It's Springtime!

Up at 9,000 feet . . .

Fresh Greenery is in full swing!





There comes a time when all brave souls need to enter out into the elements . . .

So just before leaving Redding I was able to spend a week hiking north of Yosemite with a friend--

Yes, this weighs about 3,000 lbs.




We saw some wide open spaces--




























And celebrated Mass with an Altitude!

Camped in the middle of nowhere!

Stella Lake

And discovered that the combination of no air, a gazillion pounds on your back, and trails like this . . . make for good reasons for rest breaks . . .




But what a totally refreshing way to shift gears before leaving for Italy. Between having foxes steal my sustenance (and my sunglasses), discovering that being able to breathe is good (best accomplished at like a 30 foot altitude), and refreshing the love of showers and beds, the wilderness takes up your full attention.

Go Sacramento!

The Diocesan Youth Convention was this last weekend!
















We rounded up youth from all over!



Hundreds of young people from all over the diocese gathered at the Placer County Fairgrounds. Bishop Weigand led us in a Holy Hour Saturday night, and then four of us priests heard confessions until the early hours of the morning!

More photos coming soon of my week in Yosemite . . .

Saying Goodbye to Redding

Only have a couple of days left to tie up loose ends!














Like one last ride on the river.


And that's not even the beginning of saying goodbye to so many, incredible, people.

Went Home Last Friday

Last week started packing.

My room.


Friday took a truckload of stuff up to Mom and Dad's with three friends.


Rinsing off after unloading.

Well, the evidence has returned!

I actually did do some work in Mexico!
Hard at work painting the convent.



One of my teams with House 1 in the background.

"I pledge allegiance, to the hammer. . . "



The front of the completed house (House 1).

You can see some of the family in the middle.

What a great adventure--plus tons of new job skills ("Yes sir, I do stucco").