Color Outside the Lines

Another day, more blossoms!

2011-04-16T20:05:00.001-07:00

I'm so excited about my lilac bush blooming this year!!

I climbed up on my fence to get these photos -- the pink dogwood is in Ellen's yard -- with the afternoon sunshine, it was just gorgeous!

More from Ellen's yard -- her azaleas are just brilliant - -and this was in the shade!

I had forgotten that I had these little bluebells in the front yard! What a delight!

Spring has sprung!

2011-04-14T18:41:00.000-07:00

Everything started blooming -- and then it snowed!!!

I love my violets!

My back yard is covered with these "Spring Beauties." I won't cut the grass until they stop blooming and the fairies vacate the premises!!

My Lilac bush is blooming -- can't you almost smell it?!

my classmate from high school....

2011-03-16T16:27:00.000-07:00

Gail Patricia Westry, 1954-1994

A strange chain of events brought me the news last Saturday that my classmate from my MSJ high school years had died -- in 1994!! She was only 40 years old! Even several days later, I am so stunned -- and sad. Gail was a great friend and a great person -- she added so much to our class. I feel sad to know she's gone.

She came our freshman year to The Mount from Rocky Mount, North Carolina and I honestly cannot recall if I ever knew how in the world she found Mount Saint Joseph Academy and what brought her to us. She was a top-notch student and very talented. I recall she played piano, sang -- we were second sopranos in Chorus. We were "Class Representatives" together our Freshman year for our religious organization - -which got renamed S.O.U.L. that year (Students of United Love -- replaced CSMS and Sodality.) Together, we put on a freshman talent show -- the same show in which she and Freda Danhauer performed Bill Cosby's "Noah." I can still just fall on the floor laughing remembering how hysterically funny she was in that!

She and Stephanie Warren were editors of the Mount in our Junior/Senior years -- and she was good at that as well.

We have learned that Gail went to College at Chapel Hill, North Carolina -- graduated with a journalism degree and went to work at the Orange County Register in California! Later, she worked at the Oregonian in Portland, Oregon! And she was there when she was diagnosed with stomach cancer....and died in 1994.

She left behind a son, Desmond, and her newspaper set up a scholarship fund for him. Gail's brother raised Desmond.

And that's all we know at this point.

On the day we graduated - -May 26, 1973 -- I remember Gail saying to me, "This is really sad. We'll never see each other again." I denied it!!! I said of course we all would see each other again and again -- that's what Alumna Sunday was for!!!! I have thought of this statement repeatedly over the years -- because it made me so sad when she said it. I realize she was just being realistic because of the distance she lived from The Mount (as opposed to me, who grew up in its backdoor!)

It's a haunting statement to remember now. And I'm still sad about it - - because Gail was a wonderful friend and I adored her. She always have a fresh and sensible perspective on whatever we were doing, and I loved hearing what she was thinking. It was a delight to have known her - -and I wish I could have seen her again.

But, our 4 years together were wonderful and fun -- full of laughter because she had a fabulous sense of humor. And how about the fact that she was once the Editor of The Mount - -and went on in a journalism career!!!! How cool is that??!!

My life is better because I knew Gail Westry! I'm so glad she came to the Mount those 4 years!

weavings

2011-01-23T17:38:00.000-08:00

pets in snow!

2011-01-23T17:35:00.001-08:00

lines

2011-01-20T12:34:00.000-08:00

Snow - January 20, 2011

2011-01-20T12:31:00.001-08:00

pets

2011-01-17T20:35:00.000-08:00

winter sunset

2011-01-17T20:34:00.000-08:00

lines/winter sky

2011-01-16T13:35:00.000-08:00

Mexican Dominoes at JD's

2011-01-15T16:12:00.001-08:00

Patrick and Julie -- aren't they cute?!

Basement Joe and Patrick -- intent on their dominoes!

JD, Julie ("are you kidding me?!") and Barb Peach -- pretty intense stuff!

Looking good!

a lotta red

2011-01-15T16:10:00.000-08:00

Mr. Bojangles

2011-01-14T16:25:00.002-08:00

Peppermint Stickies

2011-01-14T16:25:00.001-08:00

Ice Poem

2011-01-13T11:55:00.000-08:00

Window Buttons

2011-01-12T17:09:00.000-08:00

The Ghosts of Christmases Past!

2010-12-11T20:05:00.000-08:00

1957

1959

1960

1962

1963

1965

1967

Christmas tree

2010-12-11T20:03:00.000-08:00

I have the tree up, lights on -- waiting for ornaments to dress it up!

Pot Luck at Tom and Angie's, Dec. 5, 2010

2010-12-11T19:57:00.000-08:00

Naida, Otto and Rudy -- coloring and building.

Greta, Rudy, Otto, all over Agnes -- looking at a book!

Mike has Naida giggling!

Otto and Joe are managing all kinds of engineering feats with tinker toys!

Outing to The Blue Owl in Kimmswick

2010-12-11T19:54:00.000-08:00

Since we had December 8 off (Holy Day), several of us took a road trip down to Kimmswick to eat The Blue Owl. Seems we can't stand being away from each other even one day! It was fun!

