Hello again

Well we are having a blast in Tokyo, so many things to see and so much rain to see it through. Oh, did I fail to mention that we are here during tsuyu. Oh my it was wet wet wet on Sunday when we went out sight seeing. So here are some photos and then some description of how we have spent time since I updated you last, which I think was on Wednesday, that day I was crowned Champion of Croquet at the monastery.

• Thursday we had a typical retreat day (well typical for how that retreat went) got up, prayed, ate, spiritual reading for some time, rested, Mass, some exercise. Thursday's exercise, was going to the local pool which also was our daily trip to the Onsen. Then on the way back we hit the donut shop, the technology store, and the 100 yen store (think Dollar Store, but much better stuff) then back to the monastery for more prayer, eating and retreating.
• Friday was about the same, except for the exercise we went to the local mountain for a ride on the ski lift with a short hike. The mountains name I am not sure of but the ski area and mountain bike area is called Panorama. Then Fr. Jay and I went to the Onsen (the same onsen I went to on my first trip to an onsen) to relax a bit before dinner at the monastery with a few invited guest of the monastery.
• Saturday we were up early and then off to Tokyo, with a fine send off from all the monks.
  
• The train to Tokyo was a direct, so about 2 hours and we were in the heart of Tokyo. We made it from the first train station Shinjuku to our home station of Meguro.
• After a brief lunch with the Pastor of the Meguro church, Fr. Leo Shumacher, Bryan took a nap (his back is still hurting) and I went exploring around the area....some fun.
  
• Back to the parish and then out to dinner with two priest and two seminarians. The priest were Fr. Leo, our host, and a diocesan priest from County Cork, who works in Japan at Sofia University in the area of English Literature, Fr. Joseph O'Leary, whom I met in the comments area of Vox Nova. We went to a typical causal night out in a fun little restaurant near the parish, it was a great time, followed up with drinks at a local pub.
• Sunday morning arrived and Fr. Bryan and I celebrated Mass in English and then were on our way to see the city. We had arranged a tour with Tokyo Free Guide, and it was quite nice. We met her at Hachiko in Shibuya. Our guide took us to Mejii Jingu (while there we saw a few wedding ceremonies beginning) and then to Harajuku, then to the Oriental Bazaar for some shopping. We went to lunch at a tonkatsu shop, it was quite delicious. After that it was back to Shibuya for a bit of electronics shopping at Bic Camera. We then left our guide and headed home.
  
• Sunday night we went with Fr. Leo to a huge onsen. It was like Dave and Busters, meets a old time county fair, with a mall type food court, and onsen with everyone walking around in yakuta, oh and they serve beer! More on this place later
• Monday morning I have spent the better part of an hour on this post and I am hungry and read to tour so more later.

Sayonara Jaa mata

In Tokyo

We have been here for a few hours and just found some Internet.
Bryan's back is hurting him but he should be okay soon. I am a bit
tired but about to get a nap. Then we are off to dinner with the
pastor sons seminarians and another priest. More later peace

Retreat is done

We are ok our way to Tokyo. More later
Peace,
vg

Oh it's on the tip of my tounge...

Ever feel that way well here is some news for you to ponder next time it happens. You can read this article and then watch the following video. Peace

Friday FAILures

Enjoy

VBS

I told you I had photos of VBS to share, well I did not get them all uploaded. I promise when I get back to load them properly for you to see...until then here are some form the first day...sorry!

Anniversary photos

Here they are. I am sure you can figure out what is what, so no captions. Enjoy them. Peace

Yes your read it correctly

When we arrived the other day I was a bit tired. I asked Bryan "how do you spell sweet?" "S-W-E-E-T" Then I asked "then what the heck is Pocari Sweat?" Well I finally found some tonight after going to my second Onsen. I would say both the onsen and the Pocari Sweat hit the spot. Goodnight.

Japan part 1

Ok below you are going to see some photos from my first three days in Japan. It has been truly wonderful and relaxing so far. Pray, eat, sleep, rest, exercise, walk about etc... everything I needed in a retreat. Here are the photos and I will explain a bit after they are done.

