Rosary on Sunday ...

As I was saying, May begins tomorrow so that means this Sunday we'll be having Rosary in the afternoon followed by Benediction.

It's always a bit of a rush and does mean that we can't go very far for a walk or a drive in the afternoon because we need to be back by 4pm (well a bit earlier really as I like to be there in good time to 'get in the mood' as it were) but it's worth it. There's something very special about this Sunday afternoon devotion. It's quite a different atmosphere to Sunday Mass which can be quite noisy with so many young families around us.

As soon as you enter the church, you can feel the prayerful atmosphere. On a sunny day, if you get there a bit early you often find one or two people enjoying the last few minutes of sunshine outside the church door, chatting quietly before entering the cooler interior of the church. Of course, if it's pouring with rain, it's a mad dash to get inside before you end up a dripping mess!

After Benediction I enjoy staying for a few moments absorbing the peace and prayerfulness which is almost tangible in the church with the smell of the incense still very much in the air.

Whatever the weather and however much of a rush it is to get there, it's just a really lovely thing to do.

May Day . . .

Tomorrow is May Day as we all know. There are all sorts of customs associated with the 1st May in England. I remember at primary school practising maypole dancing ready for the school May fayre and our own parish school still takes part in the maypole dancing in the local May Fayre with crowning of a May Queen, stalls, games, food and other fundraising activities.

They may not have particularly Christian associations but I think it's good to continue our local customs and we Catholics have the whole month dedicated to Our Lady so I don't think we can begrudge others one day to celebrate in a more secular way.

I was browsing for some good pictures of maypole dancing and came across this superstition associated with 1st May.

"First thing in the morning on May 1st, young girls used to rush out into the garden to wash their faces in the May dew.

Why? There is an old tale that says that May dew has magic properties and that anyone who has washed their face in it will have a beautiful complexion all through the year. This dew was supposed to be able to remove freckles and also spots and pimples."

I must remember to set my alarm clock a lot earlier tomorrow morning - I don't want to miss out on that. Mind you, I gave up worrying about my freckles a long time ago!

Surrey and cricket - they just go together . . .

When I saw this on a friend's Facebook I just had to post it here. Being both a Surrey girl and quite keen on cricket, especially the TMS brand with Aggers and co., it's an obvious choice. I hope you enjoy it too.

Update . . .

I realise I haven't written anything for a few days so thought I'd let you know how our weekend went. Grand Designs Live was good fun; plenty to see and also plenty of time to sit and chat too.

I hadn't been to the ExCel exhibition centre before and we were lucky that despite the earlier weather forecast, we had good weather for the drive up and back on the coach. It was interesting to see the 'regeneration' of London's Docklands first hand. Traffic wasn't too bad either although we were slowed a bit at one point by workers putting out barricades in anticipation of the London Marathon the following day.

We saw the great Kevin holding forth in front of an audience but decided not to stop but to try and see as much as possible. I had to nudge my friend a few times as she was getting stopped by salespeople keen to 'make a killing'. I had to repeat the Mantra, 'don't make eye contact, just walk purposefully by' several times!

And I managed to leave without buying anything except a few delicious home-made sweets, how about that for self-restraint?

Sunday's family visit also went well. We made such good time on the M1 (yes, no traffic problems on the M1, can you believe it?) that we had to stop and have a coffee (oh, I really suffered!) as we would have arrived too early otherwise.

It's a long time since I've been on the M1 as we don't usually have reason to go directly Northwards and my memories of the past times I've travelled this way are constant roadworks and continuous convoys of HGVs. Not this time. We couldn't believe how few goods vehicles we actually saw. The paterfamilias put it down to the recession - how sad if this is the case.

A busy weekend ...

It's going to be a busy weekend but hopefully good fun.

Tomorrow I'm going on another 'Works Outing' with a girlfriend to see the Grand Designs (of Kevin McCloud fame) exhibition in London.