Very Hungry Caterpillar Baby Quilt

2010-12-11T19:52:00.001-08:00

Family Weekend at SEMO

2010-10-06T18:17:00.000-07:00

Classy Sassy Bags

2010-07-18T16:40:00.001-07:00

Okay, girls -- here's my new line -- Classy Sassy Bags! They are all made from upholstery fabric -- canvas weight -- so very sturdy. Most have pockets inside; all are fully lined, with a magnetic snap closure, and a wooden bottom (inside the lining) so when you set it down, it doesn't flop all over the place! Gives it some extra body and sturdiness!

Red Delight. Red Lining; 4 pockets inside; 12 inches high; 18 inches wide; 4 inch bottom. The patch on the front is a silver (metal) flower, with red bead accents. $40

Going in Circles: Red lining; 3 small pockets inside (cell phone size); 12 inches high; 18 inches wide; 3.5 inch bottom base. The front patch features 4 fun (metal, black) rings connected, with red beads thrown in for fun! $40

Froggy in Pink: Bright pink lining with 6 deep pockets inside; 12 inches high; 13 inches wide; 3.5 inch bottom base; the frog on the front is silver pewter, with rhinestones. $40

Summer Daze: Green lining, with no pockets; 15 inches high; 17 inches wide; 3.5 inch base bottom; accent is a black metal flower with a pink rhinestone in the center. $40

Pink Grace: Lined in bright pink, 3 small pockets inside (cell phone size); 12.5 inches high; 15 inches wide; 3.5 inch bottom base; silver viney flower charm on the pink patch on the front. $40

Blue Delight: turquoise blue lining 4 deep pockets inside; 13 inches high; 18 inches wide; 3.5 bottom base; the charm on the front patch is an acrylic design in black and turquoise. $40

Back in Time: Beige lining, no pockets; 15 inches high; 16 inches wide; 4.5 inch bottom base; fun old-timey bicycle in bronze metal on the front, scattering beads as it goes! $40

Steve on vacation

2010-07-01T08:50:00.001-07:00

In our new office, one of our great ideas for the "Rotunda" (great cathedral entryway) was to have a koi pond put in the floor (yes, very likely!). Instead, we got a little fountain that sits on a table off the entryway. Mysteriously one day, a little plastic goldfish appeared. We named him "Steve" --after our building manager (who would be in charge of getting our koi pond).

Well, Steve has a tendency to travel. We never know where he might go. And the latest fad around our office is to take him on travels to the far reaches of the earth!

Steve recently went to Chicago with Julie D. and her husband. I don't have those pictures. But I do have pictures of when Denny and her husband took Steve with her on their travels:

Steve, in hot water!

Steve, in Wine Country

More fun to come, I am sure!

Home

2010-06-29T10:10:00.001-07:00

This is where we grew up..........!

The old homeplace looks the same..........as I step down from the train...........and there to meet me is my mama and my papa.........and so the song goes on!

And this is where Bethany and I lived in Owensboro for her first 9 years.

Birthday ice cream

2010-06-24T19:42:00.001-07:00

Naida -- what a cutie!

Me and Naida and Greta -- having fun!

Let's everybody pile into the chair with Carolyn Sue!

Angie playing the piano, while everybody else belts out a lively rendition of "happy birthday!"

Ice cream -- yum!!!!!

THE Quilt

2010-06-23T16:06:00.000-07:00

A lady in my neighborhood was looking for someone to turn a panel she was given as a gift into a quilt -- and found me. You really can't see the detail of the quilting, but using green and blue threads, I outlined the dragon and the "ribbons" -- it turned out to be quite impressive.

Darth Vadar!

2010-06-23T16:04:00.001-07:00

birthday time

2010-06-19T17:40:00.001-07:00

My sister, Diane, surprised me with a birthday cake!

trick candles -- ya think?!

This is a cross-stitch Bethany did of our house!

Knit wit!

Grandmother Wathen's Diamond ring that mother gave me today!

Playing Funglish!

My birthday party/Ryan and Jen's Wedding

2010-06-19T17:34:00.000-07:00

The flower girls

Pretty bridesmaids and Fr. Powers

Ryan and Jen

========================================

The button says: it's MY birthday, not yours!

First, I got to sit in the limo for a few minutes.....(It had Air-conditioning and it was like 110 degrees in the shade that day!) My cousin, Pam, pulled me in -- it's all her doing, of course!

Daddy had to climb in and see what we girls were up to -- and if we needed help, with the AC

Bottoms up (yes, the glass is empty!)

Here, the DJ just announced it was my birthday and made some comment about my age being the speed limit (not the INTERSTATE SPEED!!!)

Christy Rose and Matt.

Mother and Daddy

Uncle Marion and Sister Mary Irene

Cousins and babies!

Cousins, Bethany and Katie Cecil

Eric and Tisha

Ryan and Bethany

Bethany and her Uncle Gary (my oldest brother, father of the groom)

Emily (my niece)- -isn't she a cutie?!

Bethany and Tisha (married to Eric, her cousin)

My birthday cake -- isn't it nice?!!

Good cake!

Shari, Brian and Uncle Alan

Great-Neice Celeigh Cecil having a conversation with her cousin, Tisha

Girls: me, Diane (sister), Karen (sister-in-law), Imelda (sister-in-law, mother of the groom) and Mother.

Jen (the bride) and me (did I mention how hot it was that day?)

Katie and her Granddad

Bethany and her red-headed Granddad!