• The train to Fujimi was easy as could be. Three trains about 2.5 hours and we were here.
• The food, especially the onigiri has lived up to my expectations, and then some, I can't wait to get to Tokyo and have more.
• The toilette situation on the train was unique, people could look into the bathroom, not sure if anyone did however.
• The scenery on the train was quite impressive.
  
• The people here, especially the Benedictines have outdone themselves in hospitality.
• Fr. Kieran showed us around the area a bit on Tuesday.
• We went to the hut of Fr. Shigeto Oshida, a Dominican priest as well as a Zen master. He is dead now but the community at Takamori Soan lives on. The chapel was small and quite nice, very dark, but cozy. The outdoor memorial to the victims of Japan's war of the 20th century was quite impressive. I have a panoramic of the place in the photos, but I will place it after this text as well.
• Last night we went to the Onsen, as you read earlier.
• Today I had a great time in prayer (mostly the book I am reading) and then a nice run.
• After Mass today we had lunch outside under the Cherry tree...the croquet.
• Rested a bit this afternoon and then Fr. Jay (a priest from the Philippines who is living in the monastery while ministering to the Filipino community in the area) invited me for some tennis, I could not pass up the opportunity to do a corporal work of mercy for my brother priest as he has not played tennis in a year and was dying to play...that is what kind of guy I am always ready to give of myself. Also Fr. Jay promised more Onsen tonight for my sore muscles.
  
• The final shot in the roll and here is of the town of Fujimi, quaint and beautiful.

click for larger photos

Deacon Salomon

Well we knew we would have lots of work for Deacon Salomon to do while with us at St. Matthew, this past Saturday we really put him to work. Instead of having his first Baptism, he had four at one time. He came through it will flying colors, here are the photos to prove. Enjoy

FYI tomorrow is Anniversary day photos...

Onsen

Well my first full day in Japan is just about to end. My day has been quite relaxing and I have had some great time to reflect, relax and retreat. Tonight after night prayer I went with Fr. Kiran to one of the local onsen, I think it was called yuutoron, (for photos go here) I had to post a quick photo from the men's locker room at the onsen. My review from my first onsen to ever go to is...wonderful! If you don't know what an onsen is you can go here to find out more. I should sleep quite soundly tonight (it is Tuesday night here) not just because I am jet lagged a bit, but because of those wonderful waters. Peace

This is the door to the bathing area and the first pool.

The Monastery

I was looking for some video to show you about Japan or Benedictines or something relaxing...but did not find much. I did however I did find the following video, and watch it until about 3:30 and you will see some photos, beyond on that you will probably not be interested. Of course you know that I will post photos myself once I get them.

The video by the way is done by a guy who I have seen before when I was doing some food research. If you want to see a humorous video check this one out.

Made it to Fujimi

We are in the monastery, we had dinner and night prayer. I am gonna
get cleaned up and get some rest. PEACE

We Made it to Japan

When I find some wireless I will send out a few posts that I made on the airplane. Until then know that FBS and I are doing well and we had better seats than what you saw us in, God is good. Peace

Final approach

The flight is coming to an end. I am turing this thing off with the
following

IRASHI TOKYO!!!!!!!!!

Peace,
vg

Sent from iPhone

Two hours to go...

...and I'm feeling fine

Almost there;-)

Date-line or a day without a sunset

So somewhere over the ocean we passed a line...and it was there that I
lost the chance to see the sunset for only the second time in my life.
(I went to China in 1999) Anyway I think it was there that it really
finally hit me that I am actually going to Japan. For some reason it
has taken me this long to get it through my thick skull. I can't wait
for this big bird to land safely.

Peace,
vg

Sent from iPhone

The computer is lying

Now I know the computer is not just lying to me but I just woke up
from a great nap and when I saw this I thought..."how long have I been
asleep???" Well it is indeed lying to me for some reason, maybe it
has to do with passing the intl date line or something. It still does
not take away the fact that it still was one great nap! More later,

Look at me

Mid flight and I found a mirror...hello!

