card I received in the mail to renew my license plates had big red letters printed on the top. AVOID THE LINE. There were three ways to renew: on line, by mail or at a kiosk. I decided to renew on line.

Everything was fine until I got to my password. Since the password I thought it was, didn't work, I then changed my password. When I tried to continue,  I was informed that the password was not right. Heck, I had just changed it so why wouldn't it work? I tried my old password and it still didn't work. I was sent a number via my email to verify that it was me and that didn't work either. After fooling around for over half an hour I decided to call the number listed for help.

A voice informed me that I was calling outside Jeffco's business hours. I muttered, "Liar, Liar, pants on  fire," because it was 10:30 in the morning and the voice had said, "We are open between the hours of 7:30 a.m. until five p.m., Monday through Thursday. And the office did not seem to be open.

Should I apply by mail? Go to a kiosk? Or to go to a MVD office to renew. I will revert to the old way of renewing...go to the MVD office. But before I can go to the office I will need to make an appointment. I had already wasted time trying to do the easy renewal but it isn't that simple, especially if passwords are involved!

Tomorrow is  Friday so the office is closed and now I will have to wait until Monday! Personally, I would have preferred to wait in line like previous years, because nothing is as simple as it used to be!

Today, Monday morning early, I again called the MVD office and after waiting for about 25 minutes I actually got a person I could talk to and she tried to get me to renew over the Internet. I explained my problems trying to renew my plates and convinced her that all I wanted was to make an appointment and go to an office. When she said, "This is not the place you call to make an appointment. All you have to do is go on line and make the appointment,"  I told her about all my woes trying to renew.  She must have heard my frustration because she said she could renew my plates over the phone. After taking all my information she told me the fee was about three dollars more than what was on my renewal card. I asked why and she said, "Oh, that's the price when we use your credit card." I told her I did not want to pay the extra and she graciously gave me a date and time to be at the MVD office! The time spent on the computer and phone calls is longer than if I had been able to do it the old way and walk in to buy my plates! Go figure!

"Paying a specified rate

to renew my license plate

before the expired date

I may, in a long line, have to wait!"

E. Moscoso

At 1:45 p.m. I entered the motor vehicle department and noticed that it was crowded with people. The benches were filled by waiting people. So why have an appointment? The guard took my name and sent the information to my phone that would alert me to which window I would go. My thought was since I had an appointment I should get waited on right away. Before I could sit down I heard my number of 1031 called, so I was taken care of right away without any waiting. That was a good thing. When it came time to pay the clerk informed me that if I used any card to pay, it would be around three dollars more. Since I did not have any cash or checks on me, I ended up paying the extra money. If I had known I would have had the phone lady register me. I don't know if it's me and my age or if things are just more difficult in 2024! The good thing is that I will not have to deal with the Jeffco Motor Vehicle Department again for one whole year!

Mexico in my Back Yard

 Today I felt as if I returned to Mexico. I had to get my emissions tested and the majority of employees working at the garage were Latinos.  Being in the area of a Walmart I drove over just to exercise by walking in the store and maybe find a bargain. As I entered the store I got a strange feeling that I had been there before. The store was exactly set up like some of the Walmart's in Mexico. I remember being in Mexico and going to the grocery store and entering into the fruit and vegetable section.  The bakery was also in an L shape though there weren't any trays to help myself to the bolillos or sweet rolls like in Mexico. I did not hear Spanish being spoken, and there weren't as many Mexican products, yet that feeling of Deja vu overwhelmed me. It was enough to give me a feeling of nostalgia of my visits to Mexico. In a couple of Walmart stores, it seems as if the majority of employees are Spanish speaking and this also gives me a feeling I have returned to my favorite vacation place!

Hearing Spanish spoken does not bother me, though some of my friends have commented they don't like to hear it in the United States. I am glad I speak English and Spanish and sometimes, in the past, I have interpreted for someone having problems understanding or unable to speak English. Knowing two languages is definitely a plus. Yesterday I had that feeling I was shopping in Mexico!

"Deja vu, that eerie feeling

of experiencing something

you've already lived through."

Internet

A Funeral

 It seems that I attend funerals more often than ever! Is it because of my age or are people dying faster than I remember. Today the funeral was at the Shrine of St. Anne for a friend I knew.  I met her through another friend and she joined us on a couple of trips I planned. She would also have the Blessed Mother statue visit her home where I attended and met other Italian friends. I would also run in to her at the annual church bazaars.

