Travel – Page 2 – The Future is Open

September 22, 2016

Ville de Quebec

I learned a lot of new words today and remembered some older ones too. I learned what it’s like to be in a country where you don’t speak the language. I got a break too because at least here in Quebec City there are lots of people willing to help visitors who don’t speak French. I took French for two years in high school but that was over 40 years ago and I don’t remember much of it. New words like “stationment” and “ouvert” are in my French dictionary now. Others like “bonjour, oui, oeuf,” and more have been dusted off and recycled.

Quebec is a beautiful city and I’m very grateful that we have spent a day here with one more on tap. There is much to do and see here and the sites, sounds and smells are captivating. I got to see the Plains of Abraham today. I read about Marquis de Montalm and General Wolfe and the battle they fought here in 1759 but I had never been to the spot. Today as I looked across the gently rolling plain I wondered what the soldier who fought here were thinking as they trudged off to battle and one that would mean the end of their lives. There is much to do and see here and I’m not sure what we’ll be doing tomorrow, but I’m glad we came here. Thank you Quebec and Canada for being gracious hosts.

October 25, 2013

First Snow

This morning those of us who live in New York State’s southern tier received a treat. We awoke to varying amounts of snowfall depending on your location. Some pictures and accounts indicated a couple of inches. In our neighborhood it was a dusting. Nonetheless, the first snow is a harbinger of what’s in store for us in the next four months. There have been times when I regret living in a snowscape and others when I relish it. Snow and ice can create dangerous road conditions and at the same time create stunning visual displays that capture the imagination. By midday most of the snow was gone even though the mercury only rose a few degrees.

October 22, 2013

Almost Snow

Today following breakfast I walked from my home into the village and along North Main Street past Franklinville Central School. I intended to stop at Maple Haven Restaraunt on the north side of the village to purchase some oatmeal raisin cookies that they sell there. I stopped to visit a former co-worker who hailed me as I was ambling past the high school. It was good to see Sue again and we caught up a bit since our last visit a couple of months ago. Looking up North Main and just above the horizon I could see the dark gray clouds that usually precede snow. When I left the house this morning I had checked the thermometer but not the forecast. Snow was in the forecast for tonight but I don’t remember hearing anything about today. Now, though as I made my way along I could see and feel the precipitation which was almost snow. The wind began to pickup and the slight chill in the air was accentuated by the presence of nearly frozen precipitation. Dressed only in a fall jacket and baseball hat I decided that I would postpone my date with oatmeal raisin cookie and instead return to my home.

The telltale signs of fall have been in the air. Flocks of Canadian Geese along with other migratory birds have been filling the air. I love the sound of the geese honking across the sky. Even though I prefer warmer weather I love this annual procession to winter in Western New York.

May 26, 2013

One with creation

Yesterday as I made my way around the Museum of the American Indian in Washington, DC I was struck by how much these wonderful indigenous people were in tune with the earth. The wisdom quotes which ringed the walls of the museum bespoke a culture that respected life. All life including relationships with plants, rocks and anything created was sacred. I appreciated the parallels with the Franciscan intellectual tradition in the writing of Bl. John Duns Scotus, St. Bonaventure and more recently Ilia Delio, OSF. We have much to learn and apply from our native brothers and sisters. We need a renewed kinship with all creation.

October 23, 2011

Stopping by the woods

It’s not winter by any stretch. It’s a lovely fall evening as I walk along the bike trail around Red House Lake in Allegany State Park. But, on my walk I thought of Robert Frost’s poem, “Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening.”

Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound’s the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.

The woods are lovely, dark and deep.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.

July 31, 2011

St. Columban’s

I love it here along Lake Erie. Only the sound of the waves in the background and the rustle of leaves overhead break the silence. I have come here to pray and rest today. My heart is full of questions and here in the silence of this holy spot I hope to hear his voice. Like St. Benedict I am listening with the ear of my heart. I love it here along this beautiful great lake. Quo vadis Domine?

July 21, 2011

Allegany County Fair

It is near 100 degrees and high humidity but I’m happy to be sitting in the grandstand at the Allegany County fair in Angelica, New York. It’s my first visit here and I’m impressed with the quality of this small county fair. Fairs date back countless centuries and they are still important today. There are hundreds of folks here tonight. I have seen some familiar faces in the crowd. All of them are educators. Educators are people oriented folks and county fairs are a natural venue for them. There is a lot of teaching and learning going in here tonight. There are no high stakes tests and there are lots of smiles. There will be some tests at the rodeo tonight but everyone will enjoy them. I’m grateful to be here tonight.

July 16, 2011

Inspiration Point

I stand perhaps a couple hundred feet above the Genesee River as it winds it’s way through the gorge that is central to Letchworth Park. I come here often because of the peaceful surroundings that are punctuated with lovely vistas like this one. It is quiet except for the distant roar of falling water from the Middle Falls pictured above. It is easy to imagine myself here a couple hundred years earlier as early settlers and Native Americans were drawn here too. There is peace and beauty here. It is the incarnation easily expressed and viewed. I come here often, sometimes in the cold stillness of winter. Today it’s warm and it’s great to return again to sit next to my friend sister water as she winds her way north through this picturesque canyon.

July 5, 2011

Evening on the lake

Evening has fallen on Lake Murray in Chapin, SC. The stillness is punctuated by fireworks around the lake. Lake Murray’s official 4th of July fireworks occurred on Saturday evening. We viewed them from my brother’s boat in the middle of the lake near Dreher Island State Park. Nonetheless there is a staccato of firecrackers, Roman candles and skyrockets this evening that breaks the lovely stillness of the lakeshore. It’s still warm but very comfortable as I sit on the porch and listen to the laughter of cousins, my brother, sister and our mates. God only knows when we’ll all gather again. Family times are special and the past few days have been remarkable for us. Mom is 84 and it’s really great that she’s still healthy and with us. I love summer nights. I love the warm night air. Deo gratias!

July 4, 2011

Happy Fourth

We are still enjoying the heat and near constant sun. It’s a nice change of pace from our home where we have long periods of overcast and cold in the winter. I’ve long enjoyed South Carolina dating to the late 1970’s when I first experienced their abundant warmth and hospitality. I had hoped to squeeze in a couple of side trips but family must come first. We’re all getting older and time together is more important. I’ll have to schedule another trip to get in my other sightseeing. It’s 95F here today and that heat can be oppressive if you don’t move slow I’ve always loved being near the water and spending the last few days lakeside have been a treat. I’d like to canoe or try a small sailer like the one crossing the cove just now. I’ve written often lately of being refreshed by still waters and Lake Murray is part of that journey.

Wednesday will see us heading home but I’ll carry these memories with me for a long time.