Dear Loved Ones,
Pleasant
Greetings from Sacramento, CA, USA! The
month went by swiftly with the succession of holidays – All Saints’ / Souls’
days, election, Thanksgiving, parties, shopping, Advent in preparation for
Christmas. . . and winter!
We
exercised our citizenship responsibility in the last US elections and are happy
with the results. Likewise, we received an invitation from a Philippine
Consulate staffer (who was neighbor in Fairview, QC) in San Francisco (SFO) to
visit them for registration as Overseas Absentee Voter (OAV) so we can
participate in the coming Philippine elections. Thus, on one of Sean’s Friday
off, we were in SFO for that purpose, and went sightseeing on the downtown area
and other scenic spots.
I
am learning slowly the features of our new Samsung Note 4 cellphone which Sean
got from our provider for him and myself. It is bigger than my old phone,
sharper camera, and enjoying the added amenities.
Other highlights:
·
2nd Saturday Opus Dei Recollection with Fr. Turlock,
confession, benediction; Talks were held at our new St. Jude Room; we also have
the new St. John Paul II meeting room;
·
On Nov. 15, Sean and I had lunch with his friends at Bert’s (who was
celebrating his birthday) home in El Dorado Hills, exit Bus Lake, towards Lake
Tahoe; amid sumptuous buffet of Lechon, wide selection of food, drinks, and
desserts;
·
My regular work-outs in our gym is fruitful as the aches and pains on my
body and legs are slowly disappearing – with needed commitment to schedule;
·
Dedication to my church commitments as Eucharistic Minister, Adoration
chapel time including additional hours as substitute when called, arranging
images and paraphernalia and church library duties;
·
Thanksgiving dinner with the Geresola family and friends at their new
residence in Sacramento; Rusell is our realtor and his brother Ryan is one of
our Fairview Shipping crew, so he is our ‘go to’ person; Congratulations on
their home upgrade – their 3rd transfer in 4 years; again, with
sumptuous spread of food, and plenty of ‘takeout’ before Sean and I went on the
midnight shopping in Folsom and Sunrise Mall. It was 1st experience
of shopping at 12 midnight to 4:00am Friday (comfortable, as compared to the
long queue during daytime shopping) ;
·
On Advent week-end, St. Mel’s church started giving Holy Eucharist /
Communion in the two species of body and blood (bread and wine). We are a very
conservative parish for so long (it is said that we are the only parish in the
Sacramento area which is not serving the body and blood in the 2 species. I
myself will stay with my single specie option of bread to receive the Eucharist
(complete body and blood, soul and divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ)! Since I
was assigned to distribute blood / wine at the 9:30 am Mass today, I had to
take wine 1st myself; the entire process went smoothly but I
observed the conservative parishioners avoided taking wine, which I respect
sincerely; 
·
Streamed Live over EWTN, I watched the beauty and splendor of the orthodox
Maronite traditional rites celebrated with Pope Francis in Istanbul, Turkey
over this week-end – so inspiring and moving!
·
Communicating continuously with our contacts in our SAGA 1965 Golden
Reunion FB website; we pray for maximum participation in our Feb. 21, 2015 event!
·
Movies watched: Hunger Games - Mocking Jay 1; marathon on HBO: Legend of Hercules,
Behind the Candelabra, 12 years a Slave, That Awkward Moment;
Attached are 4 photos with
family and friends. Let us continue to pray for our country and people. Peace
and Joy to You and God Bless Us All!
Much love and Best Regards!!!
SUSAN BG