Clara Lombardi

 June 9, 1944 - March 29, 2024

I heard that she had Alzheimer's, that she wasn't doing well, how she had changed physically and then a few days ago I heard she had passed away! This morning I walked into the church and was amazed at all the flowers around the altar. Never I had I seen such huge arrangements of roses and carnations.

The mass was beautiful, the people all seemed to know each other, the eulogies were poignant, and the music lovely. At the Our Father, the priest had all of us hold hands by stepping into the aisle and holding the person's hand on the other side of the aisle uniting everyone! At the Amen, he had us lift our arms and it was quite a moving sight to see arms outstretched to heaven as we held hands. Not since Covid hit, had I seen everyone in the church holding hands!

Thinking about my encounters with Clara I felt that she was gone too soon. I wondered how everyday is precious because we never know when we will be called to join those that have gone before us. She was a fun loving person who found humor in many things and laughed out loud when something struck her funny! On one of our trips I remember having four Italian ladies come to my room to pray the rosary and drink wine! I will always have fond memories of her. A St. Anne parishioner leaned toward me and said, "I don't believe she will go to purgatory, but she will head straight to heaven because she was such a kind, sweet and loving person."

In her remembrance folder I noticed that the family requested that instead of flowers, to consider donating to the Alzheimer's Association. I don't think anyone listened! 

"Real loss occurs when you've loved

 someone more than you love yourself!"

Unknown

Divine Mercy Sunday

 Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and  confessions on the first Sunday after Easter in following the words of St. Faustina. She was a firm believer in Christ's mercy and at one time was instructed by Jesus, "I demand prayers from you, deeds of mercy which are to arise out of love for me. You are to show mercy to your neighbors always and everywhere."

Around 1935, Maria Faustina Kowalska had a vision where it was revealed to her a prayer that our Lord wanted everyone to say: The Chaplet of the Divine Mercy. When prayed he would bestow many graces on those reciting it. One of the promises was "even if there is a sinner who recites this chaplet only once, he would receive grace from My infinite mercy."

The Chaplet can be said on the rosary beads and the repetition of  "for the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and the whole world." The picture shows Christ with one hand on his heart and rays of white and red to represent the blood and water representing His mercy. Say three times,  "Oh blood and water, which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a fount of mercy for us, I trust in you."

The three o'clock service was solemn and quiet and I was surprised to see so many persons lined up for confession. I almost got in line but didn't and when I looked up my blog of previous years I noticed that in 2016 I had wanted to go to confession but didn't. Almost identical feelings then and now. Maybe next year I will be brave enough to confess my sins to a priest!

"Give thanks to the Lord for he is good.

His mercy endures for ever.

Your sins are forgiven, go in peace.

Thanks be to God."

Confession ending.

Summer Vacation from Gambling

 

There was a time when a bus was available for free to take gamblers to Blackhawk for a day of gambling. At that time there would be 50 or more people headed to the hill. 

After covid came along the casino decided they would not supply the free bus but would pay a portion of the fee and the gamblers would pay the rest. I began charging $15 and that lasted for a couple of years and the gamblers were happy with the fee but it made more work for me. When I was informed that the fee was going up, I then began collecting twenty dollars.

A few days ago, I received a call from our usual bus company, Colorado Coach, that the fees for the bus had gone up again and now he would have to charge more. He was filled up on the dates I wanted, and I had to plan our trip for the only day he had open on his calendar. Two negatives; more money and dates not available.  I had to make a decision to charge more, go on dates he had available or to discontinue going to the hill by bus. Since summer is a busy time for many with school being out and people going on vacation, I thought it would be a good time to suspend the trips for the summer. May, June, July and August we would save our money and possibly begin the trips in September! When I announced the idea on the bus, many did not like it, but when I explained that there were too many conflicts with me or the bus schedule, the idea of no summer trips was accepted!

When August rolls around I will investigate if anything has changed with the fees and possibly begin the trips every other month in the ending months of 2024 and next year! One thing I did do, is reserve the bus for New Year's Eve so we can go up to celebrate on December 31st at noon to bring in the new year! 

"In gambling the many

must lose in order that

the few may win!"

George Bernard Shaw

A Cluttered Area

 Every time I plan a trip with forty or more people, my kitchen table is topped with paperwork. The front room becomes a place for an assembly line as I place the papers showing the places we will visit on our trip! The packets are then placed in a folder to be given to the travelers so they will know where we will be, the times involved, and tidbits on each place we will visit.