Fr. Bryan

Okay this is moments after my last post and Fr is doing well and has a
full tummy. More later. Peace

Mid flight

We are now in the air. I know that you are not reading it when I am
typing this but consider this a play by play. We have just eaten
lunch, fwiw we did get upgraded, very nice! As you can see from the
photo we are just over South Dakota. I just finished watching Legend
with Will Smith, not bad to watch while eating lunch. Just going to
relax now as it is almost 2am Tokyo time and I need my beauty sleep.
Peace

Upup and away

Light

Well I did in Europe so I am giving it another chance. Two bags that's
it for 11-ish days. Peace

On our way to airport

Jimmy D is driving us to the airport this fine morning. More
later...happy fathers day !!!

Update

Now I am only 10 hours away from being on the plane and I need to get some sleep, but I want to tell you a few things before I go. I will not be blogging much, if at all, until at the very earliest Saturday noon-ish Atlanta time, as I will be on retreat. If I do find some wifi here and there I will send an update, but don't hold your breath. I have posts set to go out each day while I am on retreat. They will post at 2:22PM each day I am not live. I hope you enjoy the posts. Until then...

Update

Ok, now it is about 24 hours until I am on the plane and right now I
am just about to bust out of my skin....eeeeeeeeeeeeeee

Peace,
vg

Sent from iPhone

A few loose ends...

So, I still have to put the photos up from VBS, my anniversary partying, and the new air conditioners, and something else I am sure but I cannot remember now. I have about 34 hours left here at home before I head off to Japan for 11 days. Oh didn't you hear I was headed to Japan? Yes I am headed to Japan for retreat here and then I am going to spend a few days in Tokyo site seeing. I did say the other day that I was going to put some photos up of the kids at the vet so here they are. More tomorrow...hopefully. Peace

Friday FAILures

Enjoy

Two words...

...Flipping Sweet!

I love slice of life

If you have ever been to the developing world, you know how life is a bit different...to say the least. Well this video is really a spectacular slice of life from India. Enjoy

Remember Labyrinth the movie?

It was called Labyrinth, it stared David Bowie. Well I was reminded of it after seeing lost of contact juggling out there on the internet. Being a juggler I have tried lots of different forms of juggling but contact juggling only really once, but my curiosity if peaked, maybe I should give it another go? Well here are two videos for you two enjoy: the first is from the making of Labyrinth and the other is from a street performer doing some amazing juggling. Enjoy

For all my math geeks out there

(click image for larger version)

I loved this stuff when I was a kid

My oldest memories of magic are of Doug Henning. This is a nice illusion, kinda tame by todays standards, but still quite nice. Enjoy

Been to a meeting recently?

Cory over at boingboing has a great post up about a "Simple Sabotage Field Manual". Just go take a look at it if you have ever been in a meeting and had a small thought that "Hey, I think that guy/gal is trying to sabotage this meeting..." I promise when you read it you will see these traights in people you know. I am sure they are not doing it to be malicious, at least when I have been that guy I was not trying to be mean about it. Enjoy.

Sad news for Mark Starr

You will remember our seminarian for last summer Mark Starr. Well Sunday night his sister Joan Ellen Starr died. It appears to be a death caused by an overdose. Please keep Mark and his family in your prayers.

Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her.

UPDATE: If you would like to send Mark a note, here is his address.

Mark Starr
St. Mary's Catholic Church
911 Broad Street
Rome, Georgia 30161

Wii record

I know this is trivial but I thought I would share some good news. First the bad news...well Sunday morning I woke up with a sore throat. Went to the doctor Monday afternoon, I have tonsillitis, yuck I know but I am on the mend. The doctor forbade me from any strenuous activity this week, so no triathlon for me this Saturday. He told me if I would just rest some this week then on Sunday I will be ready for my retreat/trip to Japan. So no tennis last night, none tonight but when Deacon Salomon and I got home from dinner we played some Wii bowling (thanks to the Gilberts for letting me use their Wii while me family was in town and for letting me keep it during my illness). I was not having a good day on the Wii lanes, but then I figured it out. I have always wanted to play a game without leaving any pin up by the end of the game and I did it, but not before bowling 8 strikes in a row and setting a personal best score. Now to the photos.

You know when you are bowling and open up with 8 strikes it feels pretty good.

The final screen with my record score.

Then I finally bowled a game where there was not one pin left standing at the end of a frame or game...glad I am past all that, now if I could kick this tonsillitis! Peace

Really...really???

Words cannot express my displeasure with stuff like this...arghhhh!

