Nomad Life - Day 31

I slept well overnight was wide awake at about 0500 this morning.  Taking advantage of some free time (no rushing around required), I read more than my usual amount, completed my puzzles and Duolingo and then tried to catch up on my travel blogging.  I also ate some leftovers (pancakes) for my breakfast.  Before I realized how much time I'd spent on these things, it was already 0730.  Realizing recently that I'd never attended Mass in Harrisonburg since the first year my daughters lived in the area, I'd told Brenna I planned to visit Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church for their 0800 service - I had to rush through getting ready but managed to depart with enough time to arrive just as they were starting.  Having been away from the Diocese of Richmond for quite a while, I'd forgotten about some of the order of the Mass - soon, though, it seemed familiar again.  The Parish really emphasized the singing!  Once the service was over, I made my way back towards Brenna's apartment, stopping only to fill up my gas tank at Sheetz (0905).  By 0920, I was able to resume working on my blog (Brenna wasn't yet awake).  She finally appeared in the living room at about 1000 (much later than I'd expected) and quickly got ready.  After departing Brenna's apartment (1020), we made our way to her nearby church, Horizon Christian Fellowship Harrisonburg and met Jesse after we arrived.  Beginning at 1030, we attended the worship service in the upper floor of an old barn.  I was impressed by the music and the sermon (by Pastor Ronnie) and was glad to see that Brenna had found such a great church home.  Afterwards (1215), we joined a pancake breakfast (that had started before we arrived) - there was an amazing amount of food!  While Brenna and Jesse were mingling with friends, I met some other members of the church community and enjoyed my “brunch”.  At about 1300, Brenna suggested a walk around nearby Lake Shenandoah and we (along with Jesse) enjoyed the beautiful weather and scenery as we followed the walking path  By 1400, we had returned to the car and said goodbye (reluctantly, from Brenna’s perspective) to Jesse.  At Brenna’s apartment, she made me some of her Harney Tea but then told me she wanted to take a nap.  After she was in her room, I kept busy with repacking my car and reading.  My daughter had said she’d only be resting for an hour or so but I didn’t see her again until after 1600.  By then, she was starting to make plans for her church’s Young Adult Group meeting in the evening.  Hoping to spend more time with Brenna before that event, I suggested we go get some food.  Brenna wanted to eat at one of her favorite restaurants but learned it was closed on Sundays.  Instead, we went to the Capital Ale House in downtown Harrisonburg.  After sitting down in their upstairs bar, I tried one of the beers on their extensive list.  Later, we got dinner: turkey club with broccoli (for me) and some chili (for Brenna).  Our conversation, like it had been all weekend, was great and I really enjoyed hearing news about my daughter's life.  At about 1750, I noticed that Brenna was beginning to worry about the time (her YAG was scheduled for just over 30 minutes later) and suggested we return to her apartment.  Once she dropped me off there, I did some more reading and made plans with my friends for the coming week.  I’d hoped to watch the Notre Dame versus Miami football game but Brenna’s steaming services didn’t include it.  Instead, I watched some Netflix until she returned (2000).  After that, we watched a movie together until after 2200 - this has been one of our special activities over the years.  Brenna was tired when it finished but I still wanted some more steps for my pedometer.  So, during the next 30 minutes, I walked around in her parking lot until I reached my 10K step goal.  Sadly, I learned during this time that the Fighting Irish hadn't been able to make their comeback stick - they are now 0-1...  Back in the apartment, I said goodnight to Brenna (she was already in her room) and then read for a little longer (bed was at 2320).  Very glad I got to spend time with Brenna at her church today!