An Amazing Pilgrim Day

We met up with Sue Allan, author and Pilgrim expert, at 9 a.m. By the time we returned at 5 p.m. our heads were spinning with amazing sights, ideas, and new connections. It has been a remarkable day to see events and places that I have studied come alive, and to get some of the "story behind the story."
The day included a return to Babworth All Saints' Church, where Richard Clyfton did much to fan the Separatist flames 400 years ago. This time I got spend a few minutes in the pulpit (the wood is Victorian, but the location and pedestal is likely original). Look closely at the picture and you may see a Pilgrim attending to the Word. (Actually that is Sue in authentic garb.)
Then it was on to Scrooby, where Clyfton teamed with William Brewster and a very young William Bradford to establish a clandestine congregation at Scrooby Hall... at great peril.
In Austerfield, we visited the church where William Bradford was baptised (Anglican), and the original font that was used is still there and in working condition (pictured). From here, Bradford would (at the age of 12 or so) walk to Babworth to hear Clyfton preach... much to the consternation of his Catholic uncles who were raising him!
Later in the day we visited the Old Hall in Gainsborough, gathering place for Separatist congregations and later Methodist ones. It is a remarkable speciman of a medieval manorhouse, and one which King Henry VIII (among other notables) visited. It was likely here that Anne Boleyn was accused of infidelity; the results were very difficult for her, as you may know. Less well-known is the likelihood that the manor was a harboring place for many hunted Separatists across many years.
I am in great awe of the price these Pilgrims and their protectors paid for their convictions, and the manner in which they persisted in finding signs of blessing in the most devastating circumstances.
Onward.

Pilgrim Country: Where It All Began

We made the drive from Broadway to Retford in a bit more than the scheduled time... with an unplanned detour right smack through downtown Birmingham. I aged at least ten years .
We made it and were directed to lovely Bolham Manor (more about that on another post) where we were one of several guests last night, hosted graciously by Pam and Butch (www.bolham-manor.com).
This morning was memorable: Pick-up by Russell Hocking (owner of Pilgrim Tours Ltd.; this was not part of the tour but was a personal gift) and on to the morning Communion service at All Saints' Church in Babworth (pictured), where Richard Clyfton was preaching in the late 16th Century. He attracted (among others) a very young William Bradford and William Brewster as he developed the theological foundation of what would later be called Separatism. For this, at length, he was removed from the Church of England (and his living).
The early Pilgrims often walked for miles, the last bit of which was over this very path, to attend Clyfton's services. Why through the woods? The roads were watched carefully, and Separatism had already cost some lives!
Following the service, the Hockings (Shelly and Ethan joined us) provided lunch at the Pilgrim Fathers Restaurant. Then there was a run to Epworth so I could get a good grounding in the origins of Methodism (I know, I know) at the Old Parsonage there.
To worship in the place where the Pilgrims first felt the call to a simple, New Testament-style faith; to walk on the very path they walked; to meet Russell, with whom I have been communicating by e-mail for a year and spend some time with his family; this all made for a memorable day.
If you would like to know more about what we will be up to tomorrow, check out www.pilgrimtours.co.uk.

Cotswolds and Shakespeare

OK, take notes now because there will be a quiz!
"Cotwolds"" Cots = sheep pen in Saxon-speak, and wold = high windy ground. We can testify to both.
We had rain today, and lots of it.
We headed off, in the left lane except when I forgot, and made our way to Chipping Campden (meaning from old and middle English, "market" and "valley with fields"). We then made our way to Stratford-on-Avon, home of ..... whom? Those who said Shakespeare, take an extra credit. The traffic was so ferocious there (I earned a universal salute from one driver) that we did not even stop. We went by Anne Hathaway's cottage (by accident) in our meanderings.
I am posting a picture of a thatched-roof cottage. Thatch was originally the roofing material of the poor but today is very costly. Two-foot sections of "hay" are bound togther and attached with wooden pegs-- good for 50 years or more. Tours charge exorbitant fees to take tourists to thatched cottages... but here is one for you for free!
Returning to Broadway, we stopped into the deli next to our hotel and purchased fresh mozzarella and GENUINE beefsteak tomatoes (pictured at right--we haven't had them in 13 years!) for a wonderful supper in our room. Oh, how good they were.
Tomorrow we head deep into Pilgrim country/Sherwood Forest (of Robin Hood fame), and we will be based in Retford.
Onward!