Suzanne holding Celeigh

Dance the night away!

throwing the bouquet

Girls, waiting to catch the bouquet!

Matt caught the garter!

Visit to Reid's Orchard

2010-06-19T17:31:00.001-07:00

Matt, holding the flowers we got for Diane -- and Christy Rose just looking so happy!

Bethany and Christy Rose feeding the goat -- my girls always find the animals!

Birthday meeting at Cracker Barrel

2010-06-19T17:29:00.001-07:00

Marian Bennett, me, Paula Gray, Nancy Mills, Sr. Marietta and Mary Ford Vucannon -- for our Alumnae Officers meeting and birthday celebration at Cracker Barrel!

Friday Night at Moonlite!

2010-06-19T17:28:00.000-07:00

What a fun crew!!

Tom and Matt fixing Bethany's car (something hanging down that shouldn't have been hanging down!) Thanks, guys!!

new creations

2010-06-19T17:23:00.000-07:00

These are the wine glasses I painted for Ryan and Jen for their wedding!

Two of my fun bags!

Family Reunion Pictures

2010-06-01T17:40:00.001-07:00

2 weeks ago, I was at the Mount for our great Alumnae Weekend. This weekend found me getting on I-64 and heading east once more.......! This time was for a Cecil Family Reunion. My cousin Tracy (well, she's married to my cousin, Mike -- so that makes her my cousin in my book!) got this bright idea to have a family reunion. So, last year, she set a date -- said she and Mike would host it (they now live in our grandparents' old home) -- told everybody to mark our calendars and just plan to come!

They were gracious and generous to make such an offer -- and it seems everybody appreciated it! I rolled in with my crew about 12:30 -- and the field was already filling up with cars, people and food were gathering and filling up the tables and chairs, finding name tags and greeting everyone.

The field beside Mike's house filled up with cars fast......

Aunt Rose Therese, one of her daughter-in-laws, and my mother.

My nieces, Sabrina and Amanda Storm and Jen-soon-to-be-Cecil (going to marry my nephew, Ryan)

Gary's -- my nephew, Ryan, his sister Katie and their brother-in-law, Mack (married to Suzanne)

Bishop McRaith and my oldest brother, Gary.

me and Bishop McRaith (I use to work for him!)

Daddy, Uncle Marion and Sister Mary Irene.

My cousin, David, came -- and what a hit -- he brought balloons!!!

My cousin, Phil Cecil, his wife Anna; talking to his sister, Geralyn.

My sister, Mary Lou, talking to our cousins, Rose Marie, Mary and Clyde.

Emily (Mary Lou's) getting some help from her cousin, Geralyn.

David is "fitting" Matt for his balloon hat!

Hat and dog -- Matt and Christy Rose.

My niece, Shari, so happy with her orange hat!

Games!

Daddy and Uncle Marion, talking to their cousin, Hugh Cecil.

My cousin, Joanne (married to Stephen), talking to Aunt Rose Therese (her mother-in-law)

Me and Christy Rose!

Later in the afternoon, a bunch of us piled onto the wagons Mike had hitched up to his tractor and he drove us out to St. Alphonsus to visit the rest of our relatives.........in the cemetery.

Mary Lou and a bunch of hers -- ready to roll!

As we rode down the lane -- this is the view to the west of our house where I grew up -- a view that was perfect for viewing sunsets!

All aboard!

From St. Alphonsus's cemetery -- the Mount is right across the road.

This was the funniest thing of the day. We took pictures to take back to show our cousins, Joe and Pam -- and to find out just WHY they would already have FLOWERS on their tombstone.......? They were as surprised as we were and laughed about it as much as we did.

It was a gorgeous Sunday afternoon, up on that hill where we all had grown up with the grandparents we loved. How precious to have such a history and how precious to see the story continuing.

Family Reunion

2010-06-01T17:39:00.001-07:00

http://msjalumnae.blogspot.com/2010/06/family-reunion.html

Alumnae Sunday, 2010

2010-05-16T19:59:00.000-07:00

I am way too tired to post anything tonight -- but here is one of the 89 pictures I took from my 4 days back home, at The Mount. 6 of us from the Class of 1973. Our lives have been many paths in opposite directions that somehow brought us back together to the place where we started. What a group! It was a wonderful weekend.

Christy Rose - Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society

2010-04-21T17:28:00.001-07:00

This is Kathy and me -- as we ate at Ryan's after Mass at the Newman Center on Sunday morning.

Steve, Kathy, Jocleyn, Matt and Christy Rose, as we feasted before the ceremony.

The one decent shot I got of the ceremony -- induction ceremony of Phi Eta Sigma and Phi Kappa Phi.

Refreshments afterwards -- CR seems to be Matt's armrest!

Christy Rose and Matt

Proud Mom, Christy Rose and Matt

Kathy, Christy Rose and Steve

It appears to be official!

Patrick

2010-04-10T20:53:00.001-07:00

Christy Rose is holding her cousin, Colton - I am holding Patrick.

Patrick and I are sharing secrets, here.

Eric and Tisha -- so much love for this sweet little guy!

Aunt Gina is hold Patrick -- and Colton is helping (of course!)

Easter

2010-04-04T14:24:00.000-07:00

Easter egg art made into food -- another art form!

