Finally! Our Thanksgiving Family Photo!

This late posting is from our Thanksgiving celebration at my mom's house is Maryland.  Liz's friend Pat and Pat's daughter Becka traveled from Connecticut to join us.  From left to right: Peg, Pat McChesney, James holding Mimi, Liz with Becka and Eva, Sister Marilyn Baker (my sister), my husband Michael, and my mother Molly Baker.

Happy Halloween!

Eva and Mimi joined us again for Halloween.  The weather was perfect and the candy was copious!

The FOR SALE Sign is Up....

I can hardly believe we've taken the first steps on our journey back to Portland, Oregon.  How long it will take to sell the house is anyone's guess; however, our first potential buyer is coming for a tour on Monday evening.  These photos were taken earlier this summer when the weather was good.  Since then, the house exterior has been re-painted (thanks, Michael!).  It's looking lovely!

Family Connections

It's been many years since our Aunt Dee Dee (my Dad's youngest sister) has been able to visit us here. What a treat to have her meet our growing family - and the weather was perfect, too!



Adults (left to right) My husband Michael Gnat, my sister Marilyn Baker, dear friend Sandy Callanan (her husband Paul is taking this photo), my daughter Blaire (Liz), her husband James Wiznerowicz, me, my mom Molly Baker, and our Aunt Dee Dee.  Eva and Mimi are in the foreground.

Having Fun at the Fair!

When the weather is glorious, the day really must be spent out of doors, and what better way than at a local fair! It's hard to tell who had more fun: Eva and Mimi or Grandpa and Grandma!

A visit to the National Cathedral in WDC

Our visit to the Cathedral was actually by chance and we were given a most beautiful day to do it.  We happened upon the beginning of a guided tour and gratefully walked through, absorbing the beauty, history and character of this incredible edifice.

My pictures provide my own view during our visit, but the Cathedral website has so much more.  http://www.nationalcathedral.org/

"Sew Not a Slipcover"

Some fun projects from the workroom: A Traveling Diaper Bag for my friend Stacy's new baby.  Enclosed is a 30 count pack of diapers, baby wipes and disposable bags for soiled diapers.

Dinner & a Movie

Our little group met a Grioli's last night for an Italian dinner, then on to the theater for "Eat Pray Love".  Fun was had by all: the food, the conversation and the movie were all great, but if you've read the book, be prepared to be a little let down by the film adaptation.

L to R: Vickie, Margaret, Maggie, Peg

Vickie, Peg, Margaret, Amelia, Maggie, Marilyn

 Peg and Marilyn (The Baker Girls)

Big Shrine - Little Pilgrims

My sister and I took the girls to Washington DC yesterday to the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.  I had worried earlier about how well Eva and Mimi would fare during the long ride and the two-hour stay at the Shrine.   No worries: they loved it!  Almost all the photos in this video were taken by Eva and Mimi.  They see the world in a unique and lovely way.

Monday at Gigi's

Us girls (Gigi, Grandma Peg, Auntie Marilyn, Eva and Mimi) trekked to the Charlotte Hall Library for books and DVD's, then purchased some fresh Silver King Corn, peaches and orange tomatoes at the Amish Outdoor Market. After that, we had a wonderful lunch at Bert's 50's Diner!

"Girl Days" at Gigi's House...

Gigi with Mimi & Eva

With Auntie Marilyn

Mimi's Four Years Old!

August 12, 2010 is Miranda Rose' Birthday.  Celebrations to continue through the weekend!

Water for Elephants

  Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I loved reading this entertaining book with an unexpected ending!

View all my reviews >>

Deeper Than Words - Living the Apostles' Creed

  Deeper Than Words: Living the Apostles' Creed by David Steindl-Rast
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a challenging "read" for me, like trying to play a piece of music without sufficient proficiency.  But I have grown spiritually none the less.  On a basic level, Steindle-Rast puts into words my understanding of FAITH that I have not been able to adequately and articulately express.  An excellent review can be found in the "Far From Rome" blog, the source of my discovery of DTW. http://farfromrome.blogspot.com/2010/07/...

