Christmas, etc.

I neglected to post these pictures of St. Mary's Basilica in Phoenix. It was such a special place. It's important to see.

And, I almost forgot the next one too.

Remember the old confessionals? I call them old I guess because I don't see them very often any more. The don't build them like they used to. This one is ominous looking isn't it? Makes my knees shake just looking at it.

Flash Back - My First Confession

I can see the space in between Father O'Reilly's two front teeth behind the mesh grating that was supposed to protect my identity. Paaallleeeezze. If I can see him - he can see me!!! Besides, everyone saw me go in the confessional and everyone saw me come out. There would be no secrets. The jig was up and I had to tell the priest all my sins. I remember barely getting the words out. 'Bless me Father for I have sinned. This is my first confession. These are my sins. I fought with my sister, I didn't clean my room and once, I lied'. Gulp!

Father O'Reilly smiled and handed out the standard penance of five Hail Mary's and two Our Father's. Whew. Piece of cake. It would be a few years yet before I'd have to do hard time staying behind to dust pews and clean the convent. LOL!

Jim's parents Carmella and Jim Sr. are a lot of fun especially around Christmas time. (Jim's Dad looks a little like Santa in this picture - yeah, Mr. & Mrs. Kringle teeheehee).

For the past thirteen years Carmella has made a huge fish feast for the family on Christmas Eve and Jim Sr. hasn't missed a beat. On Christmas morning, he cooks a great prosciutto, egg, potato, bacon, sausage, toast, coffee and juice feast. He never cooks so this is special. I absolutely love the tradition. This year we had the added bonus of going to hear the men's choir at St. Lucy's Church in Newark. Jim's been threatening to sing with the choir and we think we saw his lips move once - but we're not sure. We thoroughly enjoyed midnight mass together. Who knows? Maybe a new family tradition is starting? As for the choir, I should've video taped some of it - but hey - it was late - we did have a little wine with the fish feast, I was lucky to get this shot with Jim's phone - the perspective is from the upstairs choir room. Pretty huh?

BTW, Jim's parents are still married - to each other. No really. They still live in the same house that Jimmy grew up in. I think they've been married for almost fifty years. That's incredible.

Then it was off to my Dad's for a little Christmas day celebration.

I don't remember laughing harder than when my brother Tony gave my Dad this jacket. My Dad absolutely loathed it! Check out the videos below. The lighting isn't that great, but they're hysterical.

Dad's Jacket Part I

Dad, you look so comfy in your new jacket. I bet as I type these words that jacket has already been returned and/or exchanged. Thank God for the video tape.

And, who is that guy sitting next to my husband? Oh yeah, brother-stunt-man Tony showed up with his new Madison dye-do! I'm not sure Tony, but I think we were thinking Madison dye-don't. Otherwise people might think you're under suspicion...not that there's anything wrong with that.

Which one is Toshie and which one is Buscie??

Okay, last video. Isn't it great making fun of your parents? Tony started it. Ha!

Home Sweet Home

Obviously Cricket did not want us to leave. Look at that face. It says it all.

But we did leave. We left and one of the first places we stumbled upon in Phoenix, AZ was Saint Mary's Basilica. It was gorgeous, old and so filled with the Holy Spirit I didn't want to leave. We had only been on our journey for a few days, yet I needed this more than I knew at the time.

BTW, I have been supporting the Franciscan Friars for as long as I could remember, and Pope John Paul....what can I say about him? I loved him. This was such a co-incidence. Hmmmmm.

Jim and I were inside for only a few minutes when we realized the congregation was celebrating Advent of course, as well as the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

I took some pictures inside the Basilica because I could, but you're not supposed to. I just couldn't resist.

We then drove from Phoenix to Sedona, a pretty long drive. We were only in Sedona for half a day and one night and then onto Nevada. Personally, I would've liked to have stayed in Sedona for a lot longer, but it was not meant to be. When I posed on this rock for a few minutes and closed my eyes - tears came so fast - but I held them in. Not sure what that was all about.

Sedona is a beautiful place. While we were there, it was extremely cold though. I would've preferred a warmer climate but at these elevations (2000 - 6000 feet above sea level) you never know what you'll get. It's hard to believe that these rocks were once below sea level. They tell quite a story.

The rocks below are known as 'red rocks' and the West is full of them. They are spectacular. These were closer to Vegas, from Sedona a 6+ hour drive through the desert.

And of course, it hadn't snowed since the 70's - but it snowed while we were there. The temp barely got above 50 on most days. I never took my uggs off my feet or my winter coat off my back.

Vegas is a lonely place at Christmas time, especially when the economy is dragging it's feet. It was cold and lonely and empty for the most part. Most people are staying away from frivolous expenditures as they should. We gambled a very little bit, and I'm happy to say we were up and then we broke even and then we stopped gambling all together. It's fun to try and win - but to force the issue just leaves moths in your billfold. Not good.

Jim and I learned a lot on this trip. We were reminded that we love to see the world and travel together. We learned that not everything is as it seems. You sometimes need to pull back some layers to get the whole picture. If you don't, you might find out some things that you'd rather not know.

Like what? Like travelling so close to Christmas is not a good idea. Like our friends got stranded in Vegas for two more days due to the weather. We got out just in time. Like don't travel across the West in the back seat of a rented car...get your own.

And karma, watch out for her. She exists and she's keeping a list and checking it twice. If you're on the naughty list, keep an eye out....she's coming to get you.

Thankfully, we're home now, all unpacked and exhausted from a two day mad rush for a Christmas tree and presents for family and friends.

Our hope is that our family and friends will be blessed with good health and good love - after all without your health and love, nothing else matters. Merry Christmas and a Happy and Safe New Year!

Peace on earth . . .

...let it begin with us.

Is that too much to ask?