Showing posts with label Cathy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cathy. Show all posts

Saturday, November 5, 2011

PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR FRIEND CATHY


Cathy's Birdbrain, picture above, passed away last night. Please pray also for Groucho, her mate, pictured behind Birdbrain, who is missing her very much. Cathy said:
I loved her dearly and she was a clever birdie, inquisitive and sweet, and had all sorts of little quirks and used to talk to me in all sorts of ways that no other bird has done or will do. The boy bird, Groucho, is still pretty quiet and refuses to eat or drink.
....

I will keep her here for a couple of days and then get her cremated - I want to keep her ashes. I don't want to bury her because I may not stay in this flat and I want her close by me, not in some pet graveyard. At the moment I can't even think straight, or stop crying.
Birdbrain looks such a sweet birdie, with her blushing feathers on her cheek. I know how Cathy loved her birdies. In all our rush of activities in London and with Cathy working, I never got to see Birdbrain and Groucho, but I wish I had.
O Lord our God, we come before You this day in sadness. Birdbrain, who brought Cathy so much joy in life, has now died. Her happy times with Cathy and Groucho have come to an end. They miss Birdbrain already.

Help Cathy, O God, to remember the good times with Birdbrain. Remind her to rejoice in the happy times she brought to her home. Let her be thankful for the good life she was blessed to give to her.

We are grateful to You, God, for creating Birdbrain, for entrusting her to Cathy's care, and for sustaining her in her love for a measure of time. We understand that all that lives must die. We knew that this day would come. And yet, O God, she would have wanted one more day of play, one more evening of love with Birdbrain.

O God, as Cathy has taken care of Birdbrain in life, we ask that You watch over her in death. You entrusted Birdbrain to Cathy's care; now, she gives her back to You. May she find a happy new home in Your loving embrace.

As we remember Birdbrain, may we love each other more dearly. May we care for all Your creatures, for every living thing, as Cathy protected the blessed life of Birdbrain. May her memory bless our lives with love and caring forever. Amen.
Prayer (with editing) by Rabbi Barry H. Block.

Friday, April 8, 2011

GLENUIG INN - ARISAIG SOUND



Pictured above is MadChauffeur, aka as MadPriest, aka Fr Jonathan Hagger, who blogs at Of Course I Could Be Wrong.... When I requested permission to use his picture and told him that the stars of the post would be langoustines, he insisted that if I used his picture, he had to be at the head of the credits, and there he is with his wonderful suntan. Foxy, isn't he? (Psst...his blog is well-titled, as he is often wrong.)

MadChauffeur was the driver for the greater part of our trip in the Northwest of Scotland last August. Links to my other posts on the travels of the Mad Three, MadChauffeur, Cathy, and me, may be found on the right sidebar under the heading "Scotland".

Pictured below are the stars of the post, the mouth-watering, to-die-for langoustines which we ate at Glenuig Inn on the Arisaig Sound. The proprietor, Steve, who was also a bit of a fox, even though he was bald, told us that the langoustines went from the water into the pot. That's how fresh the delicious shellfish were.



The Glenuig Inn offers contemporary-style accommodations, which are nothing fancy, but quite comfortable and clean, and the proprietors make much of being green, which is a good thing, surely. The restaurant serves delicious food, and it is there that I fell madly in love with the savory taste of langoustines. I didn't order them for my first meal, but MadChauffeur did, as a starter, I believe, with only about 6 in his dish, but he didn't like them, so he gave me his leftovers. How could he not like them?!!! Well, you can be sure that for my next meal I ordered langoustines, and perhaps for every meal after that, except breakfast, while we stayed at the inn. As you see below, the buildings are nondescript, but the setting at the end of nowhere is gorgeous.



For most of our stay there, we didn't spend a lot of time at the inn, except in the evening, for we used it as a jumping off spot to visit other places.

Below are the lovely flowers at the front door of the restaurant/pub part of the inn. We saw gorgeous flowers in gardens and pots all over the places we traveled in Scotland.



The adorable boy with auburn curls and a couple of sheep, along with beautiful scenery which surrounds the inn on every side are pictured below.



See the adorable sheep crossing in front of the inn. Cathy, the prime wildlife photographer in our group, was in heaven when the sheep approached, although cows are her first love.



MadChauffeur left us stranded without wheels for a day, as he headed home to Newcastle, so, since Cathy and I did not want to spend money on an expensive taxi into Mallaig, we entertained ourselves in the vicinity of the inn. We wanted to take a nature walk, but it rained all morning, so we were confined indoors, except for a pleasant lunch at the tea shop just a way up from the inn - pleasant except for the moment when a woman at the next table knocked a floor lamp over onto me. Fortunately, only the shade hit me, but I had raspberry-flavored tea all over my jeans.

On the way to the tea shop, we passed the old church pictured below.



The weather cleared in the afternoon, and Cathy and I walked to a beach on a lake (I believe it was a lake, but I'm not sure. It was water, water, everywhere.) not far from the inn, where we had a lovely, peaceful, soothing sit-down in view of the beautiful surroundings.