Over the Mountains to Buckland

Both of us awoke to what seemed a low-energy day. In the early afternoon we decided to head off on a wee walk, having been told that the village of Buckland was nearby...with an easy walk to get there. Easy, sure, if you have cloven hooves! (Watch the news, the woman in the tourist center may be in danger.)
We headed off ... Liz in her sandals. We crossed flowing meadows and communed with the sheep. We passed through several gates and walked across fields of hay. Then we hit the Himalayas. From the top of one field (pictured) the view back to Broadway was gorgeous. "Do they fly medivac copters out here?" Liz wanted to know. We kept climbing, then leveled off for a long stretch. If there had been clouds, I know we would have been in them. I kept looking for a base camp.
Nearing Buckland, we hit the downside of things...oh, my. Not only was the pitch very steep, but several gates had to be climbed over. (See the picture.) Liz stared at the first one for quite a while. Up and over she went, and by the time we reached the last one she practically bounded over it. Okay, that is an exaggeration, but we are calling her "MG" now (mountian goat).
The descent into the village was steep for sure, but all was worth it: We stumbled on Buckland Manor, an exclusive hotel just then serving veddy high tea. The picture of the flowers was taken from our seat in their garden. They were good enough to call us a taxi... perhaps pleased to be rid of the under-dressed, red-faced yanks.

One-cart roads in the Cotswolds

First, THANK YOU to those who remembered Kat(ie) with candles and prayers yesterday. From coast-to-coast people sang happy birthday, made pink bubbles, released balloons, visited children in need, had cookies and punch, and otherwise honored her short but very significant life. We video-Skyped with Kelly, Steve, Kayla and Aidan as we lit our candles. Liz and I then released balloons here in Broadway.
Today we awoke to a spectacular day weather-wise... not a cloud anywhere. After a hearty breakfast here at Russell's, we stopped by the hotel next to us--the Ligon Arms. What makes it siginificant for me is that Oliver Cromwell, the only Puritan prime minister of England, stayed there in the 17th Century. Most of the buildings in Broadway date from the early and mid-1600's-- making them Pilgrim-era. As we are only 200 miles from where they lived it is possible some of them came here. (Their leaders were upper-middle-class merchants before their exodus to Holland.)
We ventured out for a white-knuckle, left-sided drive to some of the area villages. (Have you heard me saying the Hail Mary in Latvian?) When I tell you that these roads meant for two-way traffic are not wide enough even for ONE way ... well look at the picture and see for yourself. It is wise not to be in a great hurry to get anywhere, as a lot of stopping and back-tracking is necessary to let people get through!
We went to the village of Snowshill, then the untouched and beautiful village of Lower Slaughter (meaning "muddy place" in middle English). From there we hiked the three miles to Upper Slaughter and back using the beautifully laid-out system of "footpaths" throughout the area. (The picture is of one of the views along the way.)
Back in Broadway, we visited our favorite pub for a tuna baguette and a pint. On to Budgeon's grocery (next to our hotel), and then it was bathtub laundry time, which is duly recorded to the left for everyone's enjoymjent.
A note for those interested: My mom has been hospitalized at Boswell for a couple of days but is due to go home today. Thanks for the prayers and to Cindy and Debbie for checking in on SuperChihuahua Chili.
Onward.

With Love

Twenty-seven years ago today, God lent you to us. We did not have you nearly long enough. We long for you.

Broadway / Cotswolds

This has been a day of adventure, as in 1) pick up a rental car in Bath and decide on the various insurance coverages, given the situation; 2) remember how to drive a manual transmission; 3) re-program my brain to sit on the RIGHT and drive on the LEFT ... which is tough enough anyway but unreal when one hits a round-about (rotary)! It was a white-knuckle drive back through central Bath (went the wrong way) and finally out and north. I do owe some apologies to a couple of drivers--whose horns are in excellent working shape.
A two-hour drive brought us to the amazing village of Broadway in Worcestershire, deep in the Cotswolds, where we will stay for five nights at Russell's, a restaurant with rooms above, directly on High Street in the middle of the action. (Our room has the two open windows over the front door in the top picture.)
We spent a bit of time preparing for Katie's birthday tomorrow, took a walk, and ate outside at a pub down the block. This is a beautiful place... for those who have been there, think the best of Cape Cod and Camden, Maine (minus the ocean).
This will be our base as we visit surrounding villages, each one reportedly more beautiful than the last.