"It has well been said that we must choose between taking the Gospels seriously or literally.  If we read them with a sense for poetry, we will not be able to dodge their serious challenge.  We will be moved by the strength and tenderness, the revolutionary fervor and fervent pacifism of the towering figure of Jesus alive with the very Life-breath of God. Then all that is best in us will be stirred not only by his example, but by the stirring of his very SPIRIT within us."  p.66

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Family Tree - Barbara Delinsky

  Family Tree by Barbara Delinsky
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

An easy read, but also an interesting look into a family whose lives are shaded with secrets, denial and mysterious ancestry.  It could be written better and the characters could have more substance, but Barbara Delinsky did throw in a turn of events that really shocked and surprised me.  This is a great book for a weekend at the beach or a long train ride.

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What I'm reading now...

"It has well been said that we must choose between taking the Gospels seriously or literally. If we read them with a sense for poetry, we will not be able to dodge their serious challenge. We will be moved by the strength and tenderness, the revolutionary fervor and fervent pacifism of the towering figure of Jesus alive with the very Life-breath of God. Then all that is best in us will be stirred not only by his example, but by the stirring of his very SPIRIT within us." p.66 

Little ones with big diseases

I had my routine blood work done at the lab this morning where I encountered yet another little child with cancer. Alexis is 3 years old and her parents tell me her prognosis is good. Having been praying for our little cousin Matthew (2yrs) and little Brennan (18mos) I feel compelled to put Alexis (who I'll most likely never see again) in the prayer circle, too.

Eat Pray Love - DONE!

Eat Pray Love Film Tie in Edition by Elizabeth Gilbert

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This book needs to be thoroughly read in order to unearth the gems. Among my friends who didn't like it, didn't "get" it, or HATED IT, most got hung up on whether Gilbert deserved to have and write about the feelings she experienced in her divorce and recovery. This was my second reading after receiving the book 4 years ago; the timing for me was perfect and Liz Gilbert "spoke" to me.

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100 ways to hide your stash

I do have a stash, but definitely not at "over the top" as this cute lady.

What I'm reading now...

I'm on page 176 of Eat Pray Love Film Tie in...: Faith is walking face-first and full-speed into the dark. If we truly know all the answers in advance as to the meaning of life and the nature of God and the destiny of our souls, our belief would not be a leap of faith and it would not be a courageous act of humanity; it would just be...a prudent insurance policy. page 175

Eva, Mimi and Becka singing at Grandma's House

A happy find from the beach house....

Breakfast with Buddha by Roland Merullo

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


A lovely book, fun and inspiring! Picture George Clooney as Otto, Anthony Quinn (as he was in the 60's) as Rinpoche, and perhaps Laura Linney as Cicelia. More important, Merullo's presentation of his spiritual philosophy seemed to underscore what I have been unable to articulate. I'll read this again in the future!

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A week at the Outer Banks, NC

Thanks to our hosts, Vickie and Ed, for a wonderful week and a great anniversary celebration!

Our 19th Anniversary

OK, so what's with the cello??

My profile picture with the cello is now six months old.  Since I started lessons in December, I've graduated to my own cello and bow from the rental shown in the photo and have just had my first "recital".  It was pretty raw, but in spite of the missed notes, poor tonality, squeaks and stiff movements, I got through it without forgetting the music (isn't "not forgetting" the really important achievement for folks my age??)!  I'm posting the video with a mix of giggles, embarrassment and horror, with the hope that I'll be a little bit better the next time around!

Bl. Mary Helen MacKillop

Another woman of courage, substance and spirit who had to endure excommunication from the Roman Catholic church for "insubordination".  She has my gratitude and admiration.