Note: I'm told the body of water was very likely an inlet of Arisaig Sound.



We sat on rocks just above the scene pictured below. There's something about a beach....







Here I am in the restaurant at the Arisaig Inn. You can see MadChauffeur's shoulder and side, but I feared he'd think more than one photo of himself de trop, so I cropped him out.





The picture to the left has nothing to do with our time in Arisaig, but I found the photo when I was searching for a picture of langoustines, and I could not resist posting it here. It's a Scottish dish called Tian of White Crab. I had the starter at a restaurant in Tobermory upon the recommendation of MadChauffeur, and, once again, it was food for the gods, food to die for. Can you tell I'm a foodie? Have I rhapsodized enough over the food in Scotland for you to know how much I enjoy good dining?

The following morning, Cathy and I left for the Isle of Skye, where we hired a car, and Cathy drove for the rest of our trip. Several posts on our travels and dining on the Isle of Skye may be found in the list under the "Scotland" heading on the sidebar.

Friday, March 18, 2011

PLEASE PRAY FOR AILEEN, CATHY, AND CATHY

From Sally Boyd--- prayers continuing. ----

Begin forward message:

This is the latest news from her husband, Mike:

Wednesday, March 16, 2011
8:18 p.m.

AILEEN TALKED!! Sunday her therapists, knowing I have to take the boys back to Rapid, started working early that morning, so that by the time we get there to say our good byes, she spoke!!!!! She said "Hi Mike" "mom" and "boys"! It took SOO much strain and effort and sounded like a 90 year old smoker, but who cares!! Everyone in the room cried, even the therapists! I love this place!

Aileen is amazing. She is working and fighting so hard. Yes, we have a long way to go, but she is just the girl to do it. She is stronger than any ten men! I dare anyone to say different! God, prayers from each and everyone of you, and the will of a mom. Nothing could be stronger! Thank you all!

Oh my! What wonderful news! Thanks be to God and to all who care for Aileen and pray for her. May Aileen's recovery continue until she is restored to full health and strength.

From JCF:
I just spoke w/ Cathy's sister.

They're preparing to bring Cathy home to a room in her (other) sister's place, in hospice care.

As I know from relatively recent experience w/ my mom, being AT HOME is the way To Go.

Please keep Cathy and her family in your prayers...

JCF, at home is the place to go, if possible. May Cathy go gentle, without pain or distress, into the loving arms of Jesus.

From the other Cathy in England:
In the meantime, I haven't got a temperature, but I have got a really weird cold. In addition to all of the usual symptoms it has given me sharp, nagging pain and nasty pressure first in the left ear (yesterday), then in the right (today). Now when I whistle I can hear two separate notes at the same time, one a semitone higher than the other, and everyone on the telly has got two voices, like bad lipsyncing. Prayers please? ...

O Father, heal our friend Cathy from her cold and restore her speedily to full health and strength, in Jesus' name, amen.

Thursday, March 10, 2011

PLEASE PRAY FOR KIRSTIN, CATHY, AND LINDA

Kirstin at Barefoot and Laughing:

Who really gets time to plan their own ritual of dying? Who is conscious that every time they do something, it could be the last time they experience it? Who lives constantly with a greeting in their mouth, and goodbye in the back of their mind?

Me. And I’m still navigating how to do this gracefully.

Read the rest at Kirstin's blog.

From JCF:
I've heard from Cath's sister:
Cath is still in a pretty critical situation. We (family, docs, hospital staff) are still working to get her fully stabilized. She is still dealing with severe pain -- tho' that is getting a bit better -- but she has serious issues with lower limb weakness, lack of feeling in her hands and transient mini "seizures.". The diagnosis of what went wrong is not complete yet but none of the potential options are good.

I will provide updates as we find out more. If there is anything special you would like to share with her, please post it and I will give her the message(s). Again many thanks to all of you.

PLEASE continue to pray for Cath, her family, and all her many, many friends..




The latest update from our parishioner, Linda, who is now in Zambia, is that she is alert and aware, that she has a person caring for her, and that she is able to obtain pain medication. Please continue your prayers for Linda.

For Kirstin, Cathy, and Linda:
May God the Father bless you, God the Son heal you, God the Holy Spirit give you strength. May God the holy and undivided Trinity guard your bodies, save your souls, and bring you safely to his heavenly country; where he lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

PLEASE PRAY FOR CATHY AND FOR THOSE WHO SEEK EMPLOYMENT

Our friend Cathy has been ill with a feverish gastrointestinal virus for several days. Tonight she said she felt somewhat better, but please pray for her recovery to full health and strength.

Also, Cathy missed several work days because of her illness. Since she works on contract, she gets paid only when she works. Please pray that she will be offered replacement shifts to make up for the days she missed.
O God, the strength of the weak and the comfort of sufferers: Mercifully accept our prayers, and grant to your servant Cathy the help of your power, that her sickness may be turned into health, and our sorrow into joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For the unemployed and underemployed:
Heavenly Father, we remember before you those who suffer want and anxiety from lack of work. Guide the people of this land so to use our public and private wealth that all may find suitable and fulfilling employment, and receive just payment for their labor; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Alison

David@Montreal

JCF

Jim B

Jonathan

Penny

And others you may want to name in the comments.