{addendum} Abbey Evensong

Bath Abbey is about 150 yards from where we are staying, so it was a short walk to attend the Evensong service there. The liturgy was moving and beautiful, with extensive music on the grand organ and by the men-and-girl choir--I don't think I have heard that combination before.
In the midst of the service I was struck with the appropriateness for the sabbatical: Last Sunday it was High Mass in Latin; today it was high Church of England; a week from today worship will be in Babworth, where the Pilgrim Separatist foment really kicked into gear. This sequence of services is following English history rather nicely.
A walk to Jamie's Italian for tomatoes and mozzarella then another for some excellent pizza, and an end to the day by the fire in our room watching the Red Sox. (Yes, the fire feels good.)

Stonehenge

Our B&B is located wonderfully, so we only had a few steps to go for the pick-up spot for a tour to Stonehenge, about an hour's drive from Bath through beautiful villages. On the way we saw one of the famous "chalk horses" carved high into the hillsides hundreds of year ago. We kept our eyes peeled for UFOs and crop circles... nothing to report on those.
Stonehenge is amazing. It is one of those "life spots" for me that I am glad I have had the chance to see... especially on the eve of the summer solstice; they are expecting 50,000 people there overnight! The audio tour that is provided is full of information, and I learned that most scholars do not think that it was a Druid site at all (despite the fact that they will be prominently featured for the solstice). Neither of us felt any sort of emotional/spiritual energy there, which somewhat surprised me.
Returning to the city, we explored streets at leisure, and then took the river walk ... just a beautiful, peaceful place with stunning views in every direction.
Happy Father's Day to all the dads, and all those who are who have been as fathers (teachers, coaches, mentors of all sorts). Yes, mine has had both extremes: Great joy at being greeted by Kel, Steve, Kayla and Aidan and great pain at missing Katie.
One last night in Bath, then it is on to the Cotswolds.

"Dipping" Into Bath

Bath, in SW England, was a Roman center starting in 64 AD (as a reference, that is about 30 years after Jesus). It rose up around several very hot mineral springs... still running.
In keeping with the monastery theme, we are staying at Three Abbey Green, a B&B located right in the old city. In the picture, our room (the Lord Nelson Room, if you please) has the three windows starting over the door and moving right. It is nicely appointed with antiques, including a wonderful big old four-poster bed.
So we are shifting gears from monastery to "normal" life. We have reflected on the last week gratefully. (All things considered, the Farnborough experience had more impact.) I miss the chickens, except at 5 a.m.
Bath offers a free two-hour walking tour, which was enlightening, and which gave us the overview of a remarkable and ancient city. After that, we headed for the restored Roman baths (pictured), much of which is still there and working (although not used for bathing). I find it moving to stand on the very places the ancients lived and worked, and this was no exception.
Bath is full of terrific things to do and see, and we hope to avail ourselves of as much as possible. In the time of the Pilgrims, it had become a rather anything-goes place, so it is unlikely they ventured here.
One happy note: We have encountered consistently helpful, interested and interesting people (fellow pilgrims, cabbies, train officials, monks, waitresses, etc.) We have yet to meet anyone who is curt or in the least unpleasant. I find that remarkable.
We picked up a few balloons (shades of purple) for Katie's birthday on Tuesday. For those of you lighting candles that day (9 a.m. AZ time), if you care to we would love to have you send along a message by posting a comment on the blog site... it is simple to do. (You will find the link right on the page.) It still seems painfully unreal to us that she is gone.
Tomorrow: A visit to Stonehenge.

