Cruise booked

Another sunny day, but still cold. I woke up in good time to post today's YouTube Morning Prayer link to WhatsApp. Disturbed to hear on the news that the Israeli army has started another ground assault in Gaza. Protest demonstrations by the families of remaining hostages again Netanyahu's government are growing, but nothing has changed. Yet. 

I went to the Eucharist at St Catherine's. With baby Sebastian we were eleven this morning Marlene and Pam, the congregation's nonagenarians were both there. After coffee, I collected the weekly veg bag and returned home to cook a veggie pasta lunch. I fell asleep in the chair for over an hour, then went our with my rucksack to buy supplies of different kinds of flour for baking - a heavy load I'd prefer on my back and not in an unstable three wheel shopping caddy. 

While I was out, travel agent Kate emailed me to arrange a tea time telephone call. I walked in the park for and and got back in time for this. As a result, we're now booked on a Duoro river cruise in mid-August, a week after our wedding anniversary.

Owain had trouble getting a train to be with us in time for supper, so between us we prepared a cooked meal for him. We'd agreed to go to St Catherine's to hear Bishop Rowan talk about his book, which is our recommended Lent reading this year. I started reading it last night, and found it very engaging and full of insight expressed originally. Unfortunately Owain's late arrival completely distracted us and I remembered this event only after it had started. I decided to go late and Clare stayed to cook his supper.

Over sixty people from all over the Ministry Area attended. I slipped into church and sat in the stewards' pew by the door, anxious not to disturb the gathering by walking further. It meant that hearing properly wasn't possible all the time, as voices don't carry so well into the side aisles. Rowan is such a natural and confident communicator with a relaxed way of engaging his audience, it was a pleasure to watch him. It could have been a trial if I hadn't been reading his book and had a point of reference for understanding what he was talking about.

I had a drink and a chat with a few people afterwards. Fr Jesse was there, and in good spirits, as he's been asked to take St Luke's under his wing in addition to St David's. I imagine he'll do well there, as he's fully immersed in their kind of spirituality.

It was gone nine by the time I reached home, to spend the remainder of the evening chatting with Owain.