Recipe for a Perfect Evening

 
November 19, 2024

Dear Diary,

This morning’s walk to Church was crisp and sunny. The 49-degree air made it feel like the perfect autumn day. Mini was her cheerful self, trotting along beside Sister Mary Claire and me. On the way, we met Cheryl, one of Mini’s favorite neighbors. You would have thought Cheryl had been away for a year by the way Mini greeted her—spinning in happy little circles and wagging her tail-less bottom as fast as she could. Cheryl laughed and bent down to give Mini a pat, which made her day.

At Mass, Father LeRoy gave a wonderful homily that brought the Gospel reading to life. He shared the story of a man who, like Zacchaeus, had climbed high in life—not into a tree, but in his achievements. This man had everything he could want yet felt a great emptiness. It was only when he opened his heart to generosity and service to others that he truly found joy, just as Zacchaeus did when he welcomed Jesus into his home.

After Mass, Father took a moment to thank me for decorating the Gospel reading handout with the image of Mini and me. He said it gave the reading a warm, personal touch and made it even more meaningful for the parishioners. I felt a little glow of pride knowing that Mini and I had contributed something special.

This afternoon, I sat down to write a letter to Vreni. I thanked her for introducing me to St. Bernard’s Memorare prayer, which I’ve now copied into my All for Jesus book so I can pray it often. Her letters are always so thoughtful, and I’m excited to send mine off to her tomorrow.

For our evening snack, Sister Mary Claire and I enjoyed her freshly baked buns with a generous smear of butter. We paired them with mugs of hot chocolate, which warmed us up after the cool day. Here’s the recipe for the hot chocolate we made:

Homemade Hot Chocolate

Ingredients:

2 cups whole milk
1/4 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tablespoons sugar (or to taste)
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of salt
Whipped cream or marshmallows (optional)

Instructions:Heat the milk and cream in a saucepan over medium heat until warm, but do not let it boil.
Whisk in the cocoa powder, sugar, and salt until smooth.
Stir until the mixture is hot and creamy.
Remove from heat and add the vanilla extract.
Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream or marshmallows, if desired. Enjoy!

As I write this, Mini is curled up by my feet, snoozing softly. The quiet hum of the evening feels comforting after a full and lovely day. I’ll end my entry with this little prayer:

Evening Prayer

Dear Lord,
Thank You for the blessings of this day—our walk to Church, the warmth of Cheryl’s kindness, and the wisdom of Father’s homily. Help me to be more like Zacchaeus, open to Your love and ready to share that love with others. Bless Sister Mary Claire and our home, and watch over Vreni as she continues to inspire me. And thank You for Mini, who brings so much joy to my days. Amen.

Goodnight, Diary.
Love,
Kathy

 

The Wind Always Reminds Me It's Iowa

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November 18, 1955

Dear Diary,

Vreni’s letter arrived today, and it brought such joy that my cheeks hurt from smiling! Inside was the Memorare prayer, all typed out with Vreni's new typewriter, which I will read as my evening prayer tonight. It’s such a beautiful prayer, and Sister Mary Claire told me that it was made famous by St. Bernard of Clairvaux, a devoted monk who loved Our Lady deeply. She said he often encouraged people to pray it in times of trouble, and it brings special graces. Isn't that wonderful? I feel so blessed to have a friend like Vreni, who shares her faith so warmly across the miles.

We didn’t make it to Church this morning, though, which feels a little odd. Last night, we stayed up too late watching an Alfred Hitchcock movie. I can still feel the suspense lingering! Sister Mary Claire said she had a hard time falling asleep afterward, and even Mini seemed unsettled, pacing around. This morning, we overslept entirely, which hardly ever happens, but it gave us the chance to have a slower day together.

Mini has been her usual loyal self, trotting from room to room to keep tabs on us. The wind has been howling outside—it’s a proper Iowa kind of day, cold and blustery at 50 degrees. Mini takes her role as family protector very seriously; she’s been barking at the wind as if it’s an intruder trying to sneak past her watch. I had to laugh when she gave up her post and curled up by the fire, still mumbling little growls under her breath.

Vreni’s letter is far too precious to keep tucked away, so I’ll paste it to the inside of this diary where I can always see it. That way, it will be like having a little piece of her here with me. For now, I’ll fold it neatly and slide it into my All for Jesus book until I can grab the paste.

Tonight, as I kneel to say the Memorare, I’ll think of Vreni and our shared faith. I’ll also think of St. Bernard and his wisdom. Iowa’s wind might try to steal my thoughts away, but I’ll offer them all to Our Lady.

Yours faithfully,

Kathy

Enlarge or Print a Copy of this Prayer Here.

