Winter has come early this year here in “the north Country,” as we sometimes call our area. Snow covers the ground and the temperatures, too, have been below average.

Thus it was that when Sr. Elaine went out shopping last night she was dressed warmly with coat and gloves, and yes, even a winter cap over her veil.

She was off to get some grocery items the night before Thanksgiving. This special trip was inspired largely by the fact that our Sisters from Rugby, ND were on their way to spend the holiday weekend with us. She wanted to make sure she was ready for the joyous occasion. Certainly, no one would go hungry.

At the checkout counter, she explained to the clerk, “We’re getting company,” as a reason for the significant amount of commodities she was purchasing.

To this, the clerk (not noticing her religious garb which was mostly covered by winter wear), responded by inquiring, “Are the grand-kids coming?”

In the salesclerks’ defense, the question was in keeping with the Thanksgiving lyrics of “Over the river and through the woods, to Grandmother’s house we go.”