No ... I'm back in Indy, but with more snow that I saw in either Finland or Switzerland. Over the course of last night and this morning, we got over ten inches of snow ... lovely. It was supposed to continue through midday, but actually let up by late morning. This afternoon, the sun is shining through scattered clouds. Needless to say, the city was pretty well shut down today.
The trip home was uneventful. The flight from Zurich to Chicago wasn't completely full, and I was fortunate enough to have an empty seat beside me. I watched two movies and did some work on an upcoming project. Yesterday I unpacked, did some laundry, went through the mail, and started to get caught up on things. The snow day today provided for another relaxed day to just putz around nad tend to odds 'n ends. One of the things I need to do soon is transfer my photos off the camera and onto a CD, and see which ones I want to print off.
But for now, I've got a big pot of chili on for supper ...
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Winding down
Just got out of Mass for the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul. The Abbot presided and preached (I actually understood a few words) there was a large mixed choir of men and women (from the surrounding area, I guess) and a brass quintet. It was definitely a High Mass. I didn't even mind my cold nose and ears. On this Feast of St. Paul, I especially prayed for all the folks of Sts. Peter & Paul Cathedral Parish in Indy.
The sky is a clear blue and the sun is shining brightly.
This afternoon I'm gonna make one more swing through the Monastery Gift Shop, then start to pack.
In the morning, I'll probably attend Lauds "in civvies" so I can head for the train station right after. I want to get to the airport plenty early to request an exit row seat, or maybe even an upgrade ... anything to get a little more leg room. I fly Zurich to Chicago, then Chicago to Indy. If all goes according to plan, I'm supposed to be in Indy around 8:30pm, which will be 1:30am "body time." It will be a long day.
My visit to the Mutterabtei has been everything I wanted and needed it to be ... restful, prayerful and educational. I'm grateful for the opprtunity, the permission and the means to make it happen.
So having drunk deeply of the monastic tradition here, I head back to the parish for a few more months. The plan is that I'll return to Saint Meinrad around the first of July. As for what I'll be doing then ... God knows... the Abbot isn't telling and I'm not asking ... there's plenty for me to do till then.
The sky is a clear blue and the sun is shining brightly.
This afternoon I'm gonna make one more swing through the Monastery Gift Shop, then start to pack.
In the morning, I'll probably attend Lauds "in civvies" so I can head for the train station right after. I want to get to the airport plenty early to request an exit row seat, or maybe even an upgrade ... anything to get a little more leg room. I fly Zurich to Chicago, then Chicago to Indy. If all goes according to plan, I'm supposed to be in Indy around 8:30pm, which will be 1:30am "body time." It will be a long day.
My visit to the Mutterabtei has been everything I wanted and needed it to be ... restful, prayerful and educational. I'm grateful for the opprtunity, the permission and the means to make it happen.
So having drunk deeply of the monastic tradition here, I head back to the parish for a few more months. The plan is that I'll return to Saint Meinrad around the first of July. As for what I'll be doing then ... God knows... the Abbot isn't telling and I'm not asking ... there's plenty for me to do till then.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Saturday evening
Yesterday afternoon's rain turned to sleet then to snow, but there wasn't much accumulation overnight. Late in the evening there were fierce winds, but turned out to be all sound and little snow. Cloudy today.
This morning I went exploring some other parts of the village, and found another grocery store, which of course I explored carefully. I was out looking for an Einsiedeln t-shirt, but none werre to be found. The tourist office had one, but it was very plain and I wasn't gonna pay the money.
This afternoon I got a special tour of the church with Father Wolfgang. He's in his 80's now, and was Guestmaster here for over 34 years ... he is well known to any monks of Saint Meinrad who ever passed through Einsiedeln in the last 50 years. I had asked him if he'd walk through the church with me, since I had some questions about things, and he was pleased to oblige. We made an appointment for 3:15, so I made sure to be there by 3:12 ...he was waiting. (StM Monks will understand the significance of that.) His memory is sharp, his English fluent, and he spits out pieces of history with ease. It was a very enjoyable time. He told me the other day that he's been undergoing treatment for bone cancer, but seems to be holding his own for now.
