Quiet Week
We put away Christmas this week, after Monday's Baptism of the Lord. I always feel a bit cheated when that Solemnity gets pushed on a Monday, but a day after Epiphany. Christmas is short enough without it getting short changed!
I am a great fan of the latest incarnation of the coated British bear, Paddington. It's a character who is so good and brings sunshine wherever he goes. The first movie was cute and clever. Quite sweet. If you haven't seen it, check it out. I've made converts everywhere I recommend it. The second movie is equally good for children or adults. My friend Andrew treated us to see Paddington 2 which is currently on the big screen here. Here is a shot taken right existing the cinema (photo 1, left to right: Jacob, myself, Andrew and Anastasia) A day at the movies was a nice break to my routine.
At the theatre, they put out full size stormtroopers and guards from the latest Star Wars movie (which wasn't very good, in my opinion). But the figures were cool! Especially for photo ops (2) and selfies (3-4)!
Today, Sunday, I drove way out to St. Thomas Moore Catholic Church in an area of town called "Brighton-Le Sands." It is south of Sydney International Airport. I officiated the marriage of the parents, Kathreen and John, who are children of Janet and Renato, members of my Ave Maria Choir. The parents asked if I would baptize their first born. The Ave Maria Choir members are so sweet and good to me, how could I say no? However, mom and dad had said the church was about 45 minutes away from my home in Kellyville. In fact, it was about an hour and fifteen! And the traffic was terrible, even on a Sunday. I arrived about half an hour late! Thankfully, little James Renato is a good natured 9 month old. Here I am with him and his proud Filipino grandparents, Janet and Renato (5) and with their daughter, mama Kathreen (far left) and her husband, papa John (who is standing next to me on the right) (6). These photos were taken at the reception hall following the Sacrament. (They went all out with a wonderful five course meal!)
This morning a cold front came through Kellyville. I was awakened by a gentle storm. Our highs today were in the low 70's, with gusty winds. Didn't feel at all like summer…and I don't mind! When I got home after the Baptism, later in the afternoon, we had a flock of about 15 galahs visit our field (7-10). Rain brings up the grubs and that brings in the birds. I love their vibrant pink feathers. They did not seem to be bothered by my camera as long as I moved slow and didn't get too in their faces!
Finally, here is a photo taken earlier last month of our gardner and his favorite toy…his old car. In December, he dresses up like Santa and visits children in hospitals and schools. He was around our chapel so we took a shot of him in costume, with ride, by our Shrine of the Holy Innocents (11).