While I was in Cambridge, I got some information on my Ipad that I should “update” to something. I followed the instructions (which I am not usually good at) and I think it told me I was now in a “cloud”. Well, whatever I did; when I got home and tried to open my Ipad, I received a message that said, “The Ipad is disabled, connect on Itune”. No one, including the young priest knows what to do – and so I haven’t had my Ipad for over a week.
That kind of explains why I haven’t written in over a week.
On Friday, the 8th, I met with Kevin, who is meeting with me to received Eucharist and Confirmation. He is using Joe’s book and loves it.
Then I went to a pub on Capitol Hill and met with Mike Donaghue and his friends. Mike roomed at my Mom’s house, while I was in the seminary and he was a student at Catholic U. He is a professor in Chicago but comes to town three times a year and meets with a great group that he was a part of while living in DC. I really enjoyed myself. First, it was great to see Mike and catch up; but then to meet and experience this group was a great time. Too long to write about here, maybe I’ll put it in my Christmas letter.
Friday afternoon, I drove to Philly and met Terry, John, and Joe for supper. It was, as always, a lot of laughs and good to be together. I stayed the night at Joe’s and watched a DVD on Maryknoll Sisters. I enjoyed it so much because I have always thought so much of them; but when you see the film, you learn so much about what they did – way back in the 1930’s in China.
On Saturday, Joe and I went to breakfast at a diner – nothing like a diner in Philly!! Then we drove to DC. We had a chance to talk about our presentation at the NCEA convention in Pittsburgh in April. I dropped him off at Tim’s. They will visit and have dinner and then Joe will return to Philly by train that night.
I came home and had the 5:30pm Mass but did not have to preach as the Deacon was doing that. I went to bed early.
On Sunday, I met my cousins for brunch at Mrs. K’s. My cousin, Lauren lives in Silver Spring but her sister, Sharon and her spouse, Amy and their adorable child, Alexander (who live in NYC) were down for their Dad’s 95th birthday. We had a great time and my cousin, Alex “warmed up” to me and as we said goodbye, I shook his hand but he wanted a hug – so I guess I’m accepted.
At 1pm, I met with Mary Beth and Vance. I am doing their pre-Cana paperwork and giving Vance some instruction – using Joe’s book!
I just lounged around in the afternoon, packed, and went to bed early.
On Monday, I drove down to Maggie’s and she, Marie, JoAnn, and I headed off to Myrtle Beach. It is about 430 miles and takes about 7 hours. We got there and met up with Rick and Shirley Thompson, who had driven up from Atlanta. Marie has a time share and so does Rick (not in the same place but near) and it was right on the ocean. It was very cool. I think in the 30’s but we had a great time. Went to two shows with Christmas themes and played card. I had a great time and we ate well. I did missed my Ipad!!
On Friday, we met at Cracker Barrel for breakfast and everybody headed home. We got to Maggie’s around 6:30 and I came on home. I relaxed and watched TV and went to bed around 11pm. I went to sleep very quickly.
This morning, I had the 8:00am Mass. I preached on Queen Margaret and her kindness to the poor and how she helped her husband to be a better King. I didn’t know that she was born in Hungary but was chosen to be the Queen in England. That didn’t work out, and she was returning to her home, when a storm caused her ship to go aground in Scotland. King Malcolm met and loved her, so they married, had 8 children and Christianized all of Scotland. I like her even more now.
I was suppose to go down to Leonardtown for a TEAM meeting but was just too tired to drive again. After this article is done, I’m going back to bed for awhile. I have confessions at 4pm.
Tomorrow, I am covering the Masses at St. Mary’s in Barnesville as Fr. Kevin is recovering from surgery. Then I am joiong Antonia and John Bass for brunch. Then a nap, and I have the 5:30pm Mass. I’m sure it will be “early to bed” again.
And now you are up to date!!!!and some!!!
You certainly covered a large portion of the I-95 corridor in one week!!! Sounds like a good time was had by all….