On Monday morning I took a bus to Vienna (Virginia) to meet my aunt who had come to stay with our mutual friends Jeanie and Corky.  The bus ride was long enough – over four hours but passed okay.  I was happy to be going there to meet Mary Margaret.  It’s been a year nearly since we met and, though we talk from time to time and email, there’s nothing really to beat meeting people and being with them.  We had an enjoyable time together.

We had a lovely afternoon and evening together and caught up on and re-visited a lot of Mary Margaret’s stories.  She is an incredible story-teller and seems to meet people wherever she goes and many of them continue to have a place in her life and heart.

On Tuesday the four of us went to “the movies” and watched a movie called “Won’t you be my neighbour?” – the story of Mr Rogers, a minister who produced a TV show for children and ministered to a much wider audience.  I had never heard of him but very much enjoyed the show and coming to learn something of story I’d not known.

Later in the evening we met with Jeanie and Corky’s son, his wife and children and a cousin visiting from Nashville.  I had married Chris and Erin – as it turns out – ten years ago this week.  We had a good time together and the Nashville Girl is quite the singer so we had a song or three!  Enjoyable for sure.

An early start on Wednesday saw me heading back for New York.  I had planned on spending a bit of time there but tiredness took hold so I opted for a train back to Rockville Centre.  Truly glad I had those few days.  It is always good to meet people who matter to me and that’s one of the great enjoyments I have from coming here each year.  People make places!

Went to the city for a while yesterday and just walked around.  Went to a few shops but didn’t do much damage – I think!  I called into MACYS just for the sake of it though, to be honest, I find it a bit overpowering.  I never left the ground floor.  As I walked to the exit I spotted a woman in front of me and, no disrespect intended, my mind went back to secondary school and the old Irish Book we all studied (thought I’ve forgotten almost everything in it at this stage) – I couldn’t help but imagine what Peig Sayers would have made of MACYS!!

I had Mass here this morning and afterwards a parishioner came in to welcome me.  I’ve met her a few times and she is truly a lovely person.  We were chatting when someone came in to tell me I’d not turned off the microphone!  Oops!

This evening I went to a nearby beach – Long Beach – to have a walk.  There is an amazing Boardwalk there – I think it’s over two miles – and is lovely setting.  I thought a walk might not go astray.  As I walked along I thought one of the last times I was there I had gone for a walk with a Franciscan Friar – Fr Kevin Cronin – who was in Rockville Centre with me at the time.  I remembered we had a good chat and a few laughs as we walked along and there was a concert on the beach that we stopped and listened to for a while.  As I walked along, I was happy to be there and enjoyed looking at the variety of people spending time alone or together.  A few smiles here and there but a sense of this being a good place to be.  Next thing!!  Who is in front of me, walking towards me only Kevin Cronin!! “I was literally just thinking of you”, I said.  I’m not sure he believed me but it was the truth.  I turned and walked with him for a while and caught up on a few bits and pieces.  He turned to go home and I walked a little more.

Chances are, this may be of zero interest to you!!  Just thought I’d put down a few bits anyway – even for my own sake and to have a few memories.

Bye for now!

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Vincent

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