berlin we are here

ok so I have not posted for a while, here are some photos, i will explain them later, enjoy

what happened to padrevic, well...

Ok so we have had three really full days of touring around. I have plenty of pictures to share, but Fr. Michael took my camera to his room and went to bed. So here is a run down with photos to follow, hopefully tomorrow.

Tuesday: we got up and at 'em early, 9:30ish. We went touring the Charles Bridge and Castle area. Lots of fun and a good learning experience. Can you say "defenestration", children? We spent most the morning there then went for lunch late in the afternoon. Now whilst in lunch the heavens opened up and rain started pouring down on the city and our plans to stroll around...the best laid plans, etc... Paul and Michael went to purchase tickets for our trains to Berlin. Bryan wandered around alone and I did as well, then home quickly to hotel because the rain was so miserable. Dinner was great in a wine cellar close to our hotel. We stopped by a bar for a pivo and then to bed.

Wednesday: up and at 'em early 9:59, just in time for breakfast, which was great except for Bryan who showed up a bit late and the women who was the main waiter was not pleased with him. She told him something like: No! All close now! No more! Bryan did get some food and the day was on...right after a mid morning nap. All this time we had no idea where MK was...he was off exploring the city on his own. So the whole group got out of the hotel by about 1:15 and we were off to explore more of the city. We went to Wenceslas Square then poked around the Communist Museum, quite an eye full, to say the least. We all needed some more food so of to a cafeteria for a short/long lunch. Food was okay, service was okay, tummies felt great after so a good outing. Bryan wanted to do some shoppin' so shoppin' he went. MK, PWB and I went to the subway to go out a few stops from the tourist area to see what normal people live like. I have to say I could not have lived there now, and certainly not during the communist revolt. All back to subway, I wanted a massage for my aching feet, neck and back. On Monday I spotted a Thai massage place and told them I would be back for a massage and they still remembered me, thanks to my guardian angel.The massage was great...I will post pictures as soon as I get them. PWB and MK went to try their luck at a casino. We all met back up and went to dinner at a wonderful resturant a great meal was had by all. The decor was quite nice. It did feel a bit like a Sauna, who know maybe my body is going through some changes...who knows. Anyway after dinner we stopped and had another small dessert Gellato,,,,,,mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
That was enough and we were done for the day at 10pm. Got our hotel for Budapest reserved and all were off to bed, except me. I needed to fill you all in on what is happening. I hope I have been of some help. If you need to know more just let me know. We love answering questions here. Enjoy...next time with pictures. Peacce

Prague...we are here...and...

We are tired! Just a few photos and some commentary then I am off to bed. Our flight was fine, took off on time, and arrived on time...way to go Delta. We got to the hotel but no rooms yet, so we got some hot chocolate and some coffee and started out day. We walked our feet off and ate and drank lots to keep us awake. Enjoy the photos.

The first two photos are three priest enjoying mileage award tickets for Business Elite.
The one below is a priest enjoying coach class accomodations. Looks good huh?

This is Lenka, she took great care of us. She certainly was gracious to us all, just like her name implies. Great job Lenka, THANKS!

Now here is a test, why do you think I took a pict of my luggage? There is something special about this photo, do you know what it is? I will answer in a few days.

These two photos are us sitting at the cafe awaiting our drinks to rouse us up. Nice and quite, then...

Where did all these people come from??? They came to see the Astronomical Clock, and that ended our quite table by the square...;)

This is Fr. Bryan taking a photo.

This is Fr. Paul taking a photo.

This is me with a perfect stranger on the Charles Bridge.

DST...Over

Oks, sos Is realizes thats DST iss overs. Its iss alwayss interestings tos sees hows Masss attendances happens ons thes Sundays afters wes falls backs ors springs forwards...ahs thes joys ofs rollings thes clocks backs ands forwards...anyways befores Is leaves ons vacations Is justs wants tos puts as posts ins heres abouts DST. Ohs thats iss Daylight Saving Time and it is over and so are the extra S's...so enough with them Daylight Saving Time, not Daylight Saving"s" Time, a pet peeve of mine...Enjoy

Su-Do-Ku SWORDFISH

Sorry but I have to geek out on you for a minute.
Oh my my my, well many of you know that I likes me some puzzles. I loves me crossword and sudoku the best. Well if you are an aspiring Sudoku master then you should play todays AJC puzzle. It is not the one on the website but it is the one in the paper. If you do not get the AJC and would like to try this puzzle let me know I will transcribe it for you. Anyway all I can say is SWORDFISH. If you know sudoku then you have probably heard of swordfish...today's puzzle is an excellent way to learn the advanced technique of swordfish (as you know much like Xwing) If you need some help go here for beginners, and here to find out about swordfish and all the other advanced techniques. ENJOY

Virgin Mary?...Maybe

Went to eat at this place and swear I saw the Virgin Mary in the window. Now I am not one to think that Mary is appearing all over the place, but maybe it was just for me. Thanks Mary! Enjoy

Look at this...

