Signs and Symbols

I can't help but notice that with all the technology around us, that sometimes in our daily lives we may miss important "signs". A sign represents something—an idea, an experience, a feeling, an object. Paying attention to "signs" used to be a part of our daily lives and gave rise to some interesting expressions: "Red sky at morning Sailors take warning Red Sky at night Sailors Delight." Years later scienctists actually confirmed with lots of studies, facts and figures that there was indeed some wisdom in the expression.



Farmers used to watch for signs that would tell them if it was going to be a good time to harvest or not. I remember staying with my aunt one summer and my uncle saying the trees were turning early this year so he was going to bring in the crop. We had a hard frost a few days later and his crop was safe. Expressions like: it's a sign of the time that's a sure sign of hope, all expressions relating back to the



After suffering a long, cold relentless winter we have all been hoping for spring. In Michigan you cannot predict spring by the calendar-we look for signs. One would think snow melting would be a sign-but around this time of year it can be 50 degrees one day and 10 below the next. For us the first sign of spring it a robin! I remember my mother and I watching carefully for the first robin as the true sign of spring.



I had to go into work today to grade some of my students websites and Timmy decided to tag along. We were there from 12:00-6:00 and by the time I slumped out the door I was not paying attention to anything other than my car at the far end of an empty parking lot. Then a small hand reached up and squeezed mine,"Look Mom, I see two robins.....It's a sign Spring is here!"



I stopped right there and watched those robins. They were pulling worms out of the ground. Suddenly the sky seemed a little bluer, the remaining mounds of snow shrunk into the background and I took a deep breath. The first breath of spring!

The promise of new life...

the season of rebirth.

I wonder how many other signs of things to come I may have missed because I have been too busy to notice much? I know January is usually the time for resolutions-but for me today is the day. I am going to learn a lesson from my son. There is great pleasure in seeing signs and experiencing a sense of wonder. Are these signs God's way of letting us know he is still there? Is he perhaps there and we simply have not recognized the signs of His presence? Spring is here...time to watch for signs!

Easter in All it's White Glory

Happy Easter from Oliver Woods.


Earlier in the week we had sunshine and 50 degree weather. I even toyed with the idea of packing away the snowpants and starting sone spring cleaning. Then on May 21st---Another Snowstorm! So this spring season was greate3d not with a fluffy bunny-but with a snowbunny


IS IT SPRING YET??????????????????????? It's time for Prancer to go back to the North Pole!

Easter did arrive --with it's message of hope and promise!

Easter Vigil Service at St. Roberts was inspirationa;. From the large bomb fire in the back the Easter candle is lit. The flame is then shared until everyone in church is holding on a lit candle. The church is all in darkness except for the light carried by the buildings occupants. The soft glow of hope. What a wonderful way to remind ourselves that WE carry the light of Christ. In all that we say and do!

The Gospel is read the church lights are switched on and we are brought into the light once more. It was for me a moment-there have been many Easters in my life. Some standing in a church of that same parish wearing a hat with a itchy elastic band on it holding a candle, and standing with my mother. On this night I stood with husband, child, aunts and cousins. Together as we are brought into the light. The Message...my prayer...blessing for all.

Wish I were There!

The place from whence my forefathers came ... God Bless the Dunnings, Haley's, Halloran's, Tobin's Soen's (Loew) and all of us who came from the Emerald Isle.

An Irish Prayer

May God give you...
For every storm, a rainbow,
For every tear, a smile,
For every care, a promise,
And a blessing in each trial.
For every problem life sends,
A faithful friend to share,
For every sigh, a sweet song,
And an answer for each prayer.

Memories of MACUL

Memories of MACUL. 2 days to hang out with other computer teachers-A.K.A. Techno Geeks-

Blue tooth projected keyboards, Smartboards, micro-mini-mice---heaven must have wireless right?

Then a night at the Radison sleeping in a sleep number bed- After one night I could be their spokesperson. I woke up without a back ache--- Slept the entire night= Woke up refreshed....

First Lotto-then the sleep number bed. Here is the bed and of course-my laptop:)

Music Paints Pictures...

and often tells stories. All of it magic..... and all of it true

And all of the pictures, and all of the magic...in all of the magic

...the music is you!

Click on the arrow below Snoopy to hear Timmy play for you!

Gentleman Start your Engines

Not quite #1 but 2nd place isn't too shabby!!!!! Today race fans Timmy and Tim senior took place in the Boy Scouts annual Pine Wood Derby. This years car was modled after the Space Shuttle.




It was designed and Painted by the young man himself.


First the Line Up

Timmy's is the second from the right or third from the left!

Now for the race -Click the arrow above-it goes fast!

The finish line!

The Pinewood Derby is "The Event" of the Boyscout year-although the Spring rocket launch seems to be closer to Timmy's heart! It was a great bit of news and will ended a miserable week on a High Note!

Timmy is Car # 2

Race results! 2nd place Winner

or as we like to think of it- He won 3 races!!!!!

Not too shabby!!!!