This weekend, so typical of many in April and May, was a whirl of pleasures. Too many pleasures for a single weekend, and yet, one to be remembered with fondness. Friday was spent preparing the guest room, which I am most ashamed to confess, was still serving as a holding place for Christmas decorations. No, you did not misread that. Christmas decorations. Also Lent and Easter activities, crafts, and decorations. It was a rather odd task to head out to the garage with Easter baskets slung onto the left arm and Christmas lights clutched under the right arm. Nonetheless, the time had come as we were expecting overnight guests in just a matter of hours.
And arrive they did. Mr. & Mrs. H with their six beautiful offspring and one girl wombie drove in late Friday night. Once the youngin's were tucked away in beds, sleeping bags and upon the luxurious air mattress, we enjoyed a little late night conversation. A little indeed. Actually it went rather late as Mr. H tried to persuade me that I hold the wrong opinion of the Texas Trans-Corridor project. Hmmph! Anyway, just as we were getting ready to bid adieu for the night, a certain young person from my clan appeared in the kitchen. That little person finally fell back to sleep a couple of hours later. At 3:37 to be more precise. I fell to sleep at 3:38 to the best of my memory. Whew!
Saturday began very early for all of the children so happily reunited. And then with breakfast for fourteen. With a few proverbial cracks of the whip, we had everyone dressed and ready to head out for the day. First stop: studio recital. The Prof & I had our annual Spring Studio Recital and Potluck Luncheon to execute at 11am. Not only that, but this was to be Sunshine's debut on the big stage. Armed with a few of the our guest's children and a lovely babysitter, we headed to the church for the big recital. It was a lovely recital, solid performances all the way around. Firstborn and Sunshine did us proud. Very proud, indeed.
A plate full of fruit salad, chicken salad and cake for everyone and then it was time to head out for our next destination. Van loaded to capacity, we made it just in time for Firstborn's ball game warm-up at 1:30. Another triumph for the day...a strong victory for the team, in small part thanks to our little sluggers efforts at third base and at bat. Now with van and car past capacity, the Prof & I headed home with our little scholars and five little guests. Frozen pizza all around! Baths for everyone! Shirley Temple in the title role of Heidi on DVD! And at long last, off to bed.
The Prof had left around 7pm for baseball conession stand duty and returned shortly after 9pm. Mr. & Mrs. H returned home from their evening out around 9:30 and I put our dinner in the oven. An hour later, the four weary though cheerful adults sat down to a lovely dinner. Wonderful conversation was propelled by a fruity shiraz, stuffed salmon & blanched asparagus. Topped off by a fruit laden boston creme pie (why do they call it pie?). Happy 12th Anniversary, Mr. & Mrs. H!
Sunday started out slow and lazy. Late pancake & bacon brunch. The H's had to step out to see a couple of people while the rest of us reset the kitchen and bedrooms and prepared for Mass. Then off to Mass for everyone. And this Mass was the very reason that our dear friends had returned to their old stomping grounds for the weekend. Yes, this was to be a very special Mass.
Our little Tridentine (Latin) Mass community has spent its whole life shuffling around to different churches and chapels (even met for awhile at a cemetery chapel) looking for a real home. A home that reflects the beauty of the Mass and a home that would truly welcome us in (not everyone is so welcoming of our traditional ways). And just recently in a most unexpected moment, the rector of the cathedral gained the blessing of the bishop to invite us to join the Cathedral parish. So for the very first time we were able to offer the sacrifice of the Mass in the full glory of a well appointed sanctuary.
The altar was splendid with the towering golden candlesticks, surrounded by swaths of gold fabric and dozens upon dozens of lilies. The choir sounded magnificent from the high loft and it was said that my darling little children's choir brought people to tears with their two part harmony Latin hymn. Most importantly the interest of this particular Mass being offered at the Cathedral more than doubled our usual attendance levels.
Although we know that many of these were just the curious, even perhaps a few skeptics, my husband posed this question last night: After experiencing the Mass in this way, how can anyone be willing to settle for anything less? How, indeed!
The weekend ended quite serenely after we said our last good byes to dear friends, tucked the very drowsy children into their beds and re-lived the details over another glass of that wonderful shiraz.
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