Well this piece from the Georgia Bulletin is quite nice. Does my heart good to see how our wonderful parish family featured well in the press. Enjoy

Treat or Trick?

After talking to a few people, sounds like these people had more people than anyone I spoke with. Although Deacon Gayle, said he and his wife had more trick or treaters than they have had in 20+years...guess that is because they moved in from the countryside.
So here is a video of a house that would have been fun to go to for a number of reasons, not the least of which is they seem to be handing out "big candy". Enjoy.

Ooga Halloween Trick Or Treat - Watch more amazing videos here

Rest in Peace Anna Marie

A friend of my family from when I was a child died on Sunday. They had a funeral today at my home parish. I will always remember her unique voice, I can still hear her call my name now. I will also remember the affection she showed me each time we saw each other. I forgive her for cheering for OU... ;-) Here is her obituary from the OKC paper.

Anna Marie Pitcock, born in Holdenville, OK, September 1, 1948, to H.H. (Sonny) and Catherine (Morrison) Pitcock, passed into eternal life on October 28, 2007. Attended Holdenville schools, graduating May 1966, employed after graduation with Holdenville Daily Newspaper as a type verifier. She was also employed as secretary to local Holdenville attorney, George Oliphant . Moved to Oklahoma City area in 1970 and was employed with Oklahoma Department of Public Safety, Drivers License Services, until her retirement in August 2000, after 30 years service. Following her retirement, she was employed by Anthony C. Galier. Longtime member of St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church of Moore, OK. She was an avid OU fan since high school, and was especially pleased with her most recent acquisition of a Bob Stoops signed football. Anna Marie enjoyed her halftime phone conversations, discussing the OU games with her uncle, Frank Morrison, of Aurora, CO, working crossword puzzles with her uncle, Frank Morrison, as well as with her friend, Mary 'Susie' Swafford. She also enjoyed crocheting baby afghans for gifts to family and friends. Preceeded in death by her parents and one brother, George H. Pitcock. Survived by two brothers, Jim Pitcock of Moore, OK and Frank Pitcock and wife Kay of Holdenville, OK. Also survived by her uncle, Frank Morrison and wife De of Aurora, CO, and an aunt Marylee Morrison of Del City. Also, surviving is her special adopted family, close friend and nurse, Mary 'Susie' Swafford and her four daughters, Julie, Jo Ann, Nicole (Coley), and Nicole Schuster; Susie's grandsons, Jack Spector, Christopher Cagle, Austin Schuster; and granddaughters, Amber Schuster, Tiffany Spector and most recent arrival of great-granddaughter (6/ 13/07) Catherine Unity Marie Hayes-Adams, daughter of Coley. Many thanks to the medical providers at OU Medical Center including Dr. K. Oommen, Drs. Gary and Rhonda Johnson, Dr. Gary Johnson's nursing staff and the 7th floor nursing staff at Presbyterian for their compassionate care. Thanks to our many friends who extended love and support during her illness. In lieu of flowers, Anna Marie's wish was to make donations to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, the Building Fund at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church of Moore, OK or your charity of choice. Wake 7:30 pm Wednesday, Resthaven Funeral Home; Mass of Christian Burial Thursday, Nov. 1, 2007, 11:00 am, St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church, Moore, OK; lunch served following mass in the Joyce Center, Interment at Holdenville Cemetery, 3:00 pm Thursday.

Keep her family and especially my brother Tony (Anna Marie and Tony were quite close) in your prayers, thanks. Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord, and let Perpetual Light shine upon her. AMEN May she rest in Peace. AMEN May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed through the Mercy of God rest in Peace. AMEN

VAY-K-SHUN

Get ready, get set...GO-GO's

The sound is not so great but it gets the point across. This Sunday I am leaving for some vacation. This is my first vacation since June and I am really looking forward to it. I will be traveling with my priest buddies (Fr.'s Paul, Bryan, Michael). We are going to Prague, Berlin and Budapest. We are leaving on Delta #62 and returning on Delta #'s 99 and if we get the change 135 if not we will be on #531 (pray that does not happen). We return on 16nov07 late in the evening. I hope to be blogging from Europe now and then when I have the chance. I am hopeful it will be a nice relaxing trip, I would ask for your prayers for an enjoyable and safe journey. If you have been to any of these cities and have any pointers or recommendations email me or put them in the comment box. Thanks.