When I worked at the Archdiocese of Denver at Centro San Juan Diego, I planned yearly trips to New Mexico and three to Mexico City to Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine. At Spirit of Christ Catholic Community, I have arranged several trips to New Mexico, Branson, Mt. Rushmore and San Antonio, Texas. What I love to hear from the travelers when we return is, "When will you plan another trip and where will we go?"

Below is a picture of my kitchen table and my couch with the assembly line of papers!

Once the paperwork was organized and removed from the couch, I once again filled the couch with items needed for a meeting I would have before we go. Name tags, informational sheet, bags for every traveler, folders, and treats were now on my couch! The gray bag has a quote from St. Pio, pray, hope and don't worry. Every year when we take a trip I give the travelers a bag because it is something useful and it saves a dime at the grocery store!

I did not know much about Padre Pio and learned through the Internet that he entered the Capuchin Friars Order when he was fifteen-years-old. He bore Christ's wounds (stigmata) most of his life but at his death no scars were present.  

Tomorrow most of the paperwork will be out of my house and into the traveler's homes! My prayer is that they do not forget to bring the necessary items on the day we leave on our pilgrimage! I will try to follow Padre Pio's advice that is on the bags because worry does no good! He died at 81, though his life  mission was to have Christians recognize God in all things and to desire above all things to do the will of God. On this pilgrimage he is a good saint to follow his path.

"Prayer is the best

weapon we possess,

the key that opens 

the heart of God."

St. Padre Pio

Adopted By A Kind Family

 My family is in California and if they don't fly to Colorado or I don't fly to California, I will spend a holiday by myself. Luckily, a family invites me to spend the holidays with them. On Sunday I prepared Guacamole, a fruit dessert I can eat, and a bottle of Chianti to take to the Easter dinner. When I arrived, the table had deviled eggs, veggie platter, cheese and asparagus, a green bean and garbanzo salad, and I added my Guac and pita chips. The people sitting around the table were nibbling on the feast and this was before the main meal of ham with glazed whole carrots, a potato casserole, meatballs and sausage in a delicious sauce, raviolis, and a mixed salad. If we had room for dessert there was my almond flour/monk sugar blackberry dessert, fruit salad, fancy cupcakes, cream puffs, cookies and cake! The meal was enjoyed with wine, and I had a glass of Chianti in memory of my youth when we would drink it whenever we had an Italian meal! I seldom drink wine because I seem to be allergic to the sulfites in wine, though I really enjoyed my glass of Chianti! The hostess remembered drinking it when she was growing up, so we drank to our memories!

Four in the family celebrated their birthdays and we all sang a disjointed Happy Birthday as they sat in front of their individual birthday cakes. What a lovely and special Easter I had, and I thank the family for inviting me!

My two friends and I sat and talked as we listened to the younger people talk about things we know nothing about. Usually about the latest concerts and singers! Those younger than me but older than the teens talked about movies. The men watched a sports channel with basketball and golf.  Everyone was happy!

Easter was special this year, beginning with mass where I saw some of my friends, to being with friends and eating delicious food! I could not have asked for anything more. I love my friend's family because they treat me as if I am a member of their family. 

"A true friend is someone who thinks

 you are a good egg, even though he 

knows you are slightly cracked."

Bernard Meltzer

A Perfect Good Friday

Can the remembrance of Christ dying on the cross be called "perfect?" Maybe not, but I found this Good Friday to be moving and beautiful. At noon, there were items used in the crucifixion, followed at 2:30 by actors portraying different people present at Jesus' death on the cross; soldiers, Barabas, Mary Magdeline, Mary the mother of Jesus, Pontius Pilot, plus others. Each told about his or her feelings during the passion. At 3 p.m. the church had the most people present to see the priests and deacons prostrate themselves on the floor in front of the altar.

The wooden cross was brought in surrounded by altar servers and deacons, many prayers were sung, adoration of the cross by everyone present and a collection for the upkeep of the Holy Land. After communion we all left the church in silence.

Some of things I noticed that were different: None of the statues or cross were covered by a purple cloth. In the past, as the cross was brought in there is a prayer and one arm of the cross in uncovered, then the other and finally the complete cross is uncovered, but not this time.

I remember the adoration of the cross used to be a helter-skelter mess with people bumping into each other with no direction, though last year it was a bit more controlled and this year it was done in an orderly manner with each section moving in to kiss the cross. It took longer, but there weren't any jams or confusion.

The choir in red looked striking and sang beautifully! There was a lot of kneeling and standing, almost like doing exercise!

When I left the church without speaking to anyone the clouds were gray and it was sprinkling so I felt it was very appropriate for Good Friday.