The traditional Easter cookies -- ready to be baked......then eaten!!

Easter Egg Artist

2010-04-03T17:13:00.000-07:00

spring is blooming!

2010-03-29T15:56:00.000-07:00

Spring is blooming in my back yard!

This one I really like!

more people moving in

2010-03-10T15:58:00.001-08:00

So, this is Rick -- 7 am this morning, painting Ken's office (the moving truck was on its way!) Oops -- seems they forgot to paint this one!

Julie, unpacking. Pretty much what my office looked like a week ago. Deja vu!

Barb, unpacking!

Ken's office -- which was originally suppose to be mine........with a window!!!

Ken's Powder Room

2010-03-10T15:51:00.000-08:00

So, Ken has this dinky little bathroom in his office (it use to be a Bishop's suite, thus the private bath). I got this bright idea (from Mardi) to decorate it for him before he arrived -- to make it homey, you know. Goodwill is my friend

So, when Ken arrived, he didn't seem to notice that 5 of us girls were leading him to his office to see his new space -- until he opened the door!

He was a good sport about it -- and it was the showcase room for the rest of the day! (Everybody got their own private showing!)

My life reduced to boxes

2010-03-10T15:48:00.000-08:00

My once beautiful office....reduced to boxes. My picture over my desk was the last thing I took down. I will miss this wonderful space (and my window!) a lot!

Happy 3rd Birthday to the triplets!

2010-03-10T15:45:00.000-08:00

Here, they are posing in their "superhero" capes I made them. That is, Super Naida, Super Rudy and Super Otto to you!

My flowers for myself for valentine's day!

2010-02-14T16:50:00.000-08:00

my boys!

2010-02-14T16:49:00.000-08:00

Rudy and Otto, ready for bed, after a fun evening of playing (with me!) -- !

Snow - Tuesday, February 9, 2010

2010-02-14T16:45:00.001-08:00

Trivia Night, Department of Special Ed style!

2010-01-19T16:28:00.001-08:00

Since it was a 3-day weekend, our theme was "on vacation." Thankfully, it was in the 40's (and not zero degrees like last week) -- so we wore our summer outfits, flipflops, etc... Had beach towels on the chairs, cookies in the sand bucket -- things like that!

The great lineup: Theresa, Sr. Luanne, Julie D, Julie P. Carolyn Sue, Mary Ann and our Sports Guru: Geroge Kerry.

Sue Brown in the background, Sr. Luanne and Julie D ready for the questions!

Mischel managed to get in this picture -- and Sue cut Theresa off (Sorry, Theresa!)

Theresa and Luanne ready to roll!

Julie P, me and Mishcell!

Tons of food!

Soup Sunday

2010-01-19T16:21:00.001-08:00

Nancy, Alan, Agnes and Mike -- waiting for the festivities to begin!

Good cake!

Reading is always a favorite!

Marie and Rudy engrossed in a book!

Waiting for the movie to begin!

Snow at the office

2010-01-19T16:16:00.000-08:00

This is the view out my current office window. I will be missing this!

My desk is relatively neat here! So much paper!

CEO Epiphany Jeopardy

2010-01-19T16:07:00.000-08:00

This year, the "Three Wise Guys" made their second annual visit to CEO. This year, they came bringing the gift of fun! We came up with a Jeopardy-style game for our lunchroom antics-- all questions based on trivia information from lunch time conversations and the past year around the CEO office. Our 3 wise contestants stand ready to buzz -- Stephanie, Dr. Oliveri and Dr. Wicks. They kept us entertained!

Way in the back (dim lighting, sorry!) -- Julie is keeping score, "Al" Trubeck is our game show host -- and the questions are projected on the wall. No second-rate game show here! We were high-tech all the way!

We had audience participation -- the contestants could phone a friend, or take an audience poll.
George is wondering just what his wise staff is going to come up with next!

Julie is giving us a powerpoint presentation of our new offices -- commercial break, you know. It's just too much to describe. Take my word - -it was entertaining!

Snow!

2010-01-19T16:01:00.001-08:00

Okay, so we really did get some snow! Not the 6-8 inches predicted -- maybe 3 inches. Nice and pretty. And all the schools got a snow day. Perfect day to go to work -- no traffic, no phones!

Snow Fairies!

Snow makes Bojangles look so good!

January 6, 2010 - our first real snow for the winter

2010-01-06T19:55:00.000-08:00

Christmas at the Cecils in Kentucky

2009-12-28T16:43:00.001-08:00

Lots of good food to sample! Sister Mary Irene took the lead!

Nikki and Wayne Cecil, Keith Storm and Suzanne Cecil White. (All my nieces and nephews)

Meredith Bowers and Christy Rose -- a quilt from Grandmother!

Proud Grandma Imelda holding Celeigh (Suzanne's and Mack's)

Great Aunt Diane (my sister) got a few moments with Celeigh!

Sister Mary Irene, Suzanne and Mack (White) checking out their gifts.

Sister Mary Irene modeling the gloves Gary let us have (they have "Cecil's Spreading Service" imprinted on them -- the company made a mistake and did all the gloves "small" -- would not work for his usual farmer clients. So, we got the "rejects.")

