On the Road Again

I know that’s a song. It fits the current situation. The intrepid pilgrims are in Sheboygan, Wisconsin (Bratwurst Capitol of the World) for the annual pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham. ¶ We’ve been in church most of yesterday and today. It would be nice if it were just around the corner, but it’s not, so the getting here to go to church is a process.

¶ My friends from Littleton, CO, who are regular attendees began by driving from Denver to Sioux Falls on Wednesday. Thursday morning we left Sioux Falls to drive all day to the east coast of Wisconsin. We stopped in Milwaukee to collect another pilgrim at the airport and then finished the day by the drive to Sheboygan. We are grateful that the intrepid football fans were not on their way to Green Bay. That would have lengthened the trip considerably due to the traffic. After weaving our way through construction we finally arrived on the cloudy shores of Sheboygan. ¶ The sun has come out periodically today but it is certainly no heat wave. We did make the procession around the block in the semi-nippy weather. The church itself, Grace Church, just returned from a pilgrimage to Walsingham, UK, last Sunday. Some of those pilgrims continued on to the Holy Land. So, one would have to say the numbers were diminished this year but it was still a wonderful two days. ¶ Grace Church’s rector, Fr. Bolson, led the meditations yesterday and they were wonderful. He centered them on forgiveness and healing. The Shrines of Our Lady are noted for the healings that take place there. Father made the strong point that we must be forgiven if we are to receive healing. ¶ The music, both organ, organ with flute, and choir, was beautiful as it always is. It’s always a pleasure to visit with the organist and enjoy his very dry wit. He is a Gardner so some of his ramblings have to do with that. Example: If a rose bush dies dig it out and leave it in front of the others with the shovel so they can see what will happen to them, if they choose to go the same route.

¶ Tomorrow we will depart again traveling north first, then south to Milwaukee to deliver our pilgrim to the airport. We will spend the night there and then on to Madison the next day. ¶ I’ve felt well the past week, the nausea has been minimal and mostly psychosomatic, I believe. I did part of the driving in Wisconsin and was quite alert. This could be accounted for by the fact I was driving my friend’s car and wanted to be extra careful. HIs is one of those vehicles that practically drives itself. Once one adapts oneself to its behavior one can relax and enjoy it. ¶ Sophia was delighted that the ironing board came out of hiding. Of all places available, and they are legion, the ironing board is her favorite thing to be on. She feels the freedom to shed excessive amount when thereon. The master of the house, and I use the term loosely, is not so pleased. It is a high motivation for getting the thing put away in short order—.not quickly enough, this time, however. ¶ Thanks for reading, for your kindnesses to all who are in need, for your thoughts and prayers. Next week I’ll be back in South Dakota.