Good friends

This morning I got up early and rode my motorcycle 30 miles to Sagamore to meet my dear old friend Rob for breakfast. We had a wonderful talk about our families, our friendship and spirituality. Religion was a big part of the conversation, since Rob just finished writing an essay that is part of his application for ordination as a Lutheran minister. He hopes to receive ordination in September. It would be great if I could go to the ceremony, but it will be in Gettysburg, Pa., which is a long way away.

In the afternoon, I had lunch with Ann, and we talked about the sangha. She agreed to lead the sangha in my absence next Sunday. I later met with Robin, who is teaching a class at the college. I reassured her that she would do fine. We also talked about changes at the Cape Cod Times, where she still works.

In the evening I packed for the six-day retreat with Thich Nhat Hanh. I am really looking forward to that.