All Saints

Well today is the Solemnity of All Saints. Rocco has a nice post up over at Whispers...as usual. In it he talks about the tapestries at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angeles in Los Angeles. I have been a fan of these tapestries since my first visit to the Cathedral. If you get to LA, you must make a stop to see them and this magnificent architecturally modern Cathedral. My favorite feature of the Church are the way all the action radiates from and to the Altar. Of course the tapestries are quite beautiful as well, certainly the Baptism of Christ (see below) is one of my favorites. (side note, when I find them or can commission an artist, the Baptism of Christ is my favorite piece of art) Have a great day. Enjoy

Dough-Nu-Matic

Go read Joel Johnson's piece on this marvelous bit of technology. I think if I had one I would only gain about 25 pounds the first week...okay maybe more. I think maybe the Goza boys would love this little piece of technology goodness. Enjoy

My revenge on the cats

This is for all the times these cats wake me up and generally make my life difficult...you can tell by the way they look they are not happy. Enjoy it while it lasts..ok it only lasted about one minute, but they sure are cute. Lilly went as a sassy little number in a skimpy blouse and Ooti went as a prep from the 1980's.

Hal-O-Een

So the Smashing Pumpkins canceled both of their shows at the Fox...ah well at least my baby will be my PUMPKIN this Halloween. (thanks to Aunt Angela for the costume) I doubt the cats will let me put them in a costume. Enjoy

This song is in my head...

I went to see The Darjeeling Limited last night and I cannot get this song out of my head. This is not a movie for kids and most adults...it is very quirky, very. So if you need an offbeat weird movie, then go, otherwise go see Bella, I hear is it is very good.

Consumers: Fight back!

Consumerist has an excellent post up for fighting for your rights with a corporation. I like this site because they help with people dealing with customer service items. Go check them out. Enjoy.

Nerd Costume

Check this out if you need a good nerd costume. Enjoy

Fell the funny...

Enjoy

what i would give for this...

Man what I would give for a ride up a hill during the middle of a triathlon (or a training ride for that matter). I have seen this all over the internet for a while and I think it is a really cool idea. Go check it out, here.

Remember the Archbishop in prayer

Well if you did not hear it this weekend at Mass, our own Archbishop Wilton Gregory will undergo surgery next Monday 5 November. Please keep him and his doctors and nurses in your prayers. Also why you are at it add Fr. Richard Tibbets in your prayers as well, since he was readmitted to the hospital Saturday night.

Speaking of Birthdays...

I would be remiss if I did not remember my good buddy Craig Evans on his birthday. Happy birthday Craig. This LOLCats is for you and Richard. Enjoy.

Lordy, Lordy...you know the rest

This is Richard Green, he is 40 years old today. Tomorrow he will be sworn in as a lawyer in Utah...so many things happening in a few short days. This plus a great wife, wonderful kids and a new house soon. Happy Birthday Richard.

my priesteem is hurting...but not as much

Well we lost...AGAIN...but this time the score was much closer 40-27 (btw 27 is a new high score for our team). Next week we play St. Theresa's from Douglasville. Neither St. Theresa's team nor ours has won...so someone will win next week for the first time. They are billing this game as the "battle of the basement". It will be 4pm at Our Lady of Mercy, come on out and cheer on our team. Go St. Matthew...Kill murder beat...win the game against St. Theresa!

Great ideas in action

This is a great idea for helping the poor get a footing in our world. Since you know that world development and aid are close to my heart, you can expect more posting on ideas like this in the future. Enjoy

Fires in California

Well the fires all over California are causing lots of problems. Let us keep the people affected by the fires in our prayers. I am glad to see this, a really cool use of technology to help fight the deadly fires.

This was me yesterday...

I really was tired after the meetings in Baltimore, so for my day off I slept in a bit. Much like this amusing fellow. enjoy

CRS final moments

Well the CRS Global Fellows meeting are over and we are waiting for our shuttle to the airport. Deacon Bill and I are exhausted from all the meetings but lots of information was disseminated. We will be on our way home before 7pm. Keep us in your prayers and know that we are praying for you. Peace

Busy time

Well I am back online...we have been busy Global Fellows these past few days.