The Abbey at Sutton Courtenay

First off: Thanks to those who have made comments through this blog page. I get them directly and enjoy them, but cannot respond directly. Darcy: No bangers and mash yet... lots of other really good food, though.
The second half of our first monastery week is three nights at The Abbey, an inter-faith retreat house in a pretty little village. There are six men and women in residence from a wide variety of backgrounds. The Abbey was built in the 1200's as a Benedictine place, but passed through many hands. It is owned by a non-profit group dedicated to spiritual enlightenment; they are seeking to raise a couple of million dollars and looked at us hopefully.
We entered through a rose-laden archway and found this welcoming sign. Our time was not structured, which can be a challenge. Wednesday is silent day... but no one told us. The meals are imaginative and completely vegetarian (though one of the community said some of them hide steaks upstairs). Talking with the variety of people there was stimulating; they were most welcoming and had a nice way to letting people do what each one needs.
We were housed in the Guest House with one other person... Susan, from England, whose husband died in February. She wants to travel by train across the U.S. Our "cells" were comfortable but not plush, and learning to regulate the heat was a challenge. The bathroom was shared, but it all worked okay. I finally figured out how to use one of the English coffee pots.
I found the slow pace and peace of these days helpful. The only "activities" were walks through the gravel lanes of the village and a couple of pub visits. (English pubs are wonderful, and very different from what we have in the U.S.)
We had a very slow internet connection, hence the delay.
We now re-enter the "regular" world with an hour's train ride to Bath. Onward.

Farewell Farnborough - on to Courtenay

Today we leave Farnborough for The Abbey in Sutton Courtenay, about an hour's train ride west. Again, I am unsure of internet availability so do not worry if the blog goes quiet for a few days.

The time here has been peaceful; the hospitality has been completely undemanding and genuine. The pub at the bottom of the hill (Ham & Blackbird) has wonderful fish and chips. I am very glad this monastery time was part of the sabbatical.

Things I have learned in Farnborough:
1) English weather can be spectacular.
2) The offering of real hospitality is not to be under-estimated in its power.
3) Monks are amazing... 8 services a day, EVERY day, in Latin, starting at 3:30 a.m.!
4) High, repetitive liturgy has its own peace to offer; God inhabits all sorts of praises.
5) Chickens are not high on the IQ scale.
6) Cows are your friends only if it is convenient.
7) Check if your electric toothbrush will handle 220V BEFORE you plug it in.
8) Grief travels unhindered across times zones and borders.

In case you couldn't tell, here is a description of today's pictures. On the left side:
--Farnborough Abbey... the brick part is the oldest (1880).
--A pastor needs a flock, right?
--Father Abbott leading a tour of the buildings.

On the right side:
--The South Lodge (our place) as viewed from the Abbey.
--Free WiFi at Costa Coffee... a big help!
--The dirt road leading to our gate.
Onward.

High Mass and Bright Sun

I attended the highest High Mass of my life this morning... beautiful and mournful. The Abbey's organist has some renown, and plays the excellent pipe organ with great touch and skill. There were about 70 people attending, by far the largest congregation we have seen here.
I was struck at the peacefulness of the fixed liturgy in Latin, and the extreme contrast to the Pilgrims! (It was, after all, such elaborate ceremony at which they took umbrage.) The Abbey prides itself on the study and preservation of historic liturgies, and this reminded me of what I have read about from the late Middle Ages, complete with only the priest receiving both the bread and cup.
The day is glorious; so far our British weather has been better than that in Plymouth. On now to get more potting soil and return to our "cloister."

Farnborough Abbey

[created Saturday... but I lost the internet]
We traveled 30 minutes by train to Farnborough, whose (by far) most interesting asset is the Benedictine Abbey with quite a history: The monastery and church were built by the Empress Eugenie, widow of Napoleon III, as a burial place for them and their son. The community has 7 monks, led by an Abbot of very good humor. (Yes... she was French... long story.)
We are staying in the "south cottage" -- a wonderful, spacious and well-equipped place surrounded by lush fields, trees, chickens (and roosters...no alarm clocks needed), cows and pigs. The cows remind me of my childhood years in West Boylston; as you can see below, I made friends immediately. The view from our deck (pictured left) is peaceful in the extreme. (You can see the top of the Abbey in the trees.) It has its own dirt road with a gate that is manually opened to come and go.
The town is a very short walk down the hill; we are there now for a WiFi signal and some food. (We are self-catering in the cottage.)
Benedictines take hospitality as a high sacred calling, and they are taught that Christ visits them in every guest ... no matter who they are or where they are on life's journey. (Gee, that sounds familiar.) Bro. Thomas is the Guestmaster, a delightful and helpful fellow. They are very laid back aboout what their guests do while here; all are welcome at any of their services. (There are 8 each day, all in Latin / Gregorian chant.) I am finding them peaceful; there is no need to try and translate or understand... a foreign concept for Protestants. They are occasions for simple mystery and majesty.
Liz right away planted flowers in the several flower boxes that had been neglected giving the house a more welcoming look.