For Mary MacKillop God's will was her guiding principle.."To me the Will of God is a dear book which I am never tired of reading, which has always some new charm for me...I cannot tell you what a beautiful thing the Will of God seems to me."   When overcome by sadness she clung to the Will of God as her only support:"  [I] was so weary of the struggle, and felt so utterly alone, could not pray or say my ordinary Rosaries, only offered my weary heart's trials to my God.."    excerpt from the prayers for Tuesday of Week IV in the People's Companion to the Breviary.

We love you, Lou and Bill

Michael and I have both lost our Dads to this world, but Lou (Michael's dad) and Bill (Peg's dad) are in securely placed in our hearts.

Thank you, Rick Bayless and Sandra!

Rick's cookbook "Mexican Every Day" magically opened to p. 107 when I reached for it today for dinner inspiration.  His "Grilled Chicken Salad with Rustic Guacamole, Romaine and Queso Anejo" had to be our fare for the evening - what a success!  

Thank you, Sandra Gnat, for the gift of this cook book to Michael for his birthday!  We'll be going back to it again and again!

Summer Fun with Eva and Mimi

We're giving Blaire and James a couple of days to pack the van for their trip to Michigan, so Eva and Mimi are spending some time with us - Michael and I are definitely have the most fun!

Fun in the New Pool ! from Peg Baker on Vimeo.

Just us girls having dinner at Wegman's

I had dinner with a friend and former co-worker tonight.  We hadn't seen each other in a couple of years and, as opportunity would  have it, we connected a couple of days ago and planned this dinner at the seafood bar at Wegmans.  How delightful!  It was as if we still shared an office at our old company, picking up the conversations we ended when our paths diverged.

One of our favorite topics (both of us being cradle Catholics) is women and the Church which brought to mind a favorite author and scholar Karen Armstrong.

In this interview with her by Bill Moyers last year, Ms. Armstrong tells Bill about her new project Charter for Compassion.  Watching it reminds me of why I admire her so much.

Margaret Anna Cusack, Mother Francis Clare

Give women their rights, then, for these rights are justice - justice to men as well as women, for the interests of men and women cannot be separated (Women's Work).  Today, The Peoples Companion to the Breviary honors Margaret Anna Cusack, Mother Francis Clare.  A woman for our times, Margaret Anna (born in Dublin around 1830) "dedicated herself to writing, especially on behalf of the liberation of women and children who were victims of oppression in the Church and Society".  


"In 1884 Margaret Anna founded the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace. Seeking funds to support her sisters' work with women and children, in 1885 she set off for America. Soon after arriving, she established a home for migrant women who, upon arrival in New York, often found themselves to be homeless and jobless.

The success of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace spread. By 1890 the Sisters were being asked to go West to serve the needs of frontier settlements springing up in the Pacific Northwest. It was in August of this year that Sisters set off from Jersey City, New Jersey on what was to be the beginning of PeaceHealth, and the continuation of the vision of Margaret Anna Cusack.

Memorial Day in our Little Town

There was the annual Block Party on Wolfe Street on Saturday with great friends, food and fun; then, a relaxing Sunday.  I had client work to do on Monday, but the evening brought a lovely outdoor concert to make an appropriate end to a great weekend.

Memorial Day Concert 2010 from Peg Baker on Vimeo.

Kaziah the Goat Woman

Tour the Baker-Gnat Garden

The tomatoes, basil and bell peppers are in, the pots were filled with begonias and impatiens (thanks to Miss Molly's generosity at Buckler's Nursery), the herbs were planted this morning, and we and the birds are enjoying the results!

The cilantro field, along with chive and rosemary.

Thyme, parley and basil surround the peonies.

The outdoor room.

Sedum, faded azalia and oregano around the deck.

Happy Birthday, Lisa!

Dear Lisa,  At least 13 years have passed since these "infamous" partying days and one could say we have a lot of catching up to do.  I miss you, dear friend, on this special day of yours.  Please know you're in my heart as always.  Michael and I wish you the very best.  God bless and keep you.

