This evening the weather in the Cincinnati area is making a drastic change. We have been enjoying daytime highs in the 70s with lows in the 50s. This evening it is storming and the temperature is dropping. For the rest of Holy Week we are expecting highs in the 40s and lows in the 20s. BUT, last week was GORGEOUS. I took a couple of days at our house at Lake Lorelei about an hour east of Cincinnati. The shot at the left was taken off our back porch as a duck slowly swam through the lake. on the right you can see a shot of our Lake Lorelei Friary.

I found the time at the lake to be very relaxing and prayerful. I guess that is the Franciscan in me; nature turns my mind naturally to thoughts of God and prayer. My preference are the mountains or the desert of the southwest, but I can't always get to the ideal spot. I need to find God and commune with him wherever I am. And Lake Lorelei is a good spot in this part of the country.

Out on the point at the edge of our property someone has created a setting for a statue of Saint Francis. (I'm not sure which friars did this, but it is a very nice setting out where all on the lake can view it.) I find it very curious that that is the spot where a couple of geese have decided to make their nest and hatch their eggs. Sitting out there in the open with Saint Francis overlooking their nest, the two of them alternate sitting on the eggs and warding off intruders--including any friars who may want to get too close to get a better view.

Time for R and R always seems too short and goes by quickly, but I enjoyed the 48 hours I had there. I found God and myself in fruitful conversation about the mysteries of this Holy Week. I'm thankful for the opportunity.