Visit to Mount St. Joseph Dec. 27, 2009

2009-12-28T16:39:00.000-08:00

My music teacher from high school (MSJ) - Sister Mary Durr (now 92 years young!) and my aunt, Sister Mary Irene Cecil

When someone asked Sr. Mary who I was (she has a lot of memory loss these days), she replied: "I don't remember her name but I know it's somebody who loves me very much."

Pass me a tissue!

Christmas Day

2009-12-25T18:25:00.000-08:00

First, we have breakfast!

Ah, the coveted Gone With The Wind Special Edition!

Wall-E!!!!

Lucy, the Snow Dog!

Matt and CR, exchanging gifts. Lucy wants to help!

No, we don't want anything to eat, but we WILL sample this soup....right out of the pot!!

Creative Explosion

2009-12-25T18:22:00.001-08:00

Babysitting the triplets

2009-12-25T18:12:00.000-08:00

Need to get the red out! Naida and their favorite snowman!

Otto, busy reading!

Favorite time of day: story time!

If I'm babysitting, we always have a picnic in the middle of the kitchen floor. Forget the bibs. Forget the assigned seating. Forget the color coded cups. We just eat. (And Haggerty cleans up the leftovers!)

Friends!

The Princess, readjusting her glass slipper!

Stylin'!!

Dressup!

Riding horsie-back!

Christmas stocking project

2009-12-25T18:07:00.000-08:00

These are the stockings I made for Mardi -- for her kids. They are "kimonos." This is the back - -notice the back of the girl's obi (burgundy)!
This is the front of the stockings. Burgundy is Megan's; dark is Micah's. Very creative (Mardi designed them -- I made them real.)

This is Mardi's and Mark's stocking s-- Africa theme, of course!

Purple scarves and shawls

2009-12-06T11:30:00.001-08:00

Megan wanted to "see" some scarves that I had in purple, so the following are pictures of my purple items I currently have in stock. While specifically addressed to Megan, anyone is welcome to look at them and enjoy them -- even order them! Great Christmas gifts! Of course, I have other colors: reds and browns and greens and blues and blacks. If you want to see more pictures, just let me know.

Megan, this first picture is a triangle shoulder shawl -- knit -- with a ribbon-like fiber that has blues, silver and purple in it. This is a hand-blown purple bead that finishes off the tassle on the end. $75

This is a skinny winter scarf -- mohair and eyelash and ribbon -- measures about 5 inches wide and 60 inches long, no fringe. $30

This is a darker purple winter scarf - mohair (fuzzy), eyelash and ribbon -- with fringe. Measures about 6 inches wide and 70 inches long. $40

This is a knit scarf, of purple eyelash, ribbon and others -- measures about 7 inches wide and 50 inches long. $30

This is another "shoulder shawl" -- I have it on a white long sleve shirt here. It is purple and black -- ribbon yard -- fun fringe. $75

This is a knit shawl that is bigger than the others -- lavendar, blue, silvers -- mohair -- rather lightweight. It will wrap around you. Very soft. $75

This is another knit "shoulder shawl" -- eyelash and ribbon -- purples and pinks. $75

This is a hand-painted silk scarf -- rainbow -- measures about 6 inches wide and 60 inches long. $20.

This is a hand-paitned silk -- lavendar background with pink hearts painted on it. $20

This is a reddish-purple scarf -- which will also work as a luxurious wrap. "Water" is the design. Nice long, silky fringe. It measures 15 inches wide and 72 inches long. $50

Blue Shawl

2009-12-06T11:28:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving visits

2009-12-06T11:22:00.000-08:00

Christy Rose, reading to Greta and Naida.

A favorite game: Horsie-back rides!

Say CHEEEEEESE!!!

The old sign

2009-12-06T11:17:00.000-08:00

This sign was on the Department of Special Education building on Lindell Blvd., which building housed the Dept of Special Ed from 1950 until 2009. When the building was sold last March, and I got the task of getting it cleaned out in those 2 wondrous weeks I will never forget (and hope to never relive!), I managed to confiscate the sign off of the front of the building. It is nothing fancy, but full of meaning for many people. It sat on my floor until October, when I took it to Owensboro with me and asked Daddy to put a wooden frame around it. I got it in November, brought it back and hung it up, outside of the entrance to my office.

My "new" stove!

2009-11-03T20:57:00.001-08:00

Was this stove made for my kitchen or what?!

My Very Favorite Ginko Trees

2009-11-03T20:06:00.001-08:00

The wonderful Ginko trees right outside my office window turned their glorious golden yellow......and it rained and rained and rained. And rained some more.

And more rain.....

And then the sun came out !

Halloween 2009

2009-11-03T19:59:00.001-08:00

Little Flapper girl -- ready to -- flap?

"Woody" (from Toy Story) and Flapper Girl

Jessie and Buzz Lightyear

Woody, Buzz and Jessie

Family Weekend at SEMO - Sept. 20, 2009

2009-10-18T18:42:00.000-07:00

This unique creature is made out of -- PLASTIC HANGERS!!!!! Now I know what to do with all of mine!

When I was in high school (100 years ago), I met my friend, Randy, through his sister who came to the Mount. Randy was in the seminary at St. Vincent's in Cape. Here I am, 36 years later, walking the same grounds and finally seeing the place where he spent 4 years of his life. I am just amazed. SEMO bought these grounds and turned it into an incredible performing arts center.

