Happy Birthday, Strep, and a Lovely Gift

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Happy Birthday dear Papa. Do you know how happy we are that you have graced us with your presence, especially on your birthday?

When our pope was selected, like many other Catholics around the world I wondered why he chose the name Benedict. At first, I thought that it was because he was born under Pope Benedict XV, but he was actually born just a few years after Pope Benedict XVI, during Pope Pius XI. And shortly after our Pope was selected, he explained his choice (something about following in the footsteps of Benedict XV in fighting Modernism). But, today I discovered that our pope was born on the Feast of St. Benedict Joseph, the beggar. I can't help but think there might be a connection -- with our pope's birth name and his papal name, and the obviously humble nature of St. Benedict Joseph.

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No strep -- just a nasty cold, I guess. Peach is still feverish and now we've both progressed to a runny nose and sneezing. She's up early this morning -- too much laying around yesterday, I suppose -- so, I think a nap may be in order for the both of us this afternoon. I think the throwing up was from the fever. She tends to do that if the fever hits a threshold around 101 degrees, so I'll keep her Tylenol-ized today.

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And on a really happy note (the happy notes of my children and I), I have to share this picture of a lovely gift from my friend Deborah from County Offaly, Ireland. It arrived just when we needed a little pick-me-up, and it is just that. The children (and Doug -- because I caught him sneaking) love the chocolates (with calcium -- yea!) and the tea is just what my cold needs -- a teaspoon of sugar and a short glug of milk -- aaahhhh! Thank you, Deborah!


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