It should be very entertaining seeing how 'the other half' live and drooling over all the super new products and maybe laughing at some of the ideas over coffee and chat - at least I hope there'll be plenty of time and places for that very important ingredient in a Girls' Day Out. I expect the Paterfamilias is already bracing himself for my return full of 'great ideas' of things to do to our own humble abode.

I hope the coach is more or less on schedule. We need to go to the Vigil Mass so that we can get away early on Sunday morning as we're off to Nottingham at the crack of dawn - well about 8 O'clock at least - to drive northwards to see some of our family who have other relatives visiting from overseas so there'll be quite a few of us, adults and children. Then back again the same day so we'll probably be worn out by the time we get home.

St George's Day

For anyone who isn't living in England or who might have been asleep for the last few days, today is St George's Day.

I don't want to say much about St George as I'm sure you all know the story of the dragon etc. If you'd like to read up on it, here's an interesting link.

What I did want to comment on is the English flag or St George's flag. In recent years there has been a concerted effort on the part of some people (and not just card manufacturers) to raise the profile of our national patron saint and his feast day.

Today, whilst shopping in our local shopping centre after work I noticed they had a display of St George's flags hanging from the balconies. I don't remember them being there last year. In the card shop nearby, I think the 'merchandise' on sale has been increasing steadily over the last few years.

On the way in to work, I passed a lorry festooned with flags and on the way home this evening passed a motorist with a flag proudly fluttering from his rear window.

Now, this is all well and good and I'm happy to see St George getting his rightful recognition but I also feel slightly uncomfortable when I see an overt display of nationalism. I wonder if I'm alone in this. Unlike other national flags, I'm always aware that the English flag is also used very prominently by extreme right wing groups like the BNP.

I always feel like saying, 'I'm proud to be English and happy to wave a flag but please don't confuse me with 'that lot'.'

Time for another gardening post ...

I've always wanted a dwarf rhododendron (to go with our dwarf garden!) and last year I treated myself to one. Now that it's had time to settle into its new pot, it's put on a splendid show this year.

Regular readers of this little blog may remember one day last October I mentioned that I'd planted about 100 bulbs in beds and pots in the garden and would be interested to see how they turned out. Well, now I'm beginning to see the 'fruits of my labours'. Mostly I planted them in groups of two varieties which were meant to bloom more or less at the same time and provide a pleasing contrast in colour, height and sometimes flower shape as well.

Some have worked better than others. This pot looks good at the moment but I'm wondering whether or not the shorter red tulips will last long enough to see the contrast with the taller purple ones just coming into bloom now.

Teams' Ramble . . .

We had a really lovely day today on our annual Teams' Ramble. We've belonged to Teams of Our Lady for over 20 years. We joined soon after I was received into the Church and we thought this sounds like something we could do together as a couple, and that would help me as a new Catholic - and we were right.

A Team is generally 4 or 5 couples and a chaplain who meet in each other's homes once a month to support one another in their vocation of Christian marriage. We share a simple meal, read and meditate on a passage from scripture, pray and share the highs and lows of our month with one another.

As well as these monthly meetings we also make an annual retreat together and have various social events throughout the year both as a Team and with members of other Teams.

After the rain we've had over the past few days it didn't look too promising for our ramble but luckily the weather improved and it was ideal walking weather today and we were able to sit outside at the pub afterwards and enjoy our lunch.

We even managed to see a few 'baa-lambs' en route - aaaaaaaaah!

An uninvited guest . . .

We had an uninvited guest to supper last night. Yes, Nasonovia ribis-nigri (or, Nas, as we like to call him), turned up quite unexpectedly on number 1 son's plate half-way through our meal. The common lettuce aphid he may be but he's not common in our household, believe me.

As I was saying, half-way through our meal number 1 son suddenly commented, 'Hello, that's not supposed to be there!' Cool as a cucumber (whilst we're on a salad theme) - If Nas had made an appearance on my plate it would have been more a case of, 'scream, somebody get that thing off my plate!'

