January 9, 1956
Dear Diary
This morning, frost clung to the windows, but by the time Sister Mary Claire and I bundled up to walk to Holy Mass, it had warmed up to 22 degrees. Mini trotted along cheerfully, her little paws crunching on the gravel road. She always seems happiest when the cold air is crisp but not biting.
Father LeRoy continued his homily on the Christmas season, reminding us that it officially lasts until Sunday. He explained that next Monday, Ordinary Time will begin. His words about the Magi touched my heart. He described how they left Bethlehem completely transformed, their hearts overflowing with grace and their lives forever changed by their encounter with the Divine Child. I wonder if I would have recognized the light of Christ as they did. Father said something I’ll keep pondering: “Do we not come in contact with the same God Who transformed the Magi, and yet fail to be changed because we lack preparation or fervor?” It made me want to approach Holy Communion with more thought and reverence.
For lunch, Sister Mary Claire made the most delicious pea soup. It was creamy and warm, with just the right touch of thyme. We enjoyed it with slices of her homemade Wonder Bread, fresh and soft. Mini sat by my feet, looking hopeful for crumbs, but Sister said no bread crumbs for Mini—only her dog biscuits!
Later, I heard some sad news on the little Swiss radio Sister gave me. There’s a wildfire burning in California. It breaks my heart to think of all the families, animals, and land affected. I can’t imagine the fear and loss they must be feeling.
As the day wound down, I wrote a short letter to Vreni and then snuggled up under my quilt with Mini beside me. Before bed, Sister Mary Claire and I said our evening prayer together:
“Dear Lord, thank You for the blessings of this day—the warmth of 22 degrees, the words of Father LeRoy that inspire us, and the nourishing food You provide. We lift up in prayer all those affected by the wildfire in California. Please protect the people, the animals, and the land. Guide the firefighters and bring peace and strength to everyone involved. Help us to end this week with grateful hearts and prepare for the week ahead. Amen.”
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cups green split peas, rinsed
• 6 cups water or broth (chicken or vegetable)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• Black pepper to taste
1. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened.
2. Add the rinsed peas, water or broth, salt, and thyme. Stir well.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the peas are tender and the soup is thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Season with black pepper to taste. Serve warm with fresh bread or crackers.
Goodnight, Diary.
Love, Kathy
This morning, frost clung to the windows, but by the time Sister Mary Claire and I bundled up to walk to Holy Mass, it had warmed up to 22 degrees. Mini trotted along cheerfully, her little paws crunching on the gravel road. She always seems happiest when the cold air is crisp but not biting.
Father LeRoy continued his homily on the Christmas season, reminding us that it officially lasts until Sunday. He explained that next Monday, Ordinary Time will begin. His words about the Magi touched my heart. He described how they left Bethlehem completely transformed, their hearts overflowing with grace and their lives forever changed by their encounter with the Divine Child. I wonder if I would have recognized the light of Christ as they did. Father said something I’ll keep pondering: “Do we not come in contact with the same God Who transformed the Magi, and yet fail to be changed because we lack preparation or fervor?” It made me want to approach Holy Communion with more thought and reverence.
For lunch, Sister Mary Claire made the most delicious pea soup. It was creamy and warm, with just the right touch of thyme. We enjoyed it with slices of her homemade Wonder Bread, fresh and soft. Mini sat by my feet, looking hopeful for crumbs, but Sister said no bread crumbs for Mini—only her dog biscuits!
Later, I heard some sad news on the little Swiss radio Sister gave me. There’s a wildfire burning in California. It breaks my heart to think of all the families, animals, and land affected. I can’t imagine the fear and loss they must be feeling.
As the day wound down, I wrote a short letter to Vreni and then snuggled up under my quilt with Mini beside me. Before bed, Sister Mary Claire and I said our evening prayer together:
“Dear Lord, thank You for the blessings of this day—the warmth of 22 degrees, the words of Father LeRoy that inspire us, and the nourishing food You provide. We lift up in prayer all those affected by the wildfire in California. Please protect the people, the animals, and the land. Guide the firefighters and bring peace and strength to everyone involved. Help us to end this week with grateful hearts and prepare for the week ahead. Amen.”
Simple Pea Soup Recipe
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cups green split peas, rinsed
• 6 cups water or broth (chicken or vegetable)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• Black pepper to taste
1. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened.
2. Add the rinsed peas, water or broth, salt, and thyme. Stir well.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the peas are tender and the soup is thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Season with black pepper to taste. Serve warm with fresh bread or crackers.
Goodnight, Diary.
Love, Kathy
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