London - Trafalgar Square

We will only be here one night, and thought we were going to spend the whole time getting from Gatwick Airport into London... there is a subway strike going on and the streets are mobbed with cars and bikes. We are staying in historic and beautiful Trafalgar Square.
In the picture you can see the famous column commemorating the naval battle in which Napoleon was defeated by Lord Nelson (statue, on his horse.... wait, naval? horse?). Our hotel is across the square just to the right of LN. You will also notice a London black cab in the foreground.
The weather is gorgeous, the square beautiful and teeming with life (sunbathers, street performers, etc.). Big Ben and the Parliament buildings are a couple of blocks away; this really is central London. The people we have met have been gracious and quick to converse. It must be the sunshine.
In the less-than-we-like-it column: Liz does not feel well at all today, so she has not ventured out of the room. She hopes to feel better tomorrow; traveling while ill is no fun.
We are off by train for St. Michael's Abbey in Farnborough tomorrow, the first of the monastery stays. I am not sure about internet access there; don't worry if the blog "goes dark" as I will catch up when I can.
I will close with a picture of the Square at night.

A Museum, and A Personal Pilgrim

The weather did NOT cooperate today... it rained heavily and was cold and raw. So we shifted the plan for the day, and spent extra time in the Pilgrim Hall Museum in Plymouth. They have the finest permanent display of Pilgrim items, including the Geneva Bible that William Bradford used in Scrooby (England), Leiden (Netherlands) and Plymouth. There is a traveling display in honor of the 400th anniversary of the Pilgrims' arrival in the Netherlands... including the original record book in which the Clerk recorded the decision of the Leiden rulers to let them settle there. Also on-site is an archive of original material available by appointment only.
I was struck at the assortment of items the Pilgrims elected to bring with them on the Mayflower. Most were practical, related to storage, warmth, etc. But some were clearly brought just because they were beloved and life would be less without them.
Of particular interest is the original of the Mayflower Compact, arguably the most important early document in American history. With it a group of rag-tag exiles, some religious but most not, agree to cooperate for their mutual survival in a simple democracy. It happened quickly, but the words are immortal and affect us still.
We kept waiting for the rain to stop so we could explore Plimouth Plantation at leisure; it was not to be.
In the heavy rain we headed south onto Cape Cod for a visit with one of the heroes of my life-- my dad's cousin, Barbara Silvester. You may have heard me refer to her in sermons: Because of damage done in the birthing process, she started life with severe brain and spinal chord damage. Unable to walk alone or do what other children do, she learned to observe and care and connect. Not expected to live past 18, she is now 85. Undamaged are her spirit, her sharp mind, and her positive attitude. She cannot care for herself any longer and is afflicted with lung cancer; she has given up her home and is now in a nursing home. "This is a good place, and they take good care of me," she says. Over the years we treasured her hand-written (how?) cards and notes; she was especially attentive to Katie at each holiday and birthday. She wanted to know all about our travels and several times wished us all the best. We asked the staff to correct the spelling of her name on their records (they put a "Y" in Silvester, as many do). What a woman.
As I write this, the Sox are leading the Yanks 5-0. A couple of loads of laundry, a good sleep, and tomorrow we head for London.

Plymouth, MA

We arrived in Plymouth on a beautiful afternoon and headed immediately for the waterfront, where we enjoyed steaming bowls of homemade clam chowder while sitting outside and gazing at the spectacular harbor.
I have begun regaling Liz with fascinating (ok, maybe not) historical information about the sites I am seeing with new eyes.
The Mayflower II, a faithful recreation of the original, sits at anchor very near the Town Brook, site of the original settlement. One hundred and twenty souls crammed into this rather small ship, and historians really do not know how they did it; some slept in the open air, some in the longboat, and some in the shallop (which you see moored alongside the MF.) Touring the ship only increases the mystery. These folks REALLY wanted to get out of Europe!
By the way, the shallop was what they used to explore the coast of what is now Cape Cod, until they happened on to the sheltered harbor with abundant fresh water... which they promptly named after their final port of call in England.
You see pictured here two churches, so close you could easily lob water balloons back and forth. (Who would do that?) When the "Unitarian controversy" split the New England Congregational Churches in the early 19th Century, the Unitarians kept the older buildings (the stone one on the left... First Parish Church) and the Congregationalists built "new" ones (UCC Church of the Pilgrimage on the right). Both claim to be the true Pilgrim Church. Both have services Sundays at 10. *sigh* These churches stand at the head of Leyden Street, named for the city we will visit in The Netherlands where the Pilgrims spent 12 years. What is now Leyden Street is the sight of the original Pilgrim settlement, and a beautiful one it is.

