Jack O' Lanterns

Aye- have you ever wondered where the tradition of carving a pumpkin came from? According to Irish mythology, there was once a greedy, cruel man named Jack who fooled the Devil twice! Stingy Jack was so cheap that he asked the Devil to turn into a sixpence and Jack would pay their bar bill. Stingy Jack pocketed the coin and placed it next to a silver crucifix. The devil couldn't change back into his original form until he agreed to leave Jack alone for the next year. So the devil agreed and left Jack alone. Stingy Jack kept up his drinking and carousing. One dark evening, the devil appeared along Stingy Jack's path and once again was fooled by his lies. " Go up in the apple tree devil and bring us a nice juicy apple" said Jack.The Devil foolishly slithered up the tree and picked some fruit. Meanwhile Stingy Jack carved a cross at the foot of the tree and the Devil was stuck! This time Jack made him promise to leave his soul alone for ten years if he wanted to get down from the tree. Well once again, the devil was forced to agree. Less than ten years passed and Jack's drunkeness caught up to him and he died a miserable death. St. Peter wouldn't let him in through the pearly gates because Stingy Jack was a miserable, cruel, worthless being beyond redemption.The devil had made the promise back at the apple tree and couldn't let Jack into Hell but he took pity on Stingy Jack and tossed him a burning ember from the depths of Hell. Turnips being plentiful in Ireland, Jack placed the hot coal inside a turnip and carved out a face. Jack was left to wander the world for the rest of eternity. When the Irish immigrated to America they found the native pumpkin and began carving " Jack O' Lanterns" to place at their front doors on all Hallow's Eve to ward off the evil spirits.As for Stingy Jack... he's a wandering spirit on his never-ending journey caught between Hell and Heaven. So now you know why we carve pumpkings on Halloween!

Halloween or All Hallow's Eve

I wanted to share a free fun site I found that is decorated for Halloween. It's http://www.catster.com/cats/56453

Falls Fiery Colors

My favorite tree for Fall color is the Japanese Maple (Acer Palmatum). This tree goes through a transition from the soft green of Spring to the flaming yellows and oranges of Autumn. I am blessed with four of these beauties and each one has a slightly different hue even though they are the same genus. My oldest tree is 32 years old and it lives in a custom wooden box my husband created. The largest is one I planted from a baby and now it has spread to almost reach my kitchen window. God has given us so many free blessings like these fiery colors of Fall. What is your favorite for Fall color?

Sly Update

My pretty Sly, died peacefully last Tuesday and I have felt so grief stricken. I look for my boy at the top of the stairs, by his window, sleeping with Chubby, jumping up on my chair, scratching at my oak cabinets, and he is gone. I couldn't write. My wise husband told me to go to church Saturday and the peace and comfort of Jesus helped.Even our Priest found a special Pet Prayer. Sly is a kitty angel now. My other cats are doing a wonderful job of loving me as well as the kind wishes of friends and family. Our oncologist even sent a syympathy note.Thanks to all for your comfort. I met many lovely people on the Feline-Lymphoma Caregiver's List who are still battling this aggressive disease.Sending blessings their way and wishes for a cure for Blood Diseases like Lymphoma and Leukemia.

Falls first rain

Tonight is the beginning of the rains here in Central California. All the plants are in need of a wee bit of water. Our last rainfall was in April so it has truly been a drought all summer. Don't forget to blow the leaves off the roof and clean out your gutters now to avoid doing this later in the season. Make a nice fire and enjoy the pitter patter on the rooftop.Thanks be to Jesus for the nourishing rain!

Oct. 4th

Oct. 4th is the Feast of St. Francis ....... all over the country pets are blessed in various kinds of churches on his Feast day.. Our kitten, Sly, was blessed yesterday by our priest during Mass .A moment of silence was observed to pray for Sly. Today Sly went to the Oncologist because we think he has cancer. So say a little blessing for Sly and all the other pets we love.