Busy Bank Holiday

It is wonderful to be busy with family rather than work. The weather was perfect for a barbeque yesterday, with wine and beer on tap. Much fun was had by all (in a very restrained civilised way of course). Today we have enjoyed the beautiful sun by taking a bike ride along Birmingham and Black Country's idyllic canals. We came across Galton Bridge, built in 1829 by Thomas Telford, which is an excellent example of Victorian industrial architecture. It spans two railway lines and one canal, and at 151 feet (46 metres) it had the highest span of its day.

Of main interest is Brutus doing his E.T. impression (top). As you can see, it is impressive how many life-forms you can legitimately fit on a conventional push-bike. It would have been nice to have flown over Galton Bridge, but perhaps a little ambitious. Is there anyone else that sees Jesus parallels in the film E.T.? Glowing heart, death, resurrection, ascension, etc?? Constantly 'phoning home'?

I was also honoured with the charge of taking photos of Cardinal John Foley's visit to the Oratory this morning, after serving a Low Mass. Tonight I will be snapping away at Vespers, and then tomorrow for the High Mass of St Philip Neri. I hope to serve EF Low Mass in the morning at 8.30am for his feast as well. I feel all this is like spiritual refuelling after the most brutal and stressful few months I can remember... Things are of course looking up. I have my Psychiatry training post secured for the West Midlands in August; LMS and Guild of Catholic Doctors events to work on; and Wendy is also 'working on' a very special project, which involves not drinking alcohol for 9 months. Keep up to date with the banner at the top!