Blustery Halloween

I do enjoy Halloween. I enjoyed it long before it became a highly popular commercial holiday. I have my bedroom fireplace decorated with orange lights and many pumpkin shapes. Orange is my favorite color and autumn is a splendid time of year. All the colors dazzle brightly before they gently give away to winter's brilliance.

I am recovered from my jet lag, but I desired to remain in bed this morning because it was a soft, leisurely day. I was on call to say Mass, but in the end, I was not needed. The other mass I was to attend was cancelled because of the snow. I used the morning profitably by cleaning up emails and doing some paperwork. Nothing seems to be pressing my schedule.

Yesterday I went to Logan airport to collect two pilgrims from their return trip to Spain. I missed them. I think they were on a later flight that was delayed.

I enjoyed being at the airport, however. I watched all the smiles as travelers were greeted by friends and loved ones at the terminal. One woman sobbed when her male friend arrived. Another woman rushed to greet her husband, but was stopped abruptly when she saw her two daughters holding up a child-made welcome-home sign. Others were silent as they approached each other and kissed tenderly. Many beautiful expressions of love are captured at the terminal. It is so nice to have a happy face greet you when you return.

Back at the retreat house, I'm happy to say we did not receive any snow, but the waves are very active. I just want to lazingly flit away the hours as I watch them roar and crash.  The sun is strong but it is cool outside. It will be a good temperature for an hour's worth of outdoor yard clean-up.

Next weekend, I'm happy to host the Jesuit provincial of Australia. He will visit other Jesuits who are studying and teaching in the U.S., but they will come visit the retreat house because they've heard so much about it.

Life feels good. I'm still thrilled with the graces I received from the Ignatian trip to Spain. I keep thinking I see my fellow pilgrims wherever I go. The mind plays tricks all too often. I'm just blessed that Christ can save all these things in my memory.

I tallied 2,810 photos that I took on the pilgrimage to Spain.