buffalo journeys

     A couple of years ago, we first noticed a sign on the interstate indicating an exit to a place called Ave Maria Grotto. We’ve seen it many times since but didn't think much of it until I decided to look it up online because I got tired of wondering to myself what is this place, each and every time I see this sign and then quickly forgetting about it as we drive past it.            As you can see from the photos, to our pleasant surprise, Ave Maria Grotto turned out to be an interesting place to visit. We had intended to just stop by and take a quick look around but ended up spending most of the afternoon there. It was time well spent though. The grounds were pretty and serene. We appreciated all the detailed work at the Grotto of many pilgrimage sites, churches, and statues.       Ave Maria Grotto is located in Cullman, Alabama, at St Bernard Abbey. It was originally built by a monk from the abbey named Br Joseph Zoettl. He used parts found around the house, so to speak, to ma

  …the first bloom of this season from our little garden Wishing you a wonderful day filled with God’s blessings.

  What you need:   1 tablespoon of Extra Virgin Olive Oil 1 pound of beef that’s cut into bite-sizes 1 onion chopped 1 garlic clove, minced 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce 1 packet of Lipton onion mix 1 cup of carrots chopped 2 potatoes that’s cut into bite-sizes 4 cups of water 2 tablespoon of water for mixing Lipton onion mix In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic with the olive oil. Next add in the beef and continue to sauté. In a bowl, mix in a packet of Lipton onion mix with 2 tablespoon of water and 1 table spoon of Worcestershire sauce. Then pour the mixture into the pot with the beef and continue to sauté so that it is mixed in with the meat. Add in the carrots and potatoes next and stir it so it’s combined with the rest of the meat and sauce in the pot. Finally, add 4 cups of water and bring it to a simmer. Simmer until beef and potatoes are tender. Season to taste with salt and pepper if needed, then serve.

  From the liturgical calendar, today is the Annunciation to the Blessed Virgin Mary.  The passage from Luke above provides a little bit of insight into what happened today so many, many years ago. If you would like to find out more, please continue reading Luke if you’re not familiar with it. In short, because of Mary’s “yes”, the journey continued. These events were always prophesied from the very beginning, and yet, no one was really prepared for it all when it finally happened.  I’m grateful that it happened; I’m joyful for the Annunciation. As we are still in the season of Easter, Eastertide, I continue to be joyful to even be a part of this journey of faith. The Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary reflect these events. If you’re not familiar with the Rosary, have you considered giving it a try? I think back on the alternative, on those days before I returned to Catholicism, and the difference is night and day. Faith is a gift, but it will not stay if you do not nurture it.  Furthermor