So we are out of Ordinary Time on the Catholic calendar and on to the glorious Advent season, Who doesn’t like advent, right? All the lead up to the Holiday season is officially started.

Just got back from Mass and tailgating with Catherine. She was telling me about how Advent was her favorite season and talked about it so glowingly. Yea, hard to beat Catherine.

So, have been filling out forms, a stack of them, for a possible trip to Lourdes, France with the Order Of Malta. That is scheduled for May and we may get to go. I just delivered one page to Father David which he is supposed to fill out. My doctor has four pages. I got pages, My Rebecca has pages. Geez, lots of hoops.

The whole world’s order of Malta shows up at Lourdes this same week. We would be going with the US West Coast chapter but there are many more from all over. Amazing, must be quite a show. And it’s a whole week with lots of different activities. Well, I will let you know how that is all going as time goes by.

Local news is that I got the woodstove hooked up in the wood shop and had the first fire yesterday. I am so happy. Warmth is our ally.

On with my day. Come walk with us when you get a chance. Love, Felipe.

So, last evening we had our big Vashon showing of Phil’s Camino and by that time the marquee had Phil’s Camino in between the films Thor and Elf. That’s good, I am probably really in there somewhere on that scale. Anyway we had a serious amount of people show up at the theater to be with us.

We had mention on TV, radio and the local paper so things were set up in our favor. But it was very hearting to play to a packed house. The film was on the big screen with good color and sound. Annie, My Rebecca and Dr Zucker were on top of their games in the Q and A. I did very little myself and it all fit together gracefully.

So, we are thankful that so many came to get the message and so that funds came in to pay the bills. Alperfect, Saint James is afoot. So, it looks like we will do it again when the hour long version comes out.

I was personally worn out after the whole deal last night and am regrouping this AM. Time to be with you here now and then off to the shop. The new wood stove is close to being installed there and I am looking forward to seeing that happen. Warmth is our alley.

Well, now it is time to start concentrating on Christmas gifts. Geez, just have a slight start on that only. I am hoping Henna will help me with that.

Good luck with your Christmas chores. Too bad that I have to say chores but that is what it feels like at the moment. So, time to go. Lovin you somewhere between Thor and Elf, Felipe.

My Rebecca just said that to me, “Well it’s your big day.” Actually, I think it is our big day. Lots of people were involved with the Phil’s Camino documentary. I hope many people can claim part of it. So, yea, the first Island public showing of our film will be this evening at six o’clock.

Annie O’Neil our producer/director is showing up here shortly to start the day. And then the day will culminate with a Q and A session after the showing. I have got to iron a shirt here, that’s what I gotta do.

Well this day marks some type of landmark on my journey here on Vashon Island. Been here 44 years and things have been up and down, touch and go at times. In some ways it seems like the whole effort has been a prelude to this. That My Rebecca would come along to accompany me. That the ten acres that we have accumulated is so that there would be a place for Phil’s Camino. And the cancer came along to throw the dramatic monkey wrench in the works and provide the catalyst for the spiritual journey which is the whole point. That Annie would come along to say that us walking in the mud were doing something significant. And thank you Saint James.

And now friends and neighbors are going to gather at the theater to see one of the fruits of this story. Phil’s Camino the film, you are amazing! May you have a long life and mentor and inspire many people.

OK, time to iron that shirt. Love you guys. A whirlwind day is about to begin, Felipe.