Generations of Caholics

Rocco over at Whisper in the Loggia has a nice piece up about generations of Catholic Americans. I have heard some of this stuff before, I have not had time to see how all this works together in a parish. Head over and give it a read...we shall see what comes of it all. Peace

Oh well...

They have taken some copper and we are hot!

Well it seems as if some criminals wanted to ruin my perfect Anniversary Weekend (photos and more to come). Anyway they took the copper coils from three of our air conditioning units and so the first day of VBS (photos and more to come) was a hot one...even when the kids were inside! I am sure many of you have seen the news stories about copper, well we have been hit. We were not the only ones in our area hit last night, so keep others in your prayers as well. We will be fine, don't worry about that, but lets remember to pray for all involved, even those who did this. Peace

Let it be enough

A prayer for this morning.

O God, you are so generous to all your children, Holy is your name!
For those who have taken from us, what you have given so
generously...let it be enough for them! For where ever they find
themselves that they feel the need to steal from us, give them peace.
Let us see Your plan for us in this time of trial. Let the money they
earn from their illgotten goods, be enough so that they might turn
from crime and lead a life pleasing in your sight. We ask this in the
Name of your Son, Jesus Christ Our Lord! Amen

More later...

Peace,
vg

Sent from iPhone

Mary Mac's Tea Room

Well, we have had a lazy day. We have come to Mary Mac's for dinner.
Grandpa says: "I Like This Food!"

Breakfast

Well you know if it is breakfast time, so we are out to "my" Waffle
House...then to tennis

Shock!

Well last night I thought I was going to have a fairly basic dinner with some friends. All seemed to be headed in the right direction for the day and I had resigned myself that none of my family was going to be able to make it for my anniversary. Well I walked into the Groover's house and there were a whole mess of people there...all of the staff of the parish, I was stunned. Then as I was surveying the crowd I noticed my Mom...then my brother Tony again I was stunned. Then my Uncle and Aunt from north Georgia...stunned. Then my Uncle Dan said there are two more in the other room, and there they were Granny and Grandpa Emminger, I could not believe it. So I was so happy to have everyone there and it had seemed that everyone had been enjoying themselves for a while before I go there. So I thought, "I need to post a photo for Angela and Karen who are in Amarillo." So Annmarie Gilbert snapped a photo with my phone and I looked at it and told Annmarie "hey you chopped Tony completely out of the photo..." she asked me if I was sure and I needed to look at the photo again, and what to my wandering eyes should appear but my dear sisters Karen and Angela...shock! Now just to let you know over the past few weeks I have tried to ferret out of each one of them if they were coming, they all had good excuses. Like I said I had resigned myself that no one was going to be here from my brothers and sisters to celebrate with me, no biggie, I thought. Well I was shocked, totally shocked, I was had! So much so dinner took place in somewhat of a fog, it passed as serenely as the touch of a loved one. We got back to the house and people in typical Galier fashion started falling asleep around the house. "Go to bed" was heard many times, but we/I did not want the evening to end. Finally, after seeing Moms pictures of the Holy Land and a quick trip to Kroger for some food it was time to call it a night around midnight. Well, still being in shock, I have tossed and turned all night...what a great surprise. If you notice the time of this post you will know I am up way before I normally would be awake, and I have been typing now for 20 minutes or more (this kind of reminds me of Christmas morning euphoria from when I was a kid). I am sure there will be more surprises today but even if these were my dying moments, I could not have asked for anything more. So to all who made this great shock possible...THANKS, you got me! All my love.

More

Not only Mom, Karen Tony and Angela being here but so are. Granny and Grandpa Emminger

Suprise Suprise Suprise

Look who is in Georgia...more later.

June 6, 1998...

...was the day I was ordained to the priesthood, making this my 10th anniversary. Here is a piece that ran in the Georgia Buletin the week before ordanation. I don't have any pictures from ordination to share (that is none digital), sorry. Thanks to all who have supported me throughout my ministry. Peace to you all. fvg

Bishop Tony Taylor

(photo Bob Ocken, Arkansas Catholic)

Well my mom has been busy these past few days, but she took some time yesterday to head over to Little Rock for the Ordination of her friend, the new Bishop Tony Taylor. Here are a few pieces about him and his new home in Arkansas. (here, here and here) Rocco over at Whispers also has some words up. Peace

What...huuh???