Supper last night was interesting ...at first I thought it was gonna be something like french toast ... not quite. It was toasted slices of bread soaked in warmed, spiced red wine. It was accompanied by a very nice rice pudding. Supper is the light meal here anyway, and Friday is traditionally a pentitential day, but this was ... well ... an interesting take on both. The midday meal was somewhat puttanesca (chunks of tuna with tomatoes, onions and olives) without the pasta ... quite tasty.
They eat alot of bread and cheese here ... brown breads with wodnerful crust, and a variety of hard cheeses. It will be hard to find bread like this at home, and the Cathedral Rectory food budget can't afford the cheeses (at least regularly) so I'm enjoying it while I got it.
This morning I went exploring some other parts of the village, and found another grocery store, which of course I explored carefully. I was out looking for an Einsiedeln t-shirt, but none werre to be found. The tourist office had one, but it was very plain and I wasn't gonna pay the money.
This afternoon I got a special tour of the church with Father Wolfgang. He's in his 80's now, and was Guestmaster here for over 34 years ... he is well known to any monks of Saint Meinrad who ever passed through Einsiedeln in the last 50 years. I had asked him if he'd walk through the church with me, since I had some questions about things, and he was pleased to oblige. We made an appointment for 3:15, so I made sure to be there by 3:12 ...he was waiting. (StM Monks will understand the significance of that.) His memory is sharp, his English fluent, and he spits out pieces of history with ease. It was a very enjoyable time. He told me the other day that he's been undergoing treatment for bone cancer, but seems to be holding his own for now.
Supper last night was interesting ...at first I thought it was gonna be something like french toast ... not quite. It was toasted slices of bread soaked in warmed, spiced red wine. It was accompanied by a very nice rice pudding. Supper is the light meal here anyway, and Friday is traditionally a pentitential day, but this was ... well ... an interesting take on both. The midday meal was somewhat puttanesca (chunks of tuna with tomatoes, onions and olives) without the pasta ... quite tasty.
They eat alot of bread and cheese here ... brown breads with wodnerful crust, and a variety of hard cheeses. It will be hard to find bread like this at home, and the Cathedral Rectory food budget can't afford the cheeses (at least regularly) so I'm enjoying it while I got it.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Have I mentioned ...
...that there is no heat in the Abbey Church of Maria Einsiedeln? I don't mean the heat isn't working ... I mean there IS NO HEAT in the church... EVER. One can literally see one's breath when singing or reciting. I saw a thermometer today that said 10 degrees celsius ... so that's what, somewhere in the low 40's? Given my high tolerance for cool and cold temperatures, I haven't found it too bad ... until today. By the end of Mass my feet were getting cold and my nose and ears were quite cold. It puts a new spin on "old world charm." But I'm still loving it.
I'm really enjoying the food here ...with traditional monastic style service at meals, there is a certain portion control in effect, but that's OK. I could get used to this style of meals, and would greatly benefit from the imposed portion control. I lament our loss of the family style meal in the Monastery at home ... with regular buffet service it's much too easy to eat too much, and I do.
The fare here is very simple and very flavorful. I have yet to salt my food ... and those who know me understand the significance of that.
I'm supposed to meet Brother Edward at the stables in a bit. Alas, this afternoon it is raining, but I hear more snow is coming. I hope, I hope, I hope ....
I'm really enjoying the food here ...with traditional monastic style service at meals, there is a certain portion control in effect, but that's OK. I could get used to this style of meals, and would greatly benefit from the imposed portion control. I lament our loss of the family style meal in the Monastery at home ... with regular buffet service it's much too easy to eat too much, and I do.
The fare here is very simple and very flavorful. I have yet to salt my food ... and those who know me understand the significance of that.
I'm supposed to meet Brother Edward at the stables in a bit. Alas, this afternoon it is raining, but I hear more snow is coming. I hope, I hope, I hope ....
Thursday, January 22, 2009
All is bright
A glorious crisp, sunny day. I was out walking in the village this morning, hitting a couple of grocery stores ... one more like our small city supermarkets, the other not unlike the OLD Modern Store in Saint Meinrad. I picked up a few things to snack on in my room these next days. Got lots of pics as I came back up around the monastery.
