Saint Gertrude of Nivelles

St. Gertrude of Nivelles
Abjured the ways of belles —
    She found it nice
    To play with mice
And hike across the dells.

Howling with Rowling...

In the order I did it: Light the Christmas tree, hang a wreath on the door, put the holly chains (paper?) on the ceiling, clean up the spiderwebs, find the key, open the door, unwrap the present, play the game of Hangman.

Getting old...

Going through RCIA (you'll recognize the word if it matters to you) the second time around is a trip. Last time, back in the early Seventies, I fell off the mechanical bull (or was that because of the mechanical bull...?) This time, I've resolved to put up with anything, swallow everything, and get through with grace, integrity and all flags flying. Heh.

So I had to come up with a baptismal certificate. My grandfather was an elder in the Presbyterian church, so of course I was baptised. But the Edgerton (Kansas) Presbyterian Church no longer exists. Thanks to a cheerful and friendly church secretary in Gardner (Kansas), I found out about the Presbyterian Historical Society in Philadelphia. And they had my record on microfilm.

I was baptised nearly a full year after my birth date. My parents stood by. I wonder about the elapsed time, but the war was still on for most of 1945, so that probably accounts for it.

Aurora Borealis in Iowa

Aurora borealis, December 14, 2006 in Dallas Center, Iowa
copyright © 2006 by ann sims

Rosy moments in RCIA...

I've been studying the Rosary.

HE: I've discovered that "Poor Banished Children of Eve" is really Salve Regina, which is a Gregorian chant dating from the Eleventh Century!

SHE: I don't think you're supposed to rhyme that with 'vagina'."

The question arises...

Q. Since it's being shown in movie theaters, is it ok to eat popcorn during The Nativity Story?

A. Yes, it's ok, provided you munch very, very quietly.