I had a great trip to St. Mary’s county on Thursday, the 17th. I stopped in to see Marie and Maggie on the way down and had a nice visit. I slept well and on Friday got on the road to visit people. I went to see the Robrecht’s but no one was home. I visited Dameron Day Care II and had a great time. I caught up on the Norris family and the Slade family. How can these kids get so old and I am still the same. I went to St. Cecilia’s and got a chance to see Fr. Scott, the pastor and Mrs. Spelz, the secretary and caught up on her kids. I went to the Smith’s but again no one was home. I must learn to let people know when I am coming down. I did surprise Judy Raley with a visit and she was home and we sat and talked and “caught up”. I went to Lila and Dan’s for the faculty party for the staff at St. Michael’s. It was great to see old friends and meet new faculty. They play a “gift exchange” and it is always fun – as it was today. I went by and spent a lovely time with Muffin and John Padukiewicz’s. Their two boys are home and we all had a great visit. Then I went to Brenda and Heavy’s for cards. It was like old times and I had a ball. I haven’t played cards in over a year and I miss the fun! The Fenhagens, Mrs. Blair and Mrs. Clark were there Mrs. Clarke and I were – I think – the winners. We played for about 4 hours. I got back to the hotel around 11:30 and was asleep almost at once.
On Saturday, the 19th, I drove up and had a family baptism at noon. Keep Reid Patrick and his family in your prayers. It was great to see my cousins and I felt badly that I couldn’t join them at The Dubliner but I needed a nap. I had the 5:30pm Mass and the deacon preached, so I went to bed early.
On Sunday, the 20th, I drove out to visit an elderly gentleman, named Bill. He use to come here and I know his son-in-law from St. Camillus days. Unfortunately, he seems to have dementia but I was glad I went and gave him a blessing. Keep him and his family in your prayers. It is so sad to see bright people get “lost” and confused. I came home and got in my PJ’s and spent the rest of the day relaxing in my suite.
On Monday, I came to the seniors’ luncheon and it was great to see and talk with them. I didn’t stay to eat as I was taking the stuff for a baptism down to Knollwood. A baby is coming from Singapore and will be baptized by a Jesuit in the chapel there, so her great grandmother can be there. I think it will happen on the Saturday after Christmas. I had supper with the guys in the rectory.
On Tuesday, the 22nd, I tried to get my desk and office cleaned up. Had the evening Mass.
On Wednesday, the 23rd, I had the 6:30am Mass so I could get on the road early. I met Maggie, Marie, and Mary Ann in Columbia at Toby’s dinner theatre. We joined Linda, Mary Ann’s college roommate and two other lady friends. We say “A Wonderful Life – the Musical”. It was great. I had planned to go to Frederick and meet some friends but the fog and rain made me decide to cancel out. I was in bed early.
Thursday – Christmas eve – I had the 8am Mass and “napped” much of the day. I had the 6pm Mass. It was mobbed and they were standing 3 and 4 deep on the sides and back. Must have been about 900 people there. Maggie, Mike, and Sue tried to attend but couldn’t get into the church. They came back for the 8pm and I got a chance to visit with them before Mass. Then I took a nap and came back to concelebrate the Midnight. Fr. Alec, who came back from Rome preached and it was excellent. I had a great day. I went to bed around 3am.
As I write this, I am getting ready to say the 10:30am Mass. I will stay around the house today – eating turkey sandwiches and watching TV. I have 4 baptisms this weekend.
I prayed for all of you at the Midnight Mass. Hope you are having a blessed Christmas with family and friends.
Merry Christmas…a day late. Happy to read you were able to reconnect with friends and family this month!