One of the monks is gonna take me through the stables tomorrow and show me his favorite horses. He has a broad interest in things hooved, and is a member of the Swiss Mule Society.
I'm inclined not to make any side trips this time ... I'm quite content just to hang out and absorb. And, since I'm on holiday (as they say) take naps.
One of the monks is gonna take me through the stables tomorrow and show me his favorite horses. He has a broad interest in things hooved, and is a member of the Swiss Mule Society.
I'm inclined not to make any side trips this time ... I'm quite content just to hang out and absorb. And, since I'm on holiday (as they say) take naps.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Elegance
Saint Meinrad Day at the Mother Abbey has been a grand experience. They do it up right, all with elegant style and nothing is ever overdone. Good church. Good food. Gracious hospitality with "old world charm". Too much to go into here.
For Second Vespers I was an Assistant to Abbot Martin. (We were ordained Deacons together at Saint Meinrad when he was a student with us.) It was an honor to be asked and a BIG thrill. At the end of Vespers, the silver reliquary which contains St. Meinrad's skull was carried in procession through the Church to the Lady Chapel for the Salve Regina. Then the procession with the Relic moves back through the Church to the Altar area. All this processing is done while responding to polyphonic invocations sung by the Schola. Awesome.
When I logged on to check the email a bit ago I found word that Brother Stephen Shidler died this morning at Saint Meinrad. Stevie lived in the Infirmay just below my room in the Monastery. I had helped take care of him when I worked in the Infirmary before my Sabbatical, and would always stop by to see him whenever I was home from Indy. God rest his soul ... Needless to say, I will miss the funeral, but will lift him up before God from here.
There was light snow on and off through the day, but this evening the skies have cleared a bit. I have no idea what the forecast is, and I don't care ... I'm just enjoying what we got as we get it.
For Second Vespers I was an Assistant to Abbot Martin. (We were ordained Deacons together at Saint Meinrad when he was a student with us.) It was an honor to be asked and a BIG thrill. At the end of Vespers, the silver reliquary which contains St. Meinrad's skull was carried in procession through the Church to the Lady Chapel for the Salve Regina. Then the procession with the Relic moves back through the Church to the Altar area. All this processing is done while responding to polyphonic invocations sung by the Schola. Awesome.
When I logged on to check the email a bit ago I found word that Brother Stephen Shidler died this morning at Saint Meinrad. Stevie lived in the Infirmay just below my room in the Monastery. I had helped take care of him when I worked in the Infirmary before my Sabbatical, and would always stop by to see him whenever I was home from Indy. God rest his soul ... Needless to say, I will miss the funeral, but will lift him up before God from here.
There was light snow on and off through the day, but this evening the skies have cleared a bit. I have no idea what the forecast is, and I don't care ... I'm just enjoying what we got as we get it.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Schnee
I arrived at the Mother Abbey just in time for Abendessen (Supper) yesterday (Monday). It had been a long day of travelling, so I was in bed early and slept very well.
Much to my delight, I found it to be snowing steadily when I arose for Lauds this morning ... and it snowed most of the day. I took lots of pictures when I was out walking this afternoon.
Tomorrow is the Solemnity of Saint Meinrad, which is, of course, a major feast day here. I am looking forward to seeing how they do things up.
This will have to be short ... almost time for Abendessen.
Much to my delight, I found it to be snowing steadily when I arose for Lauds this morning ... and it snowed most of the day. I took lots of pictures when I was out walking this afternoon.
Tomorrow is the Solemnity of Saint Meinrad, which is, of course, a major feast day here. I am looking forward to seeing how they do things up.
This will have to be short ... almost time for Abendessen.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Drum Practice
Just got back from dinner at a Viking theme restaurant here in Jyvaskyla. Between the appetizer sampler and the entrees, I had a variety of things ... fried goat cheese, smoked reindeer heart, a couple different kinds of fish (smoked and marinated), mead (honey beer), and wild boar. The sides were a nice cheesy potato casserole, roasted rutabaga and carrots, and a fresh rhubarb sauce.