I must admit, I've got very lazy about washing bagged salad, especially as it says it's pre-washed.

It doesn't show very well in the picture but what I was trying to take a picture of was the label saying, 'washed and ready for dressing' I wonder, just what is the well-dressed lettuce aphid wearing this season?

This 'n' that . . .

I was going to post about the fantastic weather we've been having . . . until this afternoon when I realised there's a lot of the wet stuff around!

We had a lovely afternoon on Bank Holiday Monday. We couldn't go out for the whole day as we'd promised to pick up number 1 son from the station at lunchtime after he'd been to a morning concert in London (no buses on the route home from the station on Sundays and Bank Holidays - how are we supposed to 'do our bit' for the environment, I wonder?)

We decided we'd pick him up, go for a nice pub lunch and then drive out a bit and have a walk. We managed the pub lunch and the drive to the walking spot but that's as far as it went. I'm afraid the combination of a delicious meal, a glass of wine and a warm car are better than any sleeping pill - it's alright I wasn't driving!

So, we did enjoy the beautiful countryside at its spring-time best but only through the windows of the car.

I just thought I'd mention too that it's a year since I started this blog - hence the bottle of bubbly. I don't think we have any champagne at the moment but I'm sure we have a bottle of wine in the fridge. I shall investigate later.

The Mum/Mom song . . .

Thanks to Mary for posting this. The scary thing is not only that I recognise my mother in this but I can hear my own voice too. I suppose Mums (or Moms) are the same the world over, and generation after generation.

Phew, Easter Sunday at last . . .

Phew, where to begin?

Last time I wrote we were preparing for our Ecumenical Walk of Witness. Well, we escaped with just a light shower during the procession and managed to get to the last station more or less untouched by the weather. We joined with other Christians to enjoy Hot Cross Buns afterwards(proceeds to charity) in our local Christian coffee shop.

Then home for a little break before the more serious 'Veneration of the Cross'. Huge numbers as usual. I find this very moving and especially when you glance behind you and see a 'never-ending' line of people slowly and prayerfully making their way to the front of the church to kneel before and kiss the crucifix. Who said, 'Christianity is dead'?

Back for the Office of Readings on Saturday morning and soon afterwards florists arrive to begin transforming the church from it's solemn Lenten veil to the beautiful extravagance of Easter.

Not so many people at the Vigil Mass in recent years - people are less keen to come out in the evening for some reason. Lucky again with the weather and managed to light the Easter fire outside as we all gathered to process in after the newly lit Paschal candle.

A fantastic Mass of course and great to have some people to be received into the Church. Drinks and cake in the parish hall afterwards for everyone and home, quite late but so high not feeling tired at all.

Finally back again this morning for Mass with quite a different atmosphere - very joyful with lots of young families and standing room only - great.

Just having a quiet time now as we're eating this evening so I'm relishing the chance to sit and blog.

Hope you like the lovely picture - this was the card received from number 1 son. He always manages to find great cards - no Easter bunnies and fluffy chicks for him!

Happy Easter!

I saw this on Mulier Fortis this morning before I went to Mass and couldn't resist posting it.
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Getting serious now . ..

We've started our preparation for Easter seriously now. Number 1 son and I went to the cathedral yesterday evening for the Chrism Mass. It's very moving to see so many of our clergy gathered together and renewing the promises they made at ordination before the bishop.

The blessing of oils too is very powerful and it really helps to be able to relate this to the use of the same oils in our own parish throughout the year.

Back home fairly late but very happy and feeling somehow even more 'tuned-in' to continue along the familiar journey of the last few days of Holy Week and participate in the Easter Triduum.

I had to dash to the shops after work as I realised I had forgotten to buy any eggs. We always have eggs in some form for a light meal on Good Friday evening.

Just a few hours now until we go to the Mass of the Lord's Supper with the Washing of Feet. Thank goodness the Paterfamilias arrived home safely this morning after being overseas all week. He's catching a few 'zzzzzzzzzz's' in preparation for tonight.