Watching for His Light

November 17, 1955

Dear Diary

This morning, the air was crisp and cool, just 44 degrees, so Sister Mary Claire and I bundled up in our coats, sweaters, stocking caps, and gloves for the walk to Church. Mini, as always, trotted alongside us, her own fur sweater keeping her warm. I couldn’t help smiling as her little paws crunched on the frosty gravel road.

When we arrived, I handed out the Gospel reading with Mini at my side—number 90! Can you imagine? Ninety times sharing God’s Word with our parish family. Mini greeted everyone with her cheerful little bottom-wiggle, making sure no one missed their copy.

Today’s Gospel reading was from Mark 13:24-32, a passage that left me thinking deeply. Father LeRoy, in his homily, painted a vivid picture to help us understand.

He said the darkness and falling stars Jesus spoke of aren’t meant to scare us but to remind us of how small and fleeting the world is compared to God’s eternal love. He told a story of a boy who lost his way during a terrible storm. Though the lightning flashed and the thunder roared, the boy noticed a tiny flickering lantern far away—it was his father, searching for him. The boy ran toward the light and found his way home.

Father said the "fig tree" is like that lantern: when its branches soften and leaves sprout, we know summer is near. In the same way, when we notice signs in our world—kindness shared, prayers answered—we know Jesus is near, just as the boy’s father was near in the storm. He reminded us that while no one knows when Jesus will return, not even the angels, we should live every day ready to run toward His light.

After Mass, the afternoon was quiet and peaceful. I spent some time reading and writing, even starting to prepare for Monday's Gospel reading. Sister Mary Claire made hot cocoa, and the sweetness seemed to warm me from the inside out.

As the evening settled in, Mini and I played a game of keep-away with her yellow squeak ball. She always outsmarts me, darting just out of reach, squeaking her ball triumphantly.

Before bed, I knelt by the window, gazing at the stars and whispering a prayer:

“Dear Jesus, help me keep watch for You, even when the world feels dark. May my heart always be ready to see Your light and run toward You. Amen.”

Mini curled up under my bed, her ball tucked safely beside her. Another day tucked safely into His care.

Goodnight, dear Diary.

Love,
Kathy

A Blessed Coicidece and Prayer From Vreni

Dear Diary,

November 16, 1955

Today has been simply wonderful! This morning, I received a postcard from my dear friend Vreni. She wrote a beautiful little prayer from her prayer book that she often says on her walks: "Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, I give you my heart and my soul. Amen. Amen. Amen." I was so touched by it, I tucked the postcard into my pocket and took it along with me to Holy Mass.

Imagine my surprise when Father LeRoy's homily seemed to echo the very same devotion! He spoke about offering our hearts and souls to Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, and how each small prayer we say is like a step closer to them. It felt as if Vreni’s prayer and Father’s words were meant just for me today. After Mass, I showed Father the postcard, and he smiled, saying that the Holy Family must be watching over both Vreni and me. I felt so blessed.

White Bread Recipe

As promised, here’s the recipe for white bread. It’s the kind that fills the kitchen with a warm, comforting aroma and bakes into a soft, golden loaf that we can enjoy at breakfast or tea.

Ingredients:

3 cups bread flour (King Arthur if possible)
1 egg
1 cup whole milk

1/4 stick softened butter 
2 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons yeast

Instructions: Warm the milk until it's lukewarm, then dissolve the yeast and sugar in it. Let it sit until it's bubbly.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt and softened butter,
Add the yeast mixture and egg to the flour, and knead until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Cover the dough and let it rise for about an hour, or until it doubles in size.
Punch down the dough, shape it into a loaf, and place it in a greased loaf pan.
Let it rise again for about 30 minutes, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown.

Evening Prayer

Dear Jesus, Mary, and Joseph,
Thank You for blessing me with friends like Vreni and for guiding me with Father’s homily today. I give You my heart and my soul, just as Vreni’s prayer says, and I pray that You watch over all those I hold dear. Thank You for giving me Mini’s companionship, bringing warmth and joy to every step I take. Help me walk in Your light and bring peace to those around me. Amen.

Warmth Across the Miles

Dear Diary,

Today’s Gospel was a strong reminder of staying prepared, like the days of Noah and Lot. I wondered about what it means to be ready, to hold onto what matters while letting go of things that weigh us down. I think sometimes we don’t realize how easily we can get lost in little things that don’t last.

It’s a quiet, chilly day, and the air is heavy with the sense of winter on its way. Mini found a warm spot curled up in a little ball next to the church stove, snug and content. Right before the homily, Sister Mary Claire got up to add a piece of wood to keep the warmth going. I wonder what a really cold winter would feel like here. The Farmers' Almanac says we should expect lots of snow and below-zero days – quite an adventure ahead, if that’s true.