We had ice cream!

The Moylens. 4 years from now, they will be standing there with Jocelyn in cap and grown....

4 years from now, we will be standing here with Christy Rose in cap and gown....

too tired to move another step! But the balloons found us!

Sonya's Wedding

2009-10-12T19:46:00.001-07:00

My nieces: the lovely bride (Sonya) and her lovely sister, Kristin...on the way to the wedding!

Here comes the bride..... (Alan and Sonya)

"...to have and to hold from this day forward...."

A lot of Cecils!

Kristin

Karen, Sonya, Adam and Alan

Beautiful Bridal Party

"I loved her first, she smiled at me....."

"boot stomping boogie"

My sister, Diane; me; my cousin Pam; my sister-in-law Karen, and Elaine Blandford.

Poor Little Red Car....

2009-09-26T14:30:00.000-07:00

Driving up I-55 towards St. Louis, a semi decided to change lanes -- on top of Christy Rose. It could have been worse...... She did manage to avoid getting smashed into the guard rail on her side. Of course, the semi never stopped. Probably never realized he hit her. Moron.
She and Jocelyn stopped at Home Depot and attached the flopping mirror back onto the car with -- duct tape, of course!

Resting after the ordeal.

Labor Day weekend gathering

2009-09-26T14:21:00.000-07:00

The best time in the world.........reading!

Naida is cleaning up a mess!

Everyone has to help with making the ice cream!

Otto's favorite spot -- riding horse-back!

Singing!

Eating!

Ken's Lego Birthday Party

2009-09-26T14:01:00.001-07:00

Julie D. made a fabulous Lego cake for Ken's 30th birthday!

Mischell, Stephanie, Debbie, Julie D, Barb and Paula, ready to party!

Dr. Wicks is quite intent on his legos!

Julie D., Barb and Paula, discussing lego strategy

Pat, Ray and Ken serious about their building!

Sister Ann and Sister Luanne are pretty intent on this lego building!

Biting your lip makes it work better, Julie!

Denny, Sr. Ann, Sr. Luanne, Cindy and Julie P. hard at work!

Dr. Shelton is always this serious!

Handing out the cake -- important work!

These three spell trouble, no matter how you turn it!

Dr. Wicks, Dr. Oliveri and Ken

The Guinea Pigs going to a new home....

2009-09-26T14:00:00.001-07:00

Mr. Bojangles

2009-09-26T13:59:00.001-07:00

SEMO - Moving In Day, August 20, 2009

2009-09-26T13:53:00.001-07:00

All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go........

Unloading the van at SEMO, with about 15 kids grabbing boxes and taking them to the room -- what a plan!

All the boxes are in the room, now what do we do?

Loading up the Van, the night before

2009-09-26T13:50:00.000-07:00

Angie came over with the gang to tell Christy Rose good-bye on Wednesday evening, as we got ready to load up the van.

Emiliy's Beautiful Wedding Dress

2009-09-26T13:49:00.001-07:00

Christy Rose's Farewell Party Sunday, August 16

2009-09-26T13:43:00.000-07:00

Otto wasn't feeling so well -- Greta seems to be the only smiling one of this group. (Christy Rose had her top wisdom teeth cut out and 2 bone grafts done the day before)

How do we say "ice packs, ice packs, ice packs?"

The puppies (Sasha and Lucy) offered their sympathy and company.

Owensboro Graduation Party

2009-09-26T13:07:00.003-07:00

Bethany, Carolyn Sue and Christy Rose

Ready to eat?

A lot of Cecil girls!

The older Cecil girls - Mary Lou, Mother, Diane, Imelda, Carolyn Sue and Karen

Our Christmas Card pose!

Our graduates, posing with the cake that was suppose to be chocolate....oh well!

Graduate and Mom

The Graduation Quilt

Green shoes for Jocelyn!

And where are you going to school, Christy Rose?

A Cecil gathering is not complete without someone asleep in the chair. So glad Ryan is carrying on the tradition started by his Dad!!

Bethany coaching a budding photographer!

2 redheads!

Almost all of the Cecil redheads -- missing Sonya!

Real exciting stuff, huh, Shari?

Christy Rose, Jocelyn, Bethany and Meredith. Emily is the blanket.

Can life be any more fun than when you have green shoes??!!

Bob, Daddy and Karen -- solving the world's problems!

Birthday Party - June 12

2009-09-26T13:01:00.001-07:00

Had to celebrate my birthday with my favorite triplets! Cake and ice cream!

King Otto

I know you are laughing at me -- is it because I am in trouble or just so darn cute?

Okay, it's because I am so darn cute, isn't it?

Christy Rose gives horsie-back rides!

Graduation Trip

2009-06-28T20:08:00.000-07:00

More pictures coming soon...........!

Graduation Party

2009-06-28T16:33:00.001-07:00

Graduation

2009-05-19T17:10:00.001-07:00

Marie, helping CR get into her robe outside the van on the parking lot.

Christy Rose, standing by the School Sign.

A gaggle of girls!

Christy Rose Lindsay Cecil, magnum cum laude.

Rosie the Riveter pose, one more time!

The Rosati-Kain Cougar "Claw" pose.

Christy Rose and "The Ram."

Wing Span.

