I read an article in “Parable” (Manchester Diocesan magazine) a few months ago about a man who wanted to give something special to his Parish before he passed away. He ultimately decided to donate a Nativity made by expert craftsmen in Italy and the article described the positive impact of this gift. The idea of leaving a meaningful token of a full life lived in faith was intriguing to me and I actually wrote to the Pastor (also the author of the article) to find out how I could actually see it. He told me to attend Mass at St. Martin Church (part of St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish) in Somersworth so I left the house early this morning (0645). I used I-89, I-93, I-393, US-4, US-202, NH-9, NH-16 and city streets (listening to audiobooks on the way) to get to the parish and located it near the border with Maine. I was just in time and only barely managed to find a parking space (!!!). Following 0900 Mass, I met Father Andrew and he gave me a personal (interpretive) “tour” of each piece in the Nativity. We weren't actually alone - lots of other people joined us and marveled with me at the amazing artwork. The minute details on each carving tell a story and my photos didn’t do them justice. Father Andrew told me the display would remain in place until February 2, if you want to go see it in person - highly recommend! I then drove a short distance until I reached the nearby Dover Community Trail. There wasn’t a lot of snow on the ground near the Seacoast but I found an ice rink there! Wearing microspikes, I gingerly logged about five miles between the Watson Road Trailhead and the Train Depot in Dover (1100 to 1300). Everyone with dogs was having a heck of a time keeping their pets from taking them on a wild skating ride. Other than seeing some interesting businesses in town and crossing under a busy highway in the middle, about the only other scenery was watching the (mostly frozen) Cocheco River meander to the sea… Regardless, it was nice to get some good outdoor time in a new place - I’ll bet this area is even better during the warmer months! After getting finished, I drove southeast (partly on NH-16 and some on US-4) until I reached the Fox Run area of the northwest Portsmouth suburbs. There were several pretty water crossings. I ate a nice Veterans Day (raincheck) appreciation meal at Texas Roadhouse (1330 to 1500) and then got started for home soon afterwards. I arrived at my condo (after using US-4, I-393, I-93 and I-89) by 1700. What a great trip to the Seacoast!
