Sunday, March 23
9:14 p.m.
There’s nothing like making up for lost sleep. I got a really good night’s sleep. I woke up and sorted my laundry, had breakfast, fed the kitties and then got dressed for church. I got there right on time, but parking was nearly impossible. It was raining, windy and cold, and I had to park about 4 blocks away from St. Mary’s Cathedral. And, of course, once I made it through the front doors, I was stuck in the crowd in the lobby of the church, so crowded that I couldn’t even get near the holy water to dip my fingers in and give a proper sign of the cross. It always frustrates me when droves of non-chruch-going Catholics show up twice a year for Mass, on Christmas day and Easter Sunday, and the rest of us who attend regularly are scooted to the back in the lobby. But, at least people are still coming out to elebrate the most sacred of Christian days, which actually makes me happy.
The priest made an interesting remark about those who only show up a couple times a year, but not in a patronizing way. He spoke of Easter not being just a day for bunnies, chocolates and eggs. He reminded of Christ’s willing sacrifice for all sins and the symbolism of his resurrection and that we must reflect on that. But after his gentle and necessary reminder, he lightly encouraged us to go home after Mass and enjoy the bunnies, chocolates and eggs, for it’s a time of celebration.
As Communion began that was my cue to exit. It was too crowded to wait through it, and, since I am unable to receive the sacrament, again, due to having Celiac Disease, I felt it was time to go. I drove up to Glisan to find the new gluten-free bakery. I was disappointed to find it closed on Sundays. So, I headed to I-5, back towards Tigard. I pulled off at the Bridgeport Village exit and went to REI to use a credit for some Life is Good pajamas. This is one of my favorite feel good brands!
Next, I walked over to Whole Foods to pick up dessert for Easter dinner at Susan’s mother and stepdad’s house. I found a beautiful butter cream Easter cake; I got a small gluten-free lemon tart for myself. I picked up a loaf of gluten-free sourdough bread. And a coconut mango candle for Susan’s mother, with a pretty recycled gift bag.
Back at home, I had a quick snack and then put in my first load of laundry for the day. I put on some comfy clothes and watched a special on Christ on the Discovery Channel simply called Jesus: The Complete Story. This was a very interesting documentary that depicted Christ looking very different than what artists over the centuries have suggested. Also explained by science and new research was how Christ was crucified, how he died, where he was crucified, the true relationship with Judas, who was actually asked by Jesus to go to the Hebrew guards, among other interesting facts surrounding his days before, during and following his resurrection. It was a very engaging take on the historical, faithful ideas behind the last days of his life.
Susan picked me up and we drove to St. Paul for dinner. We helped chop up apples and celery for the Waldorf salad. It was nice to spend time with her family. Her cute younger brother was in town from Texas, where he is stationed in the military. He leaves for Iraq within the month. Susan’s mom asked me to say grace, I was holding Susan’s step-brother’s two month old baby, Sam, as I thanked the family for including us, asked for blessings for the friends and family, including health and happiness, and then followed with the traditional Catholic prayer. We had ham, a gluten-free spinach casserole, gluten-free potato au gratin, and the Waldorf salad. Claudia joined us and brought a bottle of Bishop Creek Pinot Noir.
After, we had a lovely dessert wine with our sweets. It was a really nice dinner. After dinner we sat and talked for about an hour before we headed back towards Portland. Susan dropped me off and I changed and continued with my laundry and made my bed with clean, right-from-the-dryer sheets. I put on my pajamas and then brushed the kitties and made myself a cup of Bedtime Yogi tea. I could feel myself begin to unwind. I have been slightly congested today, but I haven’t had to take any medication. I meditatively sat down to recount my day.