Praying the weather forecast of rain tomorrow will be wrong or we'll all get very wet on our Walk of Witness in the morning. We'll still go, some years we just get wet!

A few hours later ...

Well, one out of two isn't bad, I suppose! Well done to the friendly boiler man but I'm afraid it's nul points to the delivery man.

It's just the sheer frustration that gets to you. I kept my cool, however, (just!) and tracked down the delivery agent's number and after the usual, 'sorry to keep you waiting, your call is important to us...' nonsense got through to someone who informed me that no, actually my delivery was booked for an afternoon slot!

Oh dear, someone's got their wires crossed. The message I received definitely said morning delivery - between 8am and 1pm. I'm sure because I remember thinking, 'oh, good, that means I'll still be able to get a bit of work done afterwards and it won't be a whole day wasted.'

Mind you, I feel sorry for the poor girl at the end of the telephone. She must be having to deal with irate customers all day. I hope I didn't take my frustration out on her.

Still waiting ...

I've swapped my day off today and am working from home as I have to be here to take delivery of number 2 son's new laptop. I thought I'd catch up with my blog while I'm having my coffee break.

We all know how frustrating it is waiting for deliveries, workmen etc. to arrive (if they arrive!) but I'm quite glad to have a peaceful few hours to catch up both with a few work items and some jobs that have been squeezed out at home lately.

By lucky coincidence, the boiler man who I've been trying to pin down for over a week (not literally, you understand!) has also promised to make it this morning too - we'll see! It's not that I'm really getting cynical in my old age (!) but I tend to take the attitude nowadays of, 'Don't expect it to happen and then when it does, it'll be a lovely surprise.' It makes for a calmer life.

Our boiler is refusing to fire up which means getting out of a nice warm bed early in the morning, wrapping up and traipsing out to the garage to reset it manually. Luckily the weather is mild at the moment but we still need hot water for showers etc. I know there are a lot more serious problems in the world but it's still been a blooming nuisance. I wouldn't mind but the boiler is still under guarantee.

Waiting . . . and still smiling - at the moment.

Waiting ...

On a serious note, I'm beginning to feel the anticipation of Holy Week today. It's a strange feeling, it's not quite Holy Week but the tone of Lent seems to have changed. I have become more aware every day this week of the growing build up to Christ's Passion. I'm lucky that I'm able to get to Mass most days and for some reason I've felt this 'build-up' in the readings even more than usual this year.

Tomorrow we'll have our Palm Sunday procession around the church and then just a few more days until we celebrate the Triduum. I know our neighbours find it strange that we seem to practically 'live' at church in between Holy Thursday evening and Easter Sunday morning.

Ever since the children were quite small, we've managed to join in most of the Easter events in our parish, beginning with the Mass of the Last Supper on Holy Thursday with the Washing of Feet and watching at the altar of repose until midnight. In the early days, we'd take turns to 'watch' whilst the other stayed at home and babysat.

On Good Friday we join in a local ecumenical Walk of Witness along our High Street following a large cross and stopping at 'Stations' along the way. We've done this since the boys were tiny and we walked with the buggy alongside other families. Then home for a hot cross bun (that's lunch!) and back to church in the afternoon for Veneration of the Cross.

The Easter Vigil is of course the climax and we often have a little parish celebration afterwards with those newly received into the Church.

Easter bargains ...

I popped into our local shopping centre this afternoon to do some essential Easter shopping - yes, you've guessed it - the eggs - chocolate ones, of course!

Well, there's at least one small bit of good news that's a result of the 'Credit Crunch'. Prices of Easter eggs are tumbling!

I feel very sorry for the shopkeepers who are having to discount their eggs even before Easter as I assume they're not selling well. We, the customers, are the lucky beneficiaries however and I always think there are very few problems that don't seem to improve after a little chocolate has been taken!

After the privations of Lent, I'm really looking forward to getting back to my normal chocolate rations.