Something lovely happened during Mass today. When I opened my prayer book, out slipped Vreni's letter, with the little sketch she made of me. It felt like she was right there with me, like her kind thoughts had crossed the miles just to visit me in this quiet place. I felt such warmth, like friendship itself was wrapping around me.

O Lord, thank You for friends who feel close no matter the distance. Let our thoughts and prayers for each other be like gentle lights along the way. Amen.

A Chilly Morning and the Kingdom Among Us

November 14, 1955

Dear Diary,

This morning started off brisk, with a frosty 34 degrees. Mini wasn’t thrilled about leaving her warm spot by the fire, so I coaxed her out with a tiny dab of peanut butter on a spoon—just enough to tempt her to follow me. I try to keep her trim, so it was a very small taste, but it did the trick! Soon we were off to Mass, and our breath made little clouds as we walked in the chilly air.

Today’s Gospel reading was from Luke 17:20-25, where Jesus spoke about the Kingdom of God. After Mass, Sister Mary Claire explained that when Jesus said, “The Kingdom of God is among you,” He was teaching that it isn’t something we wait for or point out—it’s already here, living in our hearts and in our choices. She reminded me that Jesus also warned His disciples not to chase after signs, saying, “Just as lightning flashes and lights up the sky, so will the Son of Man be in His day.” Sister Mary Claire said it will be clear when He returns, just like a flash of lightning lighting up the whole sky.

For lunch, we made tuna salad sandwiches on soft white bread. Here’s how Sister Mary Claire makes her tuna salad:One can of tuna, drained

2 tablespoons of mayonnaise

1 tablespoon of finely chopped celery for crunch

1 teaspoon of chopped fresh parsley (if we have it on hand, which today we did)

A dash of lemon juice

Salt and pepper to taste

She mixes it all together and serves it on slices of homemade white bread. The tuna salad is creamy, light, and just a bit tangy from the lemon. It was delicious! I’ll share our recipe for white bread tomorrow.

As the day ends, I’ll offer my evening prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary, using a prayer by St. Bernard:

"Holy Mary, turn your eyes of mercy toward me; see, in my weakness, my need for your gentle protection. Under your shelter may I find rest, in your guidance may I find strength. Blessed Mary, be my light, and lead me closer to the Kingdom of God."

Goodnight, dear Lord. May your Kingdom grow in my heart.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

Cold Walk and a Lesson in Gratitude

November 13, 1955

Dear Diary,

This morning, Sister and I bundled up and set off for Church under a cold, gray sky. It was 39 degrees, and though most of the snow has melted away, Sister says the ground is acting like a heating pad, keeping the snow from sticking around. The air felt heavy, like it could rain any moment, and even Mini seemed to sense the chill, trotting quickly and glancing up as we walked.

When we reached Church, I handed out the Daily Mass readings while Sister went back to the Sacristy to practice the readings  since she was today’s lector. Today’s Gospel was from Luke, the story of the ten lepers who were healed, though only one returned to thank Jesus. As usual, Mini wanted to follow Sister into the Sacristy, and when I told her to stay with me to greet the parishioners, she obeyed. But she kept her ears down, flat like airplane wings, a signal of her conflicted feelings. She was trying to be obedient but couldn’t quite understand why she couldn’t follow Sister. I could almost see her puzzling it out, a little unsure of what to do.

The Gospel’s message of gratitude stuck with me today. Sister reminded me afterward that we should be grateful for all God gives us, just like the one leper who returned to thank Jesus. It’s easy to forget sometimes, but I’m trying to remember to thank Him for the little things, like having the health to go to Mass or a warm home to come back to.

When we got home, Sister and I made egg salad sandwiches and set up our TV trays in front of the Ashley stove. After the cold walk, it felt wonderful to sit in the warmth, and somehow, the egg salad tasted even better.

Here’s our recipe for egg salad sandwiches:

Egg Salad Sandwiches

• 4 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped

• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise

• 1 teaspoon mustard (Dijon if you like a bit of a kick)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• A sprinkle of chives or parsley for a bit of color (optional)

1. Mash the eggs with a fork, then stir in the mayonnaise and mustard.

2. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Serve on soft bread with a leaf of lettuce, or on toasted bread for some crunch.

As the evening grew colder, we added another piece of wood to the Ashley stove and got ready to turn in. Mini’s already curled up, snug and warm. Before I turn out the lights, here is my prayer for tonight:

“Lord, thank You for the warmth of our home, the love of my sister, and the faithfulness of my little Mini. Help me to be like the one leper who returned to give You thanks, recognizing all the ways You bless my life, even in small ways. Please keep us safe through the night, and let us rise tomorrow with gratitude in our hearts. Amen.”

Goodnight, dear Diary. With gratitude in my heart, I close you up for another day.

With love,

Kathy