My first posting in almost a year. I apologize for not keeping up with folks. It probably comes as no surprise that I’m not a social media person!

Exactly a week ago, our son Charles and his lovely bride Christina became married. I’ll treasure the look on their faces and love in their eyes as they recited their vows. Since they had asked me to officiate at their wedding, I got more than a front row seat! Besides meeting Christina’s family, a high point of the weekend was seeing and talking with our family and friends. The older I get, the more I appreciate such opportunities.

The last two days, I have entered full tourist mode. I’ve taken a walking tour of Milan; I’ve visited the Milan Duomo (cathedral); I’ve entered 43 churches. I even visited the Milan cemetery which I hope to write about later. As much as I would like to see the Last Supper, I didn’t want to pay $75 +/-. Next time! In my usual bumbling way, I entered a church on Piazza Marco. Drawn by the wonderful organ music, I sat down. When the music finished, I looked toward the narthex and saw dozens of well-dressed individuals all in black. I was the last one attending a funeral. In a way, very apropos. In this church, Verdi first performed his Requiem!

I also saw some of “modern” Milan. Home of Gucci and Prada and other luxury brands. Also some interesting public art!

Oh, by the way, I’m traveling to Aosta tomorrow. On Monday, I’ll continue on the Via Francigena. While I have 275 miles to walk, I’m going to repeat some of the pilgrimage In Tuscany and Lazio. At least, that is the plan.

Although I planned this walk six months ago, I’m not yet “feeling” the pilgrimage. I’ve either been looking forward to Charles and Christina’s wedding; or, more immediately, I’ve been wanting to see Milan sites as I walk the streets. I guess major undertakings don’t always fit the pattern of hours of planning accompanied by intense anticipation. Sometimes they simply fit into our already full lives! Regardless of this beginning, I’m sure that the journey will be full.