A lovely weekend

So this weekend, Shaun & I had a lovely time together.  The weather was downright gorgeous and we enjoyed our time thoroughly.  We ran a number of errands, and drove up to Boston in the evening to visit with Shaun's nephew, Jack in the hospital on Saturday. 

Jack suffers from a very rare blood disorder which compromised his Kidneys.  He's been waiting for a donor and on Pentecost Sunday recieved "The Call" that a donor had been found.  He was rushed into the hospital and recieved his new kidney around two in the morning.  Shaun has been visiting him everyday because as chance would have it, he's been working right next to the hospital each day.  We were able to visit and spend almost two hours visiting on Saturday night.  Jack is responding remarkably well to the transplant and looked SO much better and happier ...as did his mother, Dana (Shaun's sister). 

After the hospital, Shaun took me for a lovely Italian dinner and after eating at "Antonios" in Boston, I realize why Shaun always seems unsatisfied with any Italian place I've gone to with him.  Their food is just marvelous!

On Sunday, we attended Mass at our Parish and due to it being the Parish's annual "Polish Fest" we experienced our first "Polka Mass".  I wasn't quite sure how I'd feel about it going in and expected it to be somewhat "irreverant" (to be honest), but was actually pleasantly surprised at how respectful the Polka "band" was towards the celebration of the Mass and how joyful people were in singing together to Our Lord.  There was an elderly woman in front of me who reminded me of my grandmother and I couldn't help but think of her (even after her stroke when she couldn't dance anymore) sitting in her chair tapping her foot to the Polkas that played in our kitchen every Sunday growing up.  She is one of my favorite people to ever have touched my life and the "Polka" music always brings memories of her back to me.  I dont' think I'd like to go every week, but was definitely surprised with how much they sought to keep it reverent and respectful, while still celebrating their heritage.  I also must say that I was very impressed that they stopped ALL festivities outside while the Mass was going on and made sure that this was the main focus of the festivities.

We then went out to the festival and enjoyed some great polish food!  Shaun & I both LOVE Polish food.  I being Lithuanian and he with a bit of Lith in him as well ...felt right at home. 

We sat down and quickly met two beautiful Maronite Sisters.  Sr. Therese Marie and Sr. Marla Marie of the Maronite Servants of Christ the Light.  They are of the Maronite Catholic Rite and we thoroughly enjoyed chatting with them.  Find more out about them here: maroniteservants.org 

The Polish Fest offered fun for all

The "Eddie Forman Band" is my Aunt Leone's favorite Polka band.  They had everyone "toe tapping" and dancing.  I am always amazed at how well these couples dance the polka!  I LOVE old people!  (I know there's probably a nicer way to say that, but that's how I think it ...and I mean it in a nice way)

Even SISTER got in on the action

Here are some pics of Shaun & I outside the church

 (I have NO idea what "Witamy" means!)

 (SOooo pregnant!!!)

The "Happy Hubby!"

And Shaun knows I LOVE flowers, so aside from bringing me home bouquets regularly, he bought me two beautiful potted plants from the church festival

This one we hung on our lovely arbor...

 aren't our grapevines (planted tiny little things last year) coming along nicely?

These ones are on our front porch (see that handsome man reading in the background?)

and I just thought I'd show that our "window boxes" are coming along beautifully!

we spent the rest of "Father's Day" relaxing and enjoying each other's company.  I ended up taking a much needed nap and Shaun read in the hammock for a while.  Then we headed out to Boston again to see Shaun's daughter play softball.  We ended with a late night, but it was such a nice weekend.  Hope everyone else had a wonderful 'Father's day!!!"