Holy Thursday was the washing of the feet and I watched on my laptop. Christ humbled himself by washing the feet of his apostles. The priest washed the feet of some of the parishioners. Food for the food bank was placed in front of the altar and I counted over fifty bags. That was beautiful to see, and I couldn't help but think that Spirit of Christ Catholic Community is a very generous church.

"Unless there is a Good Friday in your

 life, there can be no Easter Sunday."

Fulton J. Sheen

Easter Sunday

 

Leaving the house before sunrise to make it to the seven o'clock mass, I wanted to get to the church before the crowds! Easter on Sunday gets packed and, in the past it was difficult to find a seat if you were late.  White lilies filled the church and a favorite priest would be celebrating the mass. I saw him come into the church holding his garments in one hand and his father in another. A sadness came over me at the thought they probably missed wife and mother since she was no longer with them.

The choir consisted of the pianist and three persons, yet the music sounded beautiful.  The homily, we were told, was written for nine year olds, but I found it to be one of the best homily I have ever heard. I will paraphrase what I remember:

        When I was walking near the Cathedral in Denver, I happened to see a

        tiny caterpillar walking along on its sixteen tiny legs. It walked through

        the grime, dirt, alcoholics, homeless, filth until in came to a drain spout. I

        watched it crawl into the spout. Days later I looked in the spout and saw

        where it had wrapped itself up into a cocoon. After time went by, I again looked

        and saw a butterfly trapped behind the screen. I managed to remove the

        screen and out flew a beautiful, colorful butterfly.

The analogy was when we die we are not gone, but changed into something more beautiful than when we were on earth. The screen represented a life without God, but once we returned to God by removing our sins, we would evolve into something better.

I liked how the priest gave an example of taking his father to see the this mother's tombstone and he said, "Dad, wouldn't it be nice that the tombstone could be removed and Mom would come out to greet us and we could hug her and kiss her?" Many in the church were wiping their eyes because we all would love to see those who have gone before us!

What I took away from his homily is that someday, "heaven" is a place where we will be at peace!

"A caterpillar dies so the butterfly can be born.

 And yet, the caterpillar lives in the butterfly 

and they are one. So, when I die, it will be that 

I have transformed from the caterpillar of earth

to the butterfly of the universe."

John Harricharan    

   

Don't Throw Papers Away

For many years I have taken groups to New Mexico and 2024 I am planning another trip.  Information I have used in the past (and I did not throw it away) is coming in handy for this trip. I found something I had written in 2004 that will work for the upcoming Pilgrimage. All I have to do is make copies, and that is so much easier than composing and typing something from scratch!

For the past few months I have been working on the pilgrimage that will find forty persons enjoying a trip by bus to New Mexico. I am thankful I have saved past trips even though when I was downsizing, I thought I would get rid of a lot of paperwork, and now I am glad I didn't!

"Paperwork wouldn't be so bad 

if it weren't for all the paper.

And work!"

Darynda Jones

A Visit to the Little Church

 I received an email letting me know that one of the two masses to be celebrated at Our Lady of Visitation would be on Monday, the 25th of March. I put it on my calendar but on that Monday it had snowed, it was cold and I thought about not going. Yet, God had other plans for me because I ended up going. I thought I would be late because my phone showed 6:30 as I exited my car. As I walked in, the priest was just getting ready to begin mass! To me that was a small miracle!   

There were about sixty people present in the church and mass was celebrated by a priest from Uganda. At times he was difficult to understand but I did get the message that even though we were celebrating Our Lady of Visitation on the Monday beginning Holy Week it worked because Mary was with Jesus throughout his life and especially during Holy Week. Our Lady of Visitation feast day is celebrated on March 31 but this year it was celebrated a week early because Easter falls on the 31st.

The host was the smallest I had ever seen, about the size of a nickel, yet I knew Christ was still there. I only knew two people at the mass. After mass was over there were refreshments for those attending. I did not go because I wanted to get home before it got dark, but I did get to greet my two friends!

"May the spirit of hope and courage 

that Mary exemplified, inspire us all

on our own life journey."

Pope Francis

Two Weeks of Busy

Working on a pilgrimage to New Mexico for forty persons traveling to New Mexico in June.

Ordering items needed for the travelers going on the pilgrimage.

Preparing for a meeting coming up in April for pilgrimage travelers.

Working on gambling trip to Blackhawk Bally's.

Grocery shopping.

Learning from the IT person on how to do a slide show.

Getting paperwork ready for filing taxes.

