December 23, 1955
Dear Diary,
This morning felt softer than the past few days, with the gravel underfoot not quite as frozen. At 36 degrees, the warmth of the sun hinted at melting the frost, leaving little patches of earth damp and alive. Sister Mary Claire, Mini, and I enjoyed our walk to St. Mary’s. Mini trotted happily ahead, her little bottom wiggling with joy, her nose exploring every scent the morning offered.
Father LeRoy’s homily left us all with much to think about. He spoke of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem, their struggle to find shelter, and how their journey teaches us about humility, trust, and the temporary nature of earthly homes. He reminded us that, like Mary and Joseph, we must see our earthly homes as shelters along the way to our true home in heaven.
As we walked back down the familiar gravel road to Camp Littlemore, Sister Mary Claire and I were quiet, each of us reflecting on the message. After a while, she spoke softly, “Kathy, as cozy as Camp Littlemore is, it’s not forever. None of the places we love here are. It’s important to enjoy them but to remember that everything here is preparing us for something greater.”
Her words settled in my heart. I looked up at the bare trees, their branches reaching to the sky, and thought about how even this simple, beloved place—our prayer wagon, the cave sanctuary, the hens, and Mini’s playful antics—are all gifts to help us learn about God and long for heaven. It’s bittersweet to think about, but also comforting.
For lunch, Sister Mary Claire brightened the day with a special treat. She pulled out Julia Child’s recipe book and made creamed carrots. She used heavy cream, and the buttery, rich smell filled the little kitchen. We sat together, savoring each bite. “Even temporary homes need good food,” she teased, smiling at me. I laughed and agreed, thankful for the simple joy of sharing this moment with her.
As the day wound down, Mini curled up by the fire while I wrote a letter to Vreni. I shared some of the homily with her and reflected on how we’re all just journeying, like Mary and Joseph. It’s funny how thinking of them makes even the hard parts of life seem full of purpose.
Evening Prayer
“Dear Lord, thank You for reminding us today that the homes we cherish, though filled with blessings, are only temporary. Like Mary and Joseph, may we journey with trust, knowing You are preparing a place for us that is everlasting. Help us to treasure the gifts You give us here without clinging to them too tightly, always keeping our eyes on heaven. Thank You for the comfort of family, the beauty of simple meals, and the joy of this season as we await Your coming. Amen.”
Good night, Diary. Tomorrow brings us closer to Christmas—and, somehow, closer to heaven, too.
Love,
Kathy
Ingredients:
• 1 pound of carrots, peeled and sliced into thin rounds
• 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup of heavy cream
• A pinch of salt
• A pinch of sugar
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions:
1. Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the carrots until tender, about 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Father LeRoy’s homily left us all with much to think about. He spoke of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem, their struggle to find shelter, and how their journey teaches us about humility, trust, and the temporary nature of earthly homes. He reminded us that, like Mary and Joseph, we must see our earthly homes as shelters along the way to our true home in heaven.
As we walked back down the familiar gravel road to Camp Littlemore, Sister Mary Claire and I were quiet, each of us reflecting on the message. After a while, she spoke softly, “Kathy, as cozy as Camp Littlemore is, it’s not forever. None of the places we love here are. It’s important to enjoy them but to remember that everything here is preparing us for something greater.”
Her words settled in my heart. I looked up at the bare trees, their branches reaching to the sky, and thought about how even this simple, beloved place—our prayer wagon, the cave sanctuary, the hens, and Mini’s playful antics—are all gifts to help us learn about God and long for heaven. It’s bittersweet to think about, but also comforting.
For lunch, Sister Mary Claire brightened the day with a special treat. She pulled out Julia Child’s recipe book and made creamed carrots. She used heavy cream, and the buttery, rich smell filled the little kitchen. We sat together, savoring each bite. “Even temporary homes need good food,” she teased, smiling at me. I laughed and agreed, thankful for the simple joy of sharing this moment with her.
As the day wound down, Mini curled up by the fire while I wrote a letter to Vreni. I shared some of the homily with her and reflected on how we’re all just journeying, like Mary and Joseph. It’s funny how thinking of them makes even the hard parts of life seem full of purpose.
Evening Prayer
“Dear Lord, thank You for reminding us today that the homes we cherish, though filled with blessings, are only temporary. Like Mary and Joseph, may we journey with trust, knowing You are preparing a place for us that is everlasting. Help us to treasure the gifts You give us here without clinging to them too tightly, always keeping our eyes on heaven. Thank You for the comfort of family, the beauty of simple meals, and the joy of this season as we await Your coming. Amen.”
Good night, Diary. Tomorrow brings us closer to Christmas—and, somehow, closer to heaven, too.
Love,
Kathy
Julia Child’s Creamed Carrots
Ingredients:
• 1 pound of carrots, peeled and sliced into thin rounds
• 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup of heavy cream
• A pinch of salt
• A pinch of sugar
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions:
1. Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the carrots until tender, about 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the cooked carrots and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
3. Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, salt, and sugar. Cook gently until the cream thickens and coats the carrots, about 5 minutes.
4. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm.
These turned out so creamy and delicious—perfect for a cozy winter day! 
3. Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, salt, and sugar. Cook gently until the cream thickens and coats the carrots, about 5 minutes.
4. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm.
These turned out so creamy and delicious—perfect for a cozy winter day!
Love you again, Kathy
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