THANKSGIVING DAY AND ADVENT ARRIVES!

26 NOVEMBER 2011 THANKSGIVING DAY AND ADVENT ARRIVES!
Focus on Thanksgiving Day was greater, it seemed to me, this year than previously. For me, personally, there were three good reasons to take the day literally! First, the morning post - a rarity in itself, brought a letter that had been forwarded from Belfast. It was from Mary McAleese! A collection of significant photographs, 18 in all, beginning with her inaugration as President, and going through her 14 years in office, was indeed a delightful souvenir. Its front page with "Mile Buiochas - Thank you"fitted in very nicely with Thanksgiving Day. Inside, she thanked graciously for "the many ways in which" we had supported her and for the generosity of our friendship over those years.

Secondly, I was surprised to receive a response to a greeting I had sent earlier that morning. Sister Brigid Lawlor, our Superior General, replied so promptly, telling that she was celebrating in America - while en route to Japan!

Then, thirdly, I had accepted a "mysterious invitation" to "drink Raki" in the evening. I had wondered however, how a non-alcohol drinker would cope when faced with this strong "poteen-like" potion! In fact, the invitation turned out to be a delightful invitation to dinner. This was at a newly-opened reataurant in a nearby beautiful old building. The lovely meal was served close to a fine log fire and, there was not a sign of the dreaded Raki!!! It was a special moment of Thanksgiving!

So, with so much thanksgiving around, I feel ready for Advent. Mirjam already has the Advent wreath and flowers in place. It has come so early this year. It is also a good hint to me to gather myself to think about making a start on Christmas mail. I had already posted by this date last year. I console myself saying they arrived a little too early!!

Enjoy the weekend - there are two school holidays on Monday and Tuesday. We expect a visitor from Germany mid-week, so it is never a dull moment here!