Two-hour shopping, tasting and looking while racking up miles at Costco.

Typing and translating poetry for a friend.

Trying to organize a book for friend's writings.

Writing information for YAH announcements.

Reading story for book club and preparing for my presentation in April.

Lunch with Baker's Dozen.

Sitting in long line waiting to gas up at Costco!

Visited two friends that lasted over three hours.

Seeing a friend who is in assisted living.

Getting a dish ready and attending the YAH St. Patrick's Day celebration.

Lunch with friends at an Italian restaurant after Passion Sunday mass.

And because I was busy, I have not been able to blog.

My hope is that I can begin writing in my blog this coming week.

"I am too busy

to tell people

how busy I am!"

Internet Quote

First American Saint

 About twenty-five minutes from Arvada, there is a 22-foot statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It's the first thing spotted as one drives west on I-70. Most of us that have grown up in Colorado are aware of Mother Cabrini Shrine in our mountains. The shrine is named after an Italian nun, known as Mother Cabrini. We know the story of how she tapped the earth in a place where there was no water, and a stream began flowing. Presently, people will drive to the shrine, fill containers with the "holy" water, visit the newly decorated chapel and gift shop, climb the 373 steps to the huge statue and on the way pray the stations of the cross. At any given time there will be people roaming the peaceful grounds.

I know that it is a special place to take out of town visitors and I have taken people from Mexico, New York, California, New Mexico and many locals to visit the shrine. When I found out that a movie about Mother Cabrini had been made, I purchased four tickets for myself and three friends. The movie opened on March 8, 2024, and we sat in the dark theater waiting for the movie to begin!

The story takes place in Italy, Rome and New York. I knew her story here in Colorado, but I had no idea what she had gone through to help orphans in New York City. The tiny nun arrived with six nuns in 1889 to try to alleviate the problems of the Italian immigrants. She asked a newspaper man to write an article to call attention to the sad plight and the headline was, Rats live better than children.  Some people were touched, but the majority treated the Italian immigrant terribly as if they weren't human. Name calling, insults and ignoring them was the norm. Mother Cabrini decided to change their attitude. The movie depicts the filthy children living in sewers and how the few nuns that came from Italy were ready to work hard to change the poverty for the immigrants, especially the Italians. (I found it difficult to believe that children lived in such squalor and how dirty and filthy they were in such surroundings! When I read that some of the scenes were depicted from actual photographs, I had to believe it.) She had to do battle with the church, the mayor, political parties and government. She herself had lungs that were compromised after a near death drowning. Her hacking and coughing even hurt my chest as I listened to it in the modern sound system at the theater! She found two allies, a doctor and the newspaper man, and they helped getting people to listen and to help.

There must have been a reason why God was never mentioned in the movie, nobody ever knelt and prayed, and she never called on God for help. Maybe, because the movie came out on Women's Day it wanted to portray the strength of women. Her comment at the end when someone says that a man could have done it, she says something like, a woman could do it better!

I was a bit disappointed that our Shrine in Colorado was not shown, and it was all about her fight in New York. She ended up building hospitals, schools, novitiates and orphanages throughout the world and all were staffed by women. She died at 67 and canonized a saint in 1946 as the first American saint. She became a U.S. citizen when she was fifty-nine years old.  Seeing her struggles and battles on the screen I understand why she became a saint!

"If the Lord wants me to raise

His children here in West Park, 

He will have to bring water."

St. Frances Xavier Cabrini

Black License Plates

 A few months ago I began seeing black license places. At first I thought that they were dealer plates but when I saw many cars with black plates. I realized they were regular plates that could be purchased. I went to the Internet to see what information I could find out regarding those plain, black, unattractive plates.

Evidently, in 1945 the plates were black. I do not remember them but when I was a kid, I probably could have cared less about the color of license plates! I found out that there are four historical plates that cost $25 dollars more than what is currently available. When the extra twenty-five dollars is paid, the money goes to the Colorado Disability Funding Committee.

Colorado has four historical plates: blue, red, green and black. They are all vintage plates, and the blue background is from 1914. The red background is in memory of the 1915 plates. The green, which I currently have, has been popular from 1962-1999. I do not remember seeing any blue plates, but I have seen the other colors. 

I worked at the Denver Motor Vehicle Department and I never knew people could choose the color of plate they wanted, they took whatever we sold them! Later I heard about special plates with whatever people wanted on their plate as long as it was not vulgar, and they paid extra for the plate! How times change!

Here are some of Colorado's license plates, then and now!

bing.com