We love and miss you,

Peg and Michael

Rose and Molly, We love you!

Rose Gnat (c. 1950)

Molly Baker (c. 1960)

We remember and honor our moms on 
Mother's Day, May 9, 2010.

Mother's Day:    holiday in honor of mothers that is celebrated in countries throughout the world. In its modern form the day originated in the United States, where it is observed on the second Sunday in May. Many other countries also celebrate the holiday on this date, while some mark the observance at other times of the year. During the Middle Ages the custom developed of allowing those who had moved away to visit their home parishes and their mothers on Laetare Sunday, the fourth Sunday of Lent. This became Mothering Sunday in Britain, where it continued into modern times, although it has largely been replaced by Mother's Day.

Anna Jarvis of Philadelphia, whose mother had organized women's groups to promote friendship and health, originated Mother's Day; on May 12, 1907, she held a memorial service at her late mother's church in Grafton, West Virginia. Within five years virtually every state was observing the day, and in 1914 President Woodrow Wilson made it a national holiday. Although Jarvis had promoted the wearing of a white carnation as a tribute to one's mother, the custom developed of wearing a red or pink carnation to represent a living mother or a white carnation for a mother who was deceased. Over time the day was expanded to include others, such as grandmothers and aunts, who played mothering roles. What had originally been primarily a day of honour became associated with the sending of cards and the giving of gifts, however, and, in protest against its commercialization, Jarvis spent the last years of her life trying to abolish the holiday she had brought into being.
Festivals honouring mothers and mother goddesses date to ancient times. The Phrygians held a festival for Cybele, the Great Mother of the Gods, as did the Greeks for the goddess Rhea. Likewise, the Romans adapted the practice to their own pantheon. Some countries have continued to observe ancient festivals; for example, Durga-puja, honouring the goddess Durga, remains an important festival in India.

© 2010 Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

Bernard Haring: The Healing Power of Peace and Nonviolence ..p. 59

Food for Thought for Today...

"The New Testament prohibits not only revenge but any form of vindictive justice, any grudge.  Love of enemy is not just a divine commandment for all; it is the heart of God's own economy of salvation, fully manifest in Jesus Christ.  Consequently, it is a central dimension of discipleship in the footsteps of Jesus and in the image and likeness of [God].  "Life in Jesus Christ" is unthinkable without an active and creative love of enemies, with the hpe to rescue them, and reconciliate them."

New "Golden Girl" Inductee

Vickie turns 50 tomorrow!  Michael and I celebrated with Vickie and Ed Friday night at Umi Japanese Restaurant with some terrific sushi and sakke.  Dessert (birthday cake) and refreshments were served on our deck while enjoying the lovely evening weather.  Best wishes to my dear friend and "little sister", Vickie!

It's a Winner!

We hosted our wine tasting group last night with a Northwest Pinot Noir theme.  The Winner out of five selections in the blind tasting was Olsen Family Vineyards 2008 Pinot.

Contenders in order:

• Belle Vallee. Willamette Valley - 2007
• A to Z, Oregon - 2008
• Cloudline, McMinnville - 2007
• Primarius, Oregon - 2007

Also featured:

• Bridgman, Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon - 2007
• Gordon Brothers, Columbia Valley Chardonnay - 2007
• Washington Hills, Paradise Peak, WA, Late Harvest Riesling - 2008

Menu:

• British Columbia Roast Pork Tenderloin in Red Currant Sauce
• Pan-Braised Spring Fennel with Olive Oil, Honey, and Orange
• Roasted Yellow Finn Potatoes with Garlic, Rosemary, and Olive Oil

Fun with Eva and Mimi

Gargling Demonstration.



Bean Bag Toss at the Science Museum after the power went out.

A Chuch Mary Can Love

From April 18th New York Times, a delightful and thought-provoking column by Nicholas Kristof (an Oregon boy making us proud).