I am sure you have seen the images or Jesus or the Virgin Mary appearing here and there on stuff, the Chicago Tribune has a piece up and it just makes me wonder why all this??? Does this stuff build up your faith? Do you think any of these are signs? Photo 11 in the series looks cool, but I don't find my faith being uplifted...any thoughts? Peace

Friday FAILures

Enjoy

Kids to the Vet

Ooti gets looked over...more later.

Rejoice

This is a fun ad for Coke, your heart just breaks a bit for this guy...heheheheheheheee!

What happened to Ricky...

The Wall Street Journal has an absolutely stunning, at times both sad and heart warming, story up about people turning their children over to be wards of the state. It is generally story focusing on when parents knew they could no longer care for their mental challenged children. It is specifically about one families journey to reconnect. It is from a different day and time than most people live in today, but one from our past. Give it a read, then watch the video that is posted with the story when you are done.

The Deacon has arrived

Our seminarian for the summer, Deacon Salomon Garcia, arrived today. Deacon Salomon has been with us the past two Triduum's so he should look familiar. He will be with us until the end of July so you will have a good chance to get to know him. Make sure this Sunday to stop by and welcome Salomon back to our parish family. A speacial note of thanks to Fr. Dan Stack for brining Deacon Salomon to Tyrone this morning.

Fr. Dan and Deacon Salomon quite serious!

Fr. Dan goofing off as usual!

The Passing of an era

Today was a sad day 5 months to the day of the real start of the font project, Bob Imsand has completed his work on the font, save a touch up here and there and some small mechanical issues as the font is in more us. Thanks a bunch Bob and all those who worked to give our Church such a beautiful font. If you want to leave Bob a nice word in the comments, I will publish them. Peace

Final day of work photo!

Backlog on bulletins

Rennie and I have had some troubles dealing with Scribd and I take all the blame. Here is this past weekends bulletin and a link to the bulletin and insert from a week before. Peace

060108 new

Read this doc on Scribd: 060108 new

9th Sunday Insert

Read this doc on Scribd: 9th Sunday Insert

Poor kid

Could you just imagine the pressure then to think you hear one word...oh my!

This is not your father's yo-yo...YO!

Can any of you do any of these tricks? I think I can walk to dog and that is about it.

The trapped goat

Many of you have seen the cute goats on Kirkley road...well this is a
mama goat and I have had to rescue her twice now when she has gotten
her head & horns stuck in the fence. She doesn't seem to understand
what I am up too and fights a bit, but we always seem to get her on
her way no worse for the wear.

Friday FAILures

Enjoy

Technology and animals

We have all seen animals respond curiously to different technology, like a vacuum, but what happens with a real dog meets a fake dog? Enjoy

It's a Bus, it's a Train...it's a Brain?

Wired has a post up about a new dual-mode vehicle. Give it a read and then you can watch the video...kinda cool.

This should be good news to most people

You know DEET, well it has some nasty stuff in it and I generally don't like to use it, but I will when I must. Well here is some good news, hopefully something better...and soon!

Busy day & woe...

Well it was a busy one today with a trip to the Court of Appeals, then the Archdiocesan Finance Office, then to a clergy meeting at the Cathedral then back here for Mass and work I should have gotten done in between all the other stuff...oh well. I hope you day has not been as hectic. I have spoken to a few people and heard a bunch of heart ache and woe this week, so give this Josh Groban song a listen and know you are loved! Peace

Cats get a shearing

This is Ruth and her lovely assistant Lorren. On Monday Ruth gave the cats their annual shearing, I think Lorren mostly just watched. When Lorren was about to be born Ruth and Jim (side note...keep Jim in your prayers, after chemo and other treatments looks like they might have found a spot it could be something it could be nothing, so he is going for a scan, but as you can imagine this time is a bit tense, so a few prayers I am sure would be appreciated by Jim and Ruth) came to find out about Baptism and we got on the topic of cats and getting their fur trimmed back and wouldn't you know Ruth said she could do it...SWEET! Well that was a few years ago and each year about this time, Lilly and Ooti get a summer haircut. Well the whole process works like this. I get up early and give the cats a sedative, for Ruth and their protection. It takes affect pretty quickly and the cats slow down considerably. Then Ruth stops by to pick up the cats and about an hour later they are done. The picts you can find below...

