“There’s nothing half
so pleasant as
coming home again.”
Margaret Elizabeth Sangster

We are home! Our plane landed at San José International Airport just after midnight last night, bringing an end to our 40th anniversary vacation. It was an amazing eleven days, yet it was a pleasure to sleep in our own bed last night.

Much to my surprise, I woke up at 7:00 this morning feeling refreshed and ready to start my day. As is so often the case after traveling, I spent most of the morning doing laundry. I also had the opportunity to reorganize my home office, which was in a state of disarray after all the construction work that was done following a water leak from upstairs.

As I look ahead to the rest of July, I have a few things to look forward to: a Giants’ game with my sister, Cathy, tomorrow in The City; the start of the City of Campbell Summer Concert Series on Thursday evening; a St. Gabriel Class of 1968 picnic on Saturday; then two weeks with nothing on my calendar (yet).  The month ends with a family wedding (Kathy’s niece) and a visit from my brother, Tom. I’m grateful to have such an uncluttered schedule for the next few weeks.

August looks to be a relaxing month, as well. At this time, I have only a few plans: lunch with my friend, Penny, on the 5th; more Summer Concerts in Campbell; a routine dental appointment; and our annual family golf tournament and barbecue in Concord at the end of the month. By then, classes will have resumed for Tom, Hillaray, Steve, and Morgan at their respective schools. As for the grandkids, Liam will be in 5th grade, Emily in 3rd, Penny in kindergarten, Scarlett in preschool, and Henry will be home with Kathy and me. 

Kathy is going on a two-week pilgrimage in September — visits to the significant sites of Saint Ignatius of Loyola in Spain and Rome — with my brother, Tom, another Jesuit priest, and eighteen others. I will have the opportunity for some one-on-one time with Henry during this time, something I am looking forward to with great anticipation. He and I will be exploring the Bay Area together while Kathy is away. 

At times like this, it is easy to be grateful. The balance of activities and free time is ideal. I’ll have more than enough time to do some walking, a bit of reading, a good amount of writing, and time to socialize with friends. Life is good.