What's going on?

Here it is already November 10 and in just a couple weeks we will be giving thanks at Thanksgiving and then we begin the Advent season in preparation for the feast of Christmas. Of course we all know that many of the stores already have their decorations up for Christmas. I hope that most of us can wait a while longer. Advent is a time to prepare and then we celebrate on Christmas.A week or so ago one of our infirmary employees retired after working here for about eight years. Juanita Middleton was a faithful worker for us for those years. We are grateful for her service. On her last day of work we had a little social gathering for monks and infirmary employees to honor her.

Shown above are on the left Ronda Noble R.N. our present

head nurse, Juanita seated, Fr. Kenneth behind her
and Carol Madden, R.N. who retired as head nurse
at the end of June, 2009

This past week the weather has been beautiful with warm days and nights. I'm sure the farmers are happy about that as they have had a chance to get at least most of their grain out of the fields.

Last weekend the seniors were in Kansas City for their experience of the "inner city." They spend time helping at "First Harvest" and then with a group that takes food and clothing to those who live on the street and under bridges.

Brother Mark had heart surgery at North Kansas City Hospital last week. He was just released from intensive care a day or two ago and should be coming home within the next few days.

So far the flu has not really hit us here at the monastery or in the seminary. A few students have been ill for a day or two but seem to get back to normal fairly soon. It will be great if we can avoid an outbreak of that H1N1 flu.

That's about it for now.

If you want to read the oblate blog for this week go to http://www.conceptionabbey.org and then click on "oblates" on the left side of your screen. To go to my photo site click here.