It Started Out an Ordinary Day

I woke up this morning, happy to be in my own space again, and looked forward to a long lazy day in my basket and beyond.  Little did I know that this afternoon the keeper wasn't just going out to buy a new blender.  She kept telling me things like, " I am bringing you a surprise..."  So, me, I am thinking of salmon or a new bird toy. Ha!

Not a Blue Angel

Sunday afternoon we could  hear the Blue Angels even out our way.  We are not fans.

But the more amazing sight was of this big black bird, not an eagle, perched preening on the top of a very tall tree belonging to our neighbors several blocks away.  It had a longish beak.

Gifts from the Land

It's raining here too.  It was on Sunday.  The keeper went out to the Farmer's Market and brought us home bags of pretty things.  Sun Yuang farms in Carnation grows the most beautiful sunflowers, and they introduced the keeper to Chinese Spinach, which is that beautiful bunch of purple and green leaves that looks like a shiny coleus.  They also sold us huge clumps of basil and mint.  It smelled wonderful. She also found onions with stems.

Why We Came Back --III

Today Jazmin celebrated her 15th birthday--- Quinceanos---- Mass and fiesta.  It was a beautiful liturgical celebration without all of the usual limos, flowers, etc. Note that her chambelanes--attendants, all wore tennis shoes.  It was a celebration of Jazmin and her family's faith in God who has truly led them safely through more than one hell. The processional song  into the church was Amazing Grace and when she came in the assembly was singing, "Through many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come." And the keeper told me that never was a song more true for a family and a young woman. There was a party after but the keeper had been to enough parties, so after greeting all of her former parishioners who were coming into the 5 PM Mass, she came home to be with me. 

As soon as I knew she was home, I threw up all over the floor and howled.  I think I ate a bad bug or something.  It got me chicken and sympathy later.

Why We Came Back --II

So instead of sleeping really late this morning, she got up, fed me, and once she was ready, she rushed down to the Cathedral to celebrate the Providence sisters who were celebrating their 50th and 60th jubilees.  One of her favorite high school teachers was celebrating her 60th! Another good friend and former parishioner was celebrating her 50th!  The keeper tells me that the spirit of Emilie Gamelin and Mother Joseph runs strong in her blood and bones.  They were such pioneers, as are many of the women celebrated today. The keeper said that she saw many people there whom she hadn't seen since she left the parish in Madrona. After speaking with many of them, she observed that the human spirit rises with such beautiful feathers and shining dignity in the face of institutional insult. 

Why We Came Back

 

Well, I learned that we were coming back because the keeper had parties.  A lot of them.  She headed off last night to get together with her friends from Georgetown and from Puebla, Mexico, New York, and South Korea. The beautiful godchildren also were  great hosts. They hadn't seen each other all in the same place for at least 2 years. It was a lovely international gathering with many tales. They also mourned Lupita's mother who died in Cholula yesterday.

A Trip Back North

The keeper locked everything up and before I knew it, I was back in the travel crate and we were heading to our other home.  I howled for about 100 miles but the keeper quit listening after awhile.  But I was excited to hear the familiar crunch of the gravel as we turned into the driveway.  I had a lot of work to do remarking the back yard as well as our neighbors'.  I liked the beach.  The air is better and I can relax there.  Maybe I will go again soon.