"Volare" - Nel blu dipinto di blu - Domenico Modugno

1958 - Just out of college.
The song had just come out
Took "Mauritania" to Ireland, then joined college-age tour group for 8-10 weeks around Europe, some parts still recovering from WWII.
Everywhere we traveled, 'Volare" blasting over the airwaves.
Wonderful time of life.
Unforgettable.

(Unfortunately, I am unable at this time post the Youtube version).

Yes, friend, I was replying to your post #6, where you mentioned

your Catholic school experience.

In my day - long time ago- my Catholic school was closed on Nov. 1 - All Saints' Day.

That meant we could enjoy Halloween and the goodies we got and not be up early for school the next day, though we attended Mass for the Holyday.

In recent years, many local Catholic schools celebrate Halloween with the students dressing up as a favorite saint - combining the holiday with a little religious education. Some parade around the school neighborhood in their costumes.

Many do not know what they do not know.

I find many responses as much ignorant as mean-spirited.

Some people have the "look of contempt" just because

they don't like that swiping coupons takes a few seconds longer.
Others don't like to be behind a huge order.
It's possible, just possible, that the person's perverse look wasn't in regard to the SNAP card.

Congratulations on your wise selections of groceries to get you through the month while having a nutritious diet.
And, double congratulations for your charitable thoughts towards the next person in line.

Neo-Confederate Ignorance. nt

A priest. or any chaplain, who retires from the Military after the requisite

number of years, gets a very nice military pension, I understand.
It's likely much better than the retirement pay from a diocese.
Probably some of you who know about the rank and retirement benefits of regular military know more of the particulars.

That's good news, Locut0s

And I don't mean to come across as too authoritarian, as I have my weaknesses, too - sweets, in my case.
But I do believe there is a place where you have to draw a line, and likely alcohol is one for you.
No one knows your vulnerabilities better than yourself, and you are self-aware enough to know, according to your comments.

Be kind to yourself.
Keep busy.
If you're not working, volunteering in some manner would give a certain structure and meaning to your days.
You could, and maybe should start out small; you could always add on.
If you find a certain activity is not a good fit, just accept it as that, not a reflection on yourself.

We're here, and only wishing good outcomes for you.

Although I've seen and even walked labyrinths, I can't say

I really "get" them.
Other than appreciating the design (artistic as well as mathematical) and work that goes in to making them, I don't really get anything spiritual out of them.
I guess from my standpoint, they could have a pagan beginning, as some of those early peoples sure had a lot figured out astronomically and mathematically. (Ex. Stonehenge, Chichenitza (sp?), etc.)

Whatever. nt