Jamestown, RI

Since we were going to be in the Fall River area, we decided to stay on the island of Jamestown, just across the bay from Newport, RI. The good news: The view is awesome. The challenge: There is no WiFi available.
The condo is on the water, at the foot of the Newport Bridge, in one of the most soul-filling places in the world--when the sun is out. The picture is of our view from the deck; Newport is in the center, through the bridge.
We narrowly averted disaster: While we were having dinner (looking at what you see) a load of laundry was in the dryer set to permanent press. Bottom line: The entire interior of the dryer melted, along with my clothes, many of which were also scorched. Things were so hot I burned my hand on the dryer door. It is amazing that the place did not go up in flames. (The resort agreed to replace my clothing.) [We always manage a few adventures; many of you will recall the piece of hotel that fell on Liz and cut her on our last sabbatical!]
We have spent some nice time with Liz' mom, Phyllis, each day. Our last visit included an outing to Papa Gino's and then the dollar store... two of her favorite haunts. She seems to be rallying some and has really enjoyed our time together.
Our time also included soul-wrenching visits to Katie's cemetery plot and a sign-off on the design for the burial marker... complete with a fireworks burst.
Next stop: Plymouth.

Full Friday of Family and Fenway

OK, so now we remember why we love Arizona... our once-every-so-often Red Sox game was cold, wet, and the Sox lost.
The day had more significant moments: It began with a painful visit to the cemetery in Tiverton, RI, where half of Katie's ashes are buried right under a grand old oak tree. While there, Liz gave approval on a final design for a grave marker. It all still does not seem possible.
Later, we found Liz' mom a bit livelier than we were expecting. We took her to do some errands and spent the afternoon with her. Liz' cousin Mary joined us for a while to consult, and brought along some chowda and clam cakes. Thanks, Mary.
As we headed to Boston (and were stopped in rush hour traffic heading north near the coast) I reflected on how the Pilgrims, when they saw what is now Boston, wished they had settled there... but things were too far along in Plimouth. I am seeing the names and places with different eyes this time around.

Greetings from Roger Williams' town

We have arrived in Providence after a flight from Phoenix with a stop in Chicago. Harold Armbrust shuttled us to SkyHarbor beautifully... we recommend his service. Leaving home and starting this journey was a big moment for us, for sure.
Our row-mate on the flight to Providence was Joel, a 15-year-old from Indiana on his first-ever flight. He was a bit nervous, and he was excited about every part of the flight. He was good company ... until we overheard his cell-phone call to his aunt: "I had a good flight. This old couple sat with me..."
In terms of my sabbatical: I am aware of the role Roger Williams played in the Pilgrim drama. In 1632, 12 years after the Mayflower landing, it was he who (in my opinion) embodied the true Separatist spirit and refused to adopt the 'exclusionary' Puritan ethos from the Massachusetts Bay Colony. He fled to what is now Rhode Island, and treated the Native Americans here with respect. He was a strong proponent of a separation between civil and religious authority. He also believed in welcoming diversity as an expression of the greatness of God. These are lessons worth breathing deeply into the early 21st Century!

Departure Eve

Getting ready to go is a big job, as many of you know. There is packing, re-packing, deciding what to bring, then re-deciding when reality sets in. Liz is a wizard at packing lightly, and I have worked my way up to honored lecturer.
Chili (our 9-year-old chihuahua) was dropped off at Grandma's for her sabbatical. Then there was a dentist visit in Scottsdale.
We spent some time (I cannot adequately describe the experience) at Katie's niche in Scottsdale; it is decorated with color and flair for her upcoming birthday (June 23) -- there is no doubt which one is hers. We will celebrate that day with many of you by lighting a candle at 9 a.m. (AZ time), missing her terribly, and sending prayers and positive thoughts and energy.
A Red Sox game on ESPN, a round of household tasks to get ready to go, some sleep, and away we go early tomorrow morning. First stop: Providence, RI, and a visit with Liz' very ill mom on Friday.