Wednesday This and That

Raspberries are ripening, and we're back to nice and cooler weather. 

By late afternoon yesterday, most of the brisk winds had died down, and the skies are blue with pretty white clouds again. 

The late afternoon weather improvement meant that we could meet at Hawkins beach at Sunnyside for the annual "let's get together with Cindy" gathering. 

"Cindy" is Cindy Wooden, and she's in town this month on vacation from her duties as Vatican bureau chief for Catholic News Service. 

We had a great time at the beach sitting around a fire, nibbling on treats, catching up with one another and learning what's new at the Vatican. 

It's always fun to visit with Cindy and learn about her amazing job which has taken her all over the world while covering each Pope since she moved to Rome in 1989.  

And, by the way, the views of Lake Pend Oreille weren't too bad either. 

Thanks, Mitzi, for hosting the party. 

Cindy Wooden

Peacocks came for a brief visit yesterday. 

The bales in bright green grass with mountains and Poelstra barns in the background looked mighty pretty late yesterday afteroon. 

Gonzaga University has a new president who started work yesterday.  Here's a portion of what she had to say in her initial letter to the Gonzaga faithful. 

I like her very true thoughts a lot. 

Today, more than ever, we live in a world that cries out for a deeper sense of connection, hope, and servant leadership. This is why our work together is so important, so essential to the health and wellbeing of our society. 

Education has the power to transform the lives of multiple generations, to enable individuals to make choices to drive their own destiny rather than being driven by others or external circumstances. 

At a time when higher education is facing many challenges, the Jesuit tradition teaches us to engage with courage, compassion, and critical reflection – to be men and women for and with others. 

I am committed to walking this path with you, as we shape a University that both inspires and serves, rooted in faith and integrity.

Dr. Katia Passerini,

New President of Gonzaga University

~~~~~

Annie's Travel Photos:  Today Annie has added a new country to her list:  Croatia.  Yesterday she visited the a fascinating and impressive cave in Slovenia. 

https://www.postojnska-jama.eu/en/