This morning we are starting with a talk from author Jeffry Odell Korgen. He has a book out called Solidarity Will Transform the World. It is a good book of stories of how CRS is helping change the face of the world. I encourage you get it (here or here) and read it. Maybe we can get it for an adult education piece for the parish. More later...

Meetings all day on Wednesday (and Thursday)

Deacon Bill and I (and other Global Fellows) will be in meetings all day tomorrow...our fearless leader Mikaele will keep us going all day, so probably will not see much posting here...not that you saw much today, but if I see something I just can't wait to share I will mblog it. Peace

Well Chris seems to be thriving with the group at FMS...might be a good charity to support...maybe a Lenten chariy for the parish to support..

Morning prayer and Morning Buzz

I had a very refreshing night of sleep here at FMS (btw here is the link to the program Chris is with) Anyway, I woke up this morning to have morning prayer at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. I really like praying under the protection of the image of such a strong Christ. This image of Christ has always struck me and held a special place for me, when I feel weak and frail, there he is always in the back of my mind, covering my every move and a sign to anyone who would come close to do me harm he says..."Not to this one you don't!"

So as I continued my prayer these two gems showed themselves as part of today's morning prayer.


Like I said Morning Prayer and Morning Buzz...love it. Enjoy the day.

The Big Guy and me!

Link to a good post

Ken (a frequent commenter here) has a nice post up on his experience of our Adventures in Stewardship weekend. Go and check it out. Enjoy

At FMS (Franciscan Mission Service) House!

So I made it to DC and the house where Chris Allison is in formation before heading to Papua New Guinea early next year. Chris seems to be doing well and thriving in his new surroundings and the people he is here with are wonderful as well. They gave me food and wine when I walked in the door, what a crowd. They all were just on retreat last week and back to class work this week...some fun I am sure. Well our Chris is doing well, I will make sure he tells us some of the work he will be doing before he leaves. Keep Chris and his classmates in your prayers as they prepare themselves for the mission ahead.

(l to r) Jonathon, Connie, Paul, Renee, Chris, Fr. Nicholas OFM, Katie

Like sheep without a...

Ok not a shepherd but a train. I am now on the platform waiting for the train to do something. My prayers go out to those who have to deal with this stuff all the time. Peace update...now on train moving whoopppieee!!!

FIRE FIRE FIRE

Ok maybe not fire, but lots of smoke. I was headed to the Metro train and all i found was lots of smoke. The firemen are down there now trying to figure out the whole thing but for me I found a hotspot (internet that is) and I am surfing for a while, thought I would post a bit.

Deacon and I made it safely to BWI. He is headed downtown and I am on the train headed to DC. Just so u know I won 2 trivia games on DL flight.

Off to DC and Baltimore

Deacon Bill and I are flying to BWI today for meetings with CRS. You know that I have been working with CRS for a couple of years now, but here is some great news Deacon Bill has recently been accepted into the Global Fellows Program as well. Deacon Bill has orientation on Tuesday and then we have combined meetings on Wednesday and Thursday.
Since I was headed up that way, I am taking a side trip to DC to see one of our parishioners Chris Allison. Chris is studying in DC with the Franciscans, before heading into the missions early next year. I will post more info when I get it. Peace

Now I know

I tell people never to give me food, because it usually goes to waste/waist, but at least when I freeze it now I know how long it will last. Read this for more info. Enjoy

Monday morning funny...

Enjoy...

(h/t to the Bakers)

Cats

I think this guy snuck into my room and drew this after watching me and my cats...enjoy.

First new home

My sister Angela and her family are anxious about their new home. They hope to move in by the end of November. Here is a photo of my brother-in-law Richard (PhD, JD...just passed the bar)Green, and his sons and daughter. It is the Galier genes that make them so cute. Enjoy
click for larger view

my priesteem is hurting...again

Today was not a great day on the basketball court, we lost again...interestingly almost the same score 63-18, Brad Downs was a three point magician today. A good game all around by both teams. I would like to thank Our Lady of Lourdes basketball team, they could have massacred us, but they did not, thanks guys. As for this beating and last weeks...well this one was a more thorough beating, last week they just got lucky ;-)
Picts to come...

And the total is...

That is $47,493.79!!! I just have to say this Adventures in Stewardship has been wonderful for my heart. As pastor of such a great group of parishioners, I could not be happier. Way to go crowd, thanks to you all. And thanks be to God!