I did a few talks in the diocese of Hartford (CT) this April. Within a week of the talk, I got a call asking if I would be interested in coming back to speak to two groups of teens in the area- and one group had just heard me! We agreed on a September date.

The talks went well but what I was struck by were a few things:

+I had supper with 4 leaders from one of the parishes. I was inspired by their enthusiasm and their eagerness to “pick my brain.” (Later one of the leaders commented how curious the restaurant’s servers seemed. It looked like they were asking what I would have that would hold people’s attention in such a way.

+ I had lunch at a very neat diner called Shady Glen. I was a little shocked when they brought us water in a “dixie” cup…my face gave away my reaction.

The diner is also known for its crunchy fried cheese. You have to ‘’fold it over” to get it on your cheeseburger. A very quaint place! Kinda a throw-back to a simpler time.

+I got to visit with a former colleague, Shawnee Baldwin. She is youth ministry coordinator for the diocese of Hartford. We got to walk and catch up on life –always a super side benefit to the “work” I get to do.

Thanks to Gina from St. Dunstan’s and Eileen from St. Brigid’s for the invitation to return and for hospitality.