Vacay, Day One!

Day one started with a great, well deserved sleep in.  We left the comforts of the bed to take in a service at the Pro-Cathedral of the Assumption in North Bay.  The mass was presided  by Rev. Monsignor Dave Tramontini who led the service with a relevant and authentic homily.  You could tell that this man has spent time "in the trenches" with families and has also spent time working on improving himself.  After mass, we were invited to head downstairs for tea, coffee, punch, ice tea, cake, ice cream, strawberries, watermelon and fellowship. We ended up speaking with Msg. Dave and he lead us through the cathedral on an informal tour, sharing stories and facts about the cathedral.  

​This was the parish in which Randy attended when he was young and the parish in which he most associates with.  For me it was a real treat to be able to have Randy in a place that  for him is so full with memories. We have talked about being able to attend mass there in the past but timing was never quite right.  Today, we made time and I am so glad we did.  He gives me a chance to see Randy full of stories and facts about somewhere he knows so well.  I always try to remember that we live where I grew up, where I know every nook and cranny of my city.  I certainly appreciate the time we spend in his home town in the same way I connect with him when we are "home".

​Msg. Dave was really pretty funny, even playing a practical joke on me in the confessional.  We are looking forward to attending more services future and already feel welcomed.  

One of the reasons we are here at this time of year was for Randy to pick up his new to him motorcycle.  As this is bike is a different feel to his past bike and the only way to get it home is to ride, he needed to test out the saddle and get a few rides in before we head back.  Today, he did just that with his Dad who will be joining him on the journey home.  The first trip was reported to be uneventful and the bike feels like a luxury vehicle, or so I am told.  I am looking forward to getting a chance to join on some cruises but will wait until Randy finds his comfort zone before I strap myself on.  

We finished the day by getting in a run, workout and a great family meal.  Another day in the books trying to find balance and live a full life.  I think today we managed to get pretty close.  The luxury of having time away from work is you can really make time as you need to juggle all the demands of life.   We are so fortunate to have family that welcome us to stay in their beautiful home, all of us, two and four legged.  It makes connecting over long distance a bit easier and we sure enjoy the time we have together.  

The lake life certainly does help, both for relaxation and connection.
Here is to more lake life and hot weather tomorrow! 
Cheers