Ally, CR and Jocelyn

Awards Night at Rosati-Kain High School

2009-05-19T17:02:00.001-07:00

The first thing you do on "Awards Night" is -- wear the same shoes as your best friend!

Jocelyn, Carolyn Sue and Christy Rose.

Yes, this girl was awarded

2009 College Preparatory Studies Certificate from the Missouri Board of Education

Certificate of Special Congresstional Recognition

President's Education Award Program in recognition of Outstanding Academic Excellence

and she is a member of the National Honor Society.

The Class of 2009 singing their class song:

Friends!

Mr. O'Keefe and Christy Rose.

Alumnae Sunday

2009-05-19T16:58:00.001-07:00

The Mount -- green and beautiful, and recovering from the ice storm from last winter.

Me, Nancy and Paula, ready for our meeting.

Who are all these old people?

Art Show

2009-05-19T16:49:00.001-07:00

Prom

2009-05-19T16:42:00.001-07:00

Christy Rose and Nala ready for a fun night!

All the beautiful girls!

Friends from grade school: Andrew, Brian, Nala, Christy Rose, Lizzie and Rachel.

As they leave to meet their dates.......

2009-04-17T17:45:00.001-07:00

This is how a Professional Seamstress hems her daughter's prom dress......as she is about to walk out the door on prom night.....

2009-04-17T17:39:00.000-07:00

And yes, I told her when she bought it in January that it needed to be hemmed....but a dress has to be brought down to my sewing room in order for that to happen, you know!

Spring Flowers

2009-04-05T15:14:00.001-07:00

Always my favorite -- the little violets that grow wild all over my yard!

And my little Red Bud tree survived the winter -- and the snow -- and is blooming its heart out!

And look at these! They have been coming up for years -- and actually bloomed this year! I thought they were a weed all these years!

And they are predicting snow for tonight!

Spring Flowers in the Snow

2009-03-29T14:35:00.001-07:00

We all know that spring flowers have anti-freeze in their veins, but still -- we have to admire such bravery!
My redbud tree that I planted last spring seems to have survived the winter....and is attempting to bloom!

The Jonquils are a little intimidated, but their message of spring prevails!

The Last 2 Weeks of My Life

2009-03-28T17:34:00.000-07:00

In 1950, Msgr. Berhlman started the Department of Special Education for the Archdiocese of St. Louis in this building on Lindell Blvd......a building that was slated to be torn down. He managed to save it, restore it and begin a program that continues to grow and serve so many people.

Here's some of the wonderful architecture and features of this wonderful old mansion:

These stained glass windows are so beautiful!

This is the entry way -- beautiful beveled glass and doors and woodwork!

This is the fireplace and mantle in the entryway!

Think about it: when this house was built in the late 1880's, there were no power tools! Such craftsmanship!!

This is an incredible staircase!

Another angle on the stained glass windows.

If you have just walked into the front door, this is your view!

This fireplace and mantle is in the front office.

This is the fireplace and mantle in the middle room.

Well, enough of the tour. There are 3 floors full of huge rooms, many mantles and fireplaces, gorgeous woodwork. And this wonderful building housed the Department of Special Education and many, many employees for 58 years!

Last June, the Department of Special Education became part of the Catholic Education Office and moved out to the Rigali Center. I was hired July l, and the adventure began!!

The building was put up for sale and we did some cleaning out last Fall. We cleared out files, we threw away junk, we hauled out boxes and boxes and boxes of files (and I killed my back!). We sorted, shifted, and sorted some more. We gave away furniture, we gave away unused stationery, file folders, envelopes, office supplies -- you name it, we found it a home. I don't remember how many van-loads of stuff I lugged out to the Rigali Center.

Then, we put it all on hold and went back to getting our regular work done.

2 weeks ago, some buyers came along and said they wanted it -- and we had 2 weeks to clear out the rest of the stuff. I thought there was NO WAY that could happen, but I kicked into high gear and set things in motion.

We had managed to already give a lot of furniture to a parish and to Rosati-Kain High School, but there was still plenty of things left. I posted a list of all the remaining items to all the Archdiocesan agencies and the calls began.

I set up things with a shredding company, junk company, volunteers, movers and workers.

On Monday, March 23, 2009, I got to the building at 8:00 am. When I left at 6:00 pm, 48 people had come and gone that day: movers, buyers, contractors, volunteers, workers, workers and more workers.

One of the things we had to clear out were the 21,000 student files housed in file cabinets scattered throughout the basement and 3 stories. The files had to be transferred from the file cabinets into file boxes, numbered, marked -- I can't tell you how much fun that job was.

It all started in the moldly, damp, stinky basement. Here, the dear wonderful Dr. Dave Shelton, his trusty assistant Cindy, and Sr. Luanne are beginning the process early Monday morning, March 23, 2009.
And here we have 300 empty file boxes waiting to be filled......! 8 Rosati-Kain High School girls came over on Friday afternoon and put all of these boxes together in about 30 minutes. They were fabulous!

Part of the cleaning out meant going through all the files......financial records, grants, student records, etc...etc...etc.... Of all of those files, we probably took about 30 boxes of files out to our current offices. Here you see some of the 103 boxes of paper that Shred-It came and shredded and recycled for us. That's a lot of trees!

Okay, back down to the basement where Cindy and Rosati girls are transferring files....a job that went on for 8 hours that day.