Well since I now have this blog I knew I should get some photos and since it was just too cute to see the cats going about their so slowly and clumsily I also took some video. Enjoy

Sad News

Last night my brother-in-law Joe lost his father Charles Foust. Joe, and my nephew Greg, went to Miami to see his mom and be with his family for the day. I should have more info later, so for now if you would keep him in your prayers. Thanks

Don't watch this...

...it made Rosie cry!



enjoy?

This is comming to the US on FOX

I want to be on this game show, looks like a bunch of fun.

Ordination

Well as I mentioned the past two weeks at Mass, tomorrow morning will be the ordination of a number of seminarians as Transitional Deacon's for the Archdiocese of Atlanta. Two of our former seminarians Salomon Garcia and Ignacio "Nacho" Morales will be part of that ordination class. I have just heard from Ignacio and he says he has a few extra tickets. If you are interested in attending the ordination in the morning, drop me a line and I can get you a ticket of two. This will be quite a wonderful experience if you have not been to an ordination. Sorry for the late notice. Also I would ask for your continued prayers for the men being ordained tomorrow and the men who will be ordained Priests next Saturday. Peace

Friday FAILures

Enjoy

I wish we had one of these when I was a kid

My family had a table that we could expand by putting in two leaves. As we got older and added more "out-laws" to the table we need a bit more space, which of course meant more work. Every time we had a big family dinner, we had to put the whole thing together, having this table below would have been a gift from the Almighty.

Sekai No Nabeatsu

I cannot wait to catch some Japanese TV, from what I have seen, it looks just kooky enough for me. Now this guy...this guy is a nut. He is kind of funny, then fades quickly, so enjoy it while you can. Watch out for those 3's!

Rube Goldberg

I am sure you have seen a Rube Goldberg contraption at some point in your life. Well here is a great video of a nice Rube Goldberg type machine. This is fun. Enjoy

Creativity, oh yes!

These kids really put some thought into winning this wheelbarrow race, what a great plan. Enjoy

26 years ago

(Greg, Michael, Alan, Katie, Karen & Joe)

Happy 26th Anniversary to my oldest sister Karen and her husband Joe. May 22, 1982.

Here is a recap of SNL that night. The History Channel has some items up about today as well.

Catholic youtube

I stumbled across this video the other day. Kind of a Catholic and McD's mashup. Enjoy

Need a good cry?

I grew up in a family that easily expressed its emotions. I have never had too much trouble crying and sometimes it just feels like a I need a good cry. Seems as if I have been there for a few days now. Well I found this video and I think I am well on my way to get my crying out of my system for a while. If you need a good cry, or just want to see a beautiful story of parental love then check this video out. Be forewarned you will cry. Peace

Blades of...

I was on I-285 today and saw some wind turbine blades on their way somewhere. I was amazed how huge they were. I came home and found this video, it should give you some idea of how big those things are.

Then I found a video of a wind turbine being put together. This is kinda cool. Enjoy.

A dog after my own heart

Augusta is over!

This is a photo of me after my match on Saturday afternoon, which was my fourth match in two days. Anyway, as I said yesterday the team fought hard but in the quarterfinals we lost, as it happens to the eventual champions. It was a good weekend and everyone seemed to have a really good time. I forgot my camera for most of our matches our I would have more photos, sorry. Below you will see a slide show of the match we had on Saturday afternoon. Also since the Newman Tennis Center in Augusta had such a beautiful setup that I had to take some photos and do a panoramic photo. Enjoy

It's electric...

Just had this video sent to me. Vincent David made this at the picnic from a few weeks ago. You can seem me in the green hat and red shirt. I enjoyed this dance and generally creating havoc for the kids who were dancing around me. Enjoy

It's a cheesarito folks

Eat your heart out AFGG...more later.

UPDATE: Okay so it is not called a cheesarito any longer, but it is the same thing. They now call it the "cheesy roll" (btw what a stupid name) but it will always be a cheesarito; can I get an AMEN!?