Camping at the CanOpener Rally at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, Santa Rosa Beach FL Here’s an update on my experience roaming in the Rangeline.  After my review of my 2023 Airstream Rangeline camper van posted last year, I’m happy to report now  that all systems are go.  Replacing the incorrect 9 pin soul module with a 7 pin version and switching to a new inverter was a huge improvement.  A software update cured the random orange warning screen on Firefly and the backlight on the Timberline screen. I’ve been able to use my van as intended after a visit to the factory in ..read more

Alvie the Airstream in Maine After nearly four months of ownership and a fair amount of radio silence on my part, I’m ready to share my review of the Airstream Rangeline Class B van.  As a Tin Can Pilgrim, I’m a big fan of Airstream and its shiny rounded trailers.  For nearly five years, I towed my very own “Tin Can,” first a 25 foot Flying Cloud, then a 19 foot Flying Cloud. When my aging truck stopped being reliable, I considered my options.  Airstream’s launch of the new Rangeline campervan led me to consider a drivable RV still within the Airstream family.  Built on the ..read more

Keys View at Joshua Tree NP I’ve been blessed to spend much of Advent in the California and Arizona deserts.  The desert is a place of waiting and expectation.  Jesus would go to the desert to pray and reflect.  The stillness and silence helps us, like Mary, to ponder in our hearts the meaning of God’s promises.  Somehow, the apparent barrenness of the desert focuses our sight.  We begin to perceive life hidden there.  This turns our contemplation to the hope of Christmas and, in a larger sense, to Christ’s second coming at the end of ages. California Deserts I v ..read more

Happy Book Birthday! Many memories involve celebrations of milestones, like birthdays and anniversaries. A dear friend and her husband recently celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary with a quiet trip to a remote cabin.  Then, there are the elaborate events that contrast with the simple ones.  A childhood friend celebrated her sweet 16 with a party in a restored train.  My grandparents’ 50th wedding anniversary recalled their wedding reception. Regardless of size or location, the best remembrances are those involving someone we love. Christmas comes to mind, of course, as wel ..read more

For those of you who may wish to have me speak at your church, book club, campground, bookstore, or coffee bar…here are my travel plans for the summer into fall.  Of course, they are subject to change so check with me if you are interested in having me visit.  First, I speak in Medora June 23, then travel to the Minneapolis area by the 26th, south of Chicago on the 27th-28th, to Fremont OH by the 28th.  After a stopover in Mount Pleasant