Sister Luanne and another girl busy keeping track of the files and numbers.

4 hours later, we took a break and had Subway sandwiches that Julie brought us on the front steps of the building.

What seems to be the problem, Cindy?

Back in the basement, the work continues!

More labeling, more marking, more labeling, more marking......

More files to be moved....... (I told you -- 21,000 student files!)

Meanwhile, upstairs, Dave and Zack and Christy Rose started a second station. At least it wasn't damp and moldy in this room!

Christy Rose and Zack kept the files moving!

The missing box lids finally arrived at 3 pm. Genevieve and Margie (who was there with movers to pick up furniture) made fast work of putting the lids together.

Christy Rose is hard at work!

Here are some of the 294 boxes, packed and ready to be picked up at 8 am on Tuesday to be transferred out to the Rigali Center!
On Wednesday, I went back to give away yet more furniture. 1-800-GOT-JUNK came to clear out the 41 disgusting file cabinets in the moldy, damp basement, as well as the odds and ends of furniture that no one claimed. They spent 7 hours working their buns off -- and had 4 truckloads crammed with junk. They were great guys!

Thursday morning, I returned to give 38 boxes of books to the Greater Book Fair of St. Louis, Bob from the Data Center loaded my van up (one more time) with the rest of the computer stuff -- and I locked the door for the last time.

I have never cleaned out a building before.......and hope to never do it again! It was a mamouth job and I'm just glad it is done!

Julie's Surprise Birthday Party

2009-03-21T18:35:00.001-07:00

It was not so hard -- we just didn't tell her there was a surprise birthday party to celebrate her 50 years of life that we are all grateful for!!! We all gathered in the church banquet hall (while Julie was upstairs, doing her job as a wedding coordinator on a Saturday afternoon) until she walked in.

SURPRISE!!!

Julie, after her tears of surprise, delight and happiness, is getting her corsage pinned on by Lucia.

William (being held by his Dad, Ken) is not so sure of all the festivities, but is game. (Jen, his mom, is to the left, and Al Winkelman is to the right)

Barb Peach, checking out the wonderful fruit and cheese tray.

After a wonderful buffet, it was time to cut the cake. Here, Julie has some help surveying the situation with her nephew.

Note to office staff: NEVER give Julie a knife. She looks entirely TOO happy about it!

Okay, we will get serious and cut the cake (nieces and nephews waiting nearby!)

Pat, Dave, his wife Cathy, Paula, Barb, a sliver of Patrick (Julie D's hubby) and the back of Sue Brown's head.

Barb, the rest of Patrick, Julie D, Sue Brown, Pat, Dave and the back of Cathy's head!

Lucia, Kathy, Barb and her husband.

Our wonderful Superintendent, George, his wife Rosalee, and Sr. Luanne

William is giving Rosalee a "high five."

Julie's parish choir is serenading her

And she loves it!

Julie, with her gift from some of her nieces and nephews (Mickey Mouse ears) -- and a pose with them all. They do adore their aunt!

May I have this dance?

And the dancing continues!

Midsummer Night's Dream

2009-03-15T18:19:00.001-07:00

Great-Nephews and their families come to St Louis to visit

2009-03-08T19:12:00.000-07:00

Eric, Patrick and Tisha -- and Sasha has made herself at home on Tisha's lap!

Bojangles is making his own introductions to Gina, Rick and Colton.

Patrick decided the morocca is his -- but Colton has other ideas!

Sasha is keeping close watch over her new friends!

A moment to relax

Patrick and his Great Aunt Sue are sharing some secrets.

Colton and Christy Rose, Patrick and Great Aunt Sue.

"Now, Patrick, when your Mom and Dad give you trouble, you just come talk to your Great Aunt and she'll take care of everything!"

Girlfriends

2009-03-08T19:10:00.000-07:00

An evening for fun celebrating birthday No. 18 for Christy Rose (the one with the crown in the center of the picture, in case you were wondering!)

First Signs of Spring - March 7

2009-03-07T20:37:00.001-08:00

80 degrees today -- and my lilac bush is budding out!

The first crocus popped out!

And my snowdrops made their appearance. They have been known to appear in February -- in the snow!

Happy 18th Birthday to Christy Rose!

2009-03-07T20:13:00.001-08:00

Greta and Otto are watching Christy Rose unwrap her birthday present!

It's a picture of Tower Grove Park that Angie took -- so Christy Rose can take the park to college with her!

When we walked into their house with the cake, Otto said, "Cake. Heart." He thought for a minute, then he said, "Happy Valentine's Day!" Good connection

Greta put the candles on the cake and Tom did the lighting honors!

Happy Birthday to you..........!

Blowing out the candles, with Otto cheering and clapping in the background

Christy Rose gets the honor of cutting the cake. The boys are watching anxiously for their piece.....!

Yep, we do like birthday cake!

"hey, Rudy -- sneak me another piece!"

Playing in "Kid Zone"

Now, THAT's pretty!

Riding horsie!

Haggerty is excited!

Christy Rose and Otto reading

Otto likes Agnes' "11" book that she made Greta for Christmas.

Lenten Stoles

2009-03-01T16:07:00.001-08:00

These are the 2 Lenten stoles I made last week -- for one tall and one short priest!

A little bit of a close-up. The pictures do not really do them justice.