There's no place like home ...

This week I was on the Hill (Saint Meinrad)for several days for Community meetings. I didn't realize how much I missed the locale of Southern Indiana until I drove down into the hills with all the trees and farms and QUIET. When I got out of the car Monday morning, I was immediately struck by the deafening silence on the Hill ... it was wonderful. The days were cool and clear with a nice breeze, and I spent a good bit of time walking around outside.

The meetings themselves went well ... not that we came to any great resolutions or conclusions, but good discussion was had. A number of us "expositi" (those placed outside the Monastery) were home. Unfortunately, a number of people who usually are at home weren't ... go figure.

After the meeting on Tuesday evening, I asked the monk who was assigned to have Mass for the Sisters at Ferdinand on Wednesday if I could take the Mass over there ... he looked somewhat puzzled and asked "Why?" and I said "Because I miss them." The Sisters were quite surprised when I walked out onto the Altar, and I got to visit with a number of themn after Mass. After Breakfast I went up to their Infirmary to check on a few Sisters and had a nice quick visit up there. Several of the Sisters mentioned that they read this blog occasionally ... and I remarked "Probably more like when I occasionally post something." I haven't kept touch with them very well, but I haven't kept touch with alot of people lately ... ask my Family.

These are "high holy days" here in Indy ... this is RACE WEEKEND. As I sit typing, the streets around the Cathedral are blocked off for staging areas and parking for participants in the parade. The parade used to come past the Cathedreal, but now "de-stages" two blocks south. Streets are supposed to be open and cleared in plenty of time for folks to get here for 5pm Mass. A Parishioner invited me to go to the track for Carburation Day with him yesterday (Friday) but I was booked up. No, I'm not going to the race tomorrow, either. I understand I'll be able to hear the roar of the race from here, though ...

No plans for Memorial Day ... if the weather is good, I have more flowers to plant. I also need to get some new stuff to replace the shrubs I cut down. I think I'm gonna go with holly bushes ... I found some at a good price at Home Depot.

When I got in the car on Wednesday to drive back to Indy, there was a big part of me that wanted to stay there. When I mentioned it to one of the staff, she said "Well, then, we just won't let you go home anymore." I have no idea what I'll do when I go back next year (they seem to be needing dishwashers these days) but that's OK. For the next year this is my assignment, and it's good ... but there's no place like home.