Saturday, January 29, 2011

MEET ROXIE THE CAT


Roxie is Frank's new companion. You may remember that Frank, my brother-in-law, said good-bye to his dog, Zoe, in December and his cat, Maddie, last October.

Frank says:
Don't know if I mentioned it before - but I now have a new pet - Roxie. She was a stray hanging out behind the police station for the past six months - and they convinced me to adopt her - now that Zoe is gone. She was named by one of the female officers. She now has a repertoire of four tricks - all performed without benefit of commands - sleep, eat, poop and pee. She is extremely proficient at all four - especially the sleeping - during the day on my desk, at night on an upholstered chair in the living room.

Frank

Frank will be rejuvenated by Roxie's presence, especially as he is guaranteed his quota of daily exercise feeding Roxie and keeping her litter box clean.

Friday, January 14, 2011

"COWS & COWS & COWS"



Posted in honor of my friend and fellow-traveler, Cathy, who loves cows and never saw a cow she didn't want to photograph.

Cathy, I assure you that no cow suffered injury in the course of producing the video.

Thanks or blame go to Doug.

Thursday, January 6, 2011

PLEASE PRAY...

From David@Montreal:
beloved Giants

I've just had news that Paul has brought Mark home from the hospital after early morning surgery on the damaged eye. (retina torn twice since Christmas Eve and immobility of the head since then). Mark as you might remember is one of America's finest poets with what's got to be close to a dozen books published. Paul, his spouse is a excellent writer with two volumes (one novel, the other essays) published, and the two of them are both gifted, generous teachers and beautifully thoughtful men. I'd ask your prayers for both men please. Mark is in quite a bit of pain this evening, and it will be sometime before the outcome of the surgery is known.

Prayers for Frank and Carol as they continue their daily treck to and from the hospital to beat what for Frank is a life-threatening fungus in his lungs.

Prayers or healing, strength and energetic restoration for dear Paul the BB, who underwent serious sinus surgery at the beginning of the week. Thankfully Paul is at home recovering; but here too the outcome of the surgery is still to be determined.

Prayers for the people of Haiti, as they continue to suffer while waiting for their government to 'get real'.

thank-you Beloved Giants


love always-always Love

David@Montreal

And for Paul the BB's continuing recovery:
This morning [yesterday] I shaved for the first time since Saturday. That felt good. I have managed to remove the "nose bag" as blood has mostly stopped draining. I am taking pain pills but I am not hurting. I breathe more easily each day. Kathy and Bill both came by to see me. I watered my back yard (some of the bulbs are sticking up their little noses already). Bill helped me do some January organizing, since I am not allowed to lift or bend over. I got about seven hours of decent sleep last night (interrupted by three hours of wakefulness in the wee hours). This is huge progress and gives me hope for catching up on rest. Michal Anne and Gail sent me a cookie basket (can't eat flowers, ya know) and the palliative and restorative effects of therapeutic cookies is well known. Tonight I will finish up the lovely chicken soup Bruce made.

And pray for healing for Cathy, who was ill again yesterday and had to miss work - again. She said she was going to work today, no matter what.

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

PLEASE PRAY FOR CATHY

hi Mimi,

Alas I am no better. I am as sick as a dog. I have this horrible bug, which hasn't shifted since last Sunday, and which is honestly making me feel really ill. I slept really badly last night as well because my runny nose and feverishness kept waking me up. It's a nasty one, this virus. I really am not a happy bunny right now.

Poor baby!

O God, the strength of the weak and the comfort of sufferers: Mercifully accept our prayers, and grant to your servant Cathy the help of your power, that her sickness may be turned into health, and our sorrow into joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

UPDATE: Cathy works on contract and asks:

Please pray for me to get enough work in January to pay the bills, since this week I only had three shifts booked and have had to pull out of two of them because of sickness, and later this month I have very little booked as things stand at the moment, I do trust God to provide but prayers of course don't go astray,

xoxo cathy

Saturday, December 18, 2010

PLEASE PRAY...


From Cathy:

I saw someone's lost pet bird in the local park yesterday as I was running for the Tube. It was a cockatiel (same as my birdies) and I could tell it was lost because it was in a horrible panic and screaming frantically in the hope of getting a response from familiar faces and voices, but it must have flown too far away from its home for anyone to hear. It called desperately for a few seconds then flew off. I couldn't help it because cockatiels are very strong flyers and it was high up in the trees - by the time I had walked to the tree it was in it could already have been a quarter of a mile off. In the meantime this big freeze and heavy snow has come down. I prayed for it whenever I thought of it yesterday and this morning. There is pretty much no chance it will ever be reunited with its owner but there is a very slim chance it will land in someone's backyard so exhausted that they will be able to catch and rescue it. I feel so sorry for it and also for its owner, who, if they loved their bird, must be utterly distraught,

Poor little birdie. I pray the owner or someone with a kind heart finds the bird and rescues the little one.

Photo from Wikipedia.