Now we're home and settled in for the evening. Drew is practicing his drums, Steve is watching some TV, Barbara is working on the computer, and I have a batch of laundry in the washer. I need to repack this evening, since we have to leave the house by 7:00 tomorrow morning for the train station.
Mass at St. Olav's was nice... there were about 30 people. Drew served. Afterward, there was coffee and cakes and I visited with people from Finland, Venezuela, India and France. The Pastor is a priest of the Diocese of Rome (Italy) who has been loaned out for mission work in Finland for the past ten years or so. The young man from France remarked that he was surprised when I introduced myself as a monk from the US ... I said we have a saying at home *Join the monastery and see the world.* He laughed.
Tomorrow I take the train to Helsinki, fly to Zurich via Berlin, then get a train to Einsiedeln. If things go according to schedule, I should be in Einsiedeln at 6:12pm (the trains are very precise). It's supposed to start snowing here this evening, so that should make for a scenic trip south to Helsinki.'
Drum practice is over ... in a small house, 15 minutes is a long time.
Now we're home and settled in for the evening. Drew is practicing his drums, Steve is watching some TV, Barbara is working on the computer, and I have a batch of laundry in the washer. I need to repack this evening, since we have to leave the house by 7:00 tomorrow morning for the train station.
Mass at St. Olav's was nice... there were about 30 people. Drew served. Afterward, there was coffee and cakes and I visited with people from Finland, Venezuela, India and France. The Pastor is a priest of the Diocese of Rome (Italy) who has been loaned out for mission work in Finland for the past ten years or so. The young man from France remarked that he was surprised when I introduced myself as a monk from the US ... I said we have a saying at home *Join the monastery and see the world.* He laughed.
Tomorrow I take the train to Helsinki, fly to Zurich via Berlin, then get a train to Einsiedeln. If things go according to schedule, I should be in Einsiedeln at 6:12pm (the trains are very precise). It's supposed to start snowing here this evening, so that should make for a scenic trip south to Helsinki.'
Drum practice is over ... in a small house, 15 minutes is a long time.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Finnish Nightlife
Yesterday evening Steve took me downtown to a couple of his favorite places, and through the course of the evening we met up with a number of his colleagues and friends. Finnish pub food and beers together with WIDE ranging conversations was the evening's fare. Most of the time, English was the language around the table, although there were a couple of times when a non-English speaker joined the group and Finnish prevailed. It was a fun evening, and I was surprised how late it was when we got home. How late you may ask? VERY LATE.
This morning Drew had Religious Ed at church. He's preparing for his First Communion. I slept in (see entry above).
I'm cooking supper today ... braised leg of lamb with root vegetables. I think we're going to crank up the sauna before supper, and then watch a movie after we eat.
The Mass in English is at Noon tomorrow .. I told Barbara I would write the Petitions. She's in charge of music.
This morning Drew had Religious Ed at church. He's preparing for his First Communion. I slept in (see entry above).
I'm cooking supper today ... braised leg of lamb with root vegetables. I think we're going to crank up the sauna before supper, and then watch a movie after we eat.
The Mass in English is at Noon tomorrow .. I told Barbara I would write the Petitions. She's in charge of music.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Mämmi
Yesterday's culinary adventure involved mämmi. Think of Guinness Stout in a pudding consistency and with no alcohol. Finnish lore has it that mämmi goes back to the 17th century, maybe Germany, but probably brought to Finland by Swedish Catholics. Germany and Sweden have let go of it, but Finns have held onto it, and while it can be enjoyed anytime of the year it is especially linked to Lent and Easter. We bought it pre-made, so I looked up the recipe on the web. It's a very long and complicated process, taking many hours ... slowly incorporating rye flour, malt and water in stages allowing it to sit and *sweeten* inbetween stages. Then it's seasoned with grated orange rind and a bit of molasses, whipped and baked. Mämmi is served cold with sugar and whole cream. It's not something I'd want to make a regular diet of, but is good once in a while.
Today was indeed sunny, at least where you could get high enough in the hills to see the sun, since it's very low in the sky this time of year. This afternoon, Barbara dropped me off at Drew's after-school program and the two of us walked home. It's about 20 degrees F, which made for a brisk walk ... about half an hour from school to the house. I got some good photos of the frost-laden trees. I also got some photos of a snowbow ... like a rainbow only different , with the sun reflecting through the frozen fog.
Today was indeed sunny, at least where you could get high enough in the hills to see the sun, since it's very low in the sky this time of year. This afternoon, Barbara dropped me off at Drew's after-school program and the two of us walked home. It's about 20 degrees F, which made for a brisk walk ... about half an hour from school to the house. I got some good photos of the frost-laden trees. I also got some photos of a snowbow ... like a rainbow only different , with the sun reflecting through the frozen fog.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Amerikkalainen*
* Finnish for American.
Drew wanted to go to Captain Hook's ... so that's what we did. It's an American-kitsch place based on the Disney movie Captain Hook, but with posters of Johnny Depp's pirate movies and others around. They're reputed to have great ribs, but last night were out of them, so I took Drew's suggestion and had the fissherman's platter ... lots of fried shrimp and calamari, with coleslaw and cross-cut fries. I had Finnish beer (amber, very smooth) to wash it all down.
Drum lesson was fun ... Drew's teacher is a young music student who has played with some of the Finnish jazz greats. It was even more interesting to hear/see Drew and his teacher converse and interact in fluent Finnish. Barbara and I just sat over to the side (with headphones to dampen the sound) and watched.
My sleep cycle is still outta whack, and I found myself wide awake at 3am again. So I got up and reviewed German grammar for an hour or so, and read a little bit before dozing off again. Around 7:00, I heard the family stirring so got up to see Drew off for school.
This afternoon, Steve is having two Vietnamese students over to go through some photos he has from when his father was in the Air Force during the Viet Nam war. One or the other of the students is from the area of the Air Force Base, and Steve is curious to see if they can identify some places and maybe even people ... it is kind of a "small world" situation.
It has gotten cold (around Zero, Fahrenheit) but is not supposed to snow again till next week. I'm told we may see some sun today, but it's only Noon and it just got really light a little bit ago, so I'm still waiting.
Drew wanted to go to Captain Hook's ... so that's what we did. It's an American-kitsch place based on the Disney movie Captain Hook, but with posters of Johnny Depp's pirate movies and others around. They're reputed to have great ribs, but last night were out of them, so I took Drew's suggestion and had the fissherman's platter ... lots of fried shrimp and calamari, with coleslaw and cross-cut fries. I had Finnish beer (amber, very smooth) to wash it all down.
Drum lesson was fun ... Drew's teacher is a young music student who has played with some of the Finnish jazz greats. It was even more interesting to hear/see Drew and his teacher converse and interact in fluent Finnish. Barbara and I just sat over to the side (with headphones to dampen the sound) and watched.
My sleep cycle is still outta whack, and I found myself wide awake at 3am again. So I got up and reviewed German grammar for an hour or so, and read a little bit before dozing off again. Around 7:00, I heard the family stirring so got up to see Drew off for school.
This afternoon, Steve is having two Vietnamese students over to go through some photos he has from when his father was in the Air Force during the Viet Nam war. One or the other of the students is from the area of the Air Force Base, and Steve is curious to see if they can identify some places and maybe even people ... it is kind of a "small world" situation.
It has gotten cold (around Zero, Fahrenheit) but is not supposed to snow again till next week. I'm told we may see some sun today, but it's only Noon and it just got really light a little bit ago, so I'm still waiting.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Finlandia
Needless to say, yesterday was a sleepy day. It was nice to just lay on the couch and snooze on and off. They don't have Food Channel, but I did find some cooking shows on BBC, and I watched a bit of the news in German. Barbara wanted to have chili for supper, so I pulled that together in the afternoon ... at times having to taste spices on the shelf to make sure what I was getting, since the Finnish names were unrecognizable to me. Drew got home from school around 3:30 (it was already getting dark) then he introduced me to his new wii games. After supper and homework, we made cookies (a Finnish gingerbread type) and had Glögi (a spiced fruit drink served warm with raisins and slivered almonds).
I have the day to myself again ... Drew is at school,. Barb is at work, and Steve is off to meet with a student. This afternoon, we'll pick Drew up from school then go to his drum lesson before going out for supper. Drew gets to pick the restaurant.
Yesterday I started reviewing a bit of German grammar ... I haven't much opportunity to keep up with what I started to learn on my sabbatical, so I planned to use these days on my own to brush up on a few things before getting to Einsiedeln. I brought a concise grammar/dictionary and the Liturgy of the Hours in German with me, and I figured watching the German news might help tune my ear a bit ... maybe ... I hope.
The neighborhood is extremely quiet with very little traffic... no sirens or busses, which is quite the change from my recent living situation in downtown Indy. There were a few flurries this morning, and it's supposed to get really cold again tonight, so maybe I'll get to try out my new gloves soon.
But now I feel a nap coming on ....
I have the day to myself again ... Drew is at school,. Barb is at work, and Steve is off to meet with a student. This afternoon, we'll pick Drew up from school then go to his drum lesson before going out for supper. Drew gets to pick the restaurant.
Yesterday I started reviewing a bit of German grammar ... I haven't much opportunity to keep up with what I started to learn on my sabbatical, so I planned to use these days on my own to brush up on a few things before getting to Einsiedeln. I brought a concise grammar/dictionary and the Liturgy of the Hours in German with me, and I figured watching the German news might help tune my ear a bit ... maybe ... I hope.
The neighborhood is extremely quiet with very little traffic... no sirens or busses, which is quite the change from my recent living situation in downtown Indy. There were a few flurries this morning, and it's supposed to get really cold again tonight, so maybe I'll get to try out my new gloves soon.
But now I feel a nap coming on ....
Monday, January 12, 2009
Long time no blog ...
OK, so I fell through on keeping this together. But here's news ... I'm on the loose again. Yes, this is coming to you from Jyvaskyla, Finland. I arrived yesterday (Monday, 12 January) and will be here for a week before moving on to Einisedeln, Switzerland for a week.
The short version of the story is that back in July when I was home for my Jubilee Celebration, I asked the Abbot if I could see Finland and Switzerland in winter. And he said yes. So here I am ... spending time with my Godson, Drew, and his parents Barbara and Steve. Then I will be at the Motherhouse for the Solemnity of Saint Meinrad. I return to Indianapolis on Monday, 26 January.
So there are a few things to catch up on, and I hope to do that while here.
In the meantime, suffice it to say that my trip over this time was far less eventful than the first time >Julian went on the loose ... no long delays of sitting on the tarmac for hours. While the planes were full )PACKED, actually) everything was pretty much on schedule. It was, however, a VERY long trip ... flying Indy to Chicago to Munich to Helsinki, then three hours by train to Jyvaskyla.
Unfortunately, the winter wonderland of Finland is a slushy mess right now, as they have had a solid day of rain with temperatures just above freezing. But it's supposed to get cold again this week, so hopefully there will be snow.
So for now, pass the word that Julian is on the loose again and stay tuned.
The short version of the story is that back in July when I was home for my Jubilee Celebration, I asked the Abbot if I could see Finland and Switzerland in winter. And he said yes. So here I am ... spending time with my Godson, Drew, and his parents Barbara and Steve. Then I will be at the Motherhouse for the Solemnity of Saint Meinrad. I return to Indianapolis on Monday, 26 January.
So there are a few things to catch up on, and I hope to do that while here.
In the meantime, suffice it to say that my trip over this time was far less eventful than the first time >Julian went on the loose ... no long delays of sitting on the tarmac for hours. While the planes were full )PACKED, actually) everything was pretty much on schedule. It was, however, a VERY long trip ... flying Indy to Chicago to Munich to Helsinki, then three hours by train to Jyvaskyla.
Unfortunately, the winter wonderland of Finland is a slushy mess right now, as they have had a solid day of rain with temperatures just above freezing. But it's supposed to get cold again this week, so hopefully there will be snow.
So for now, pass the word that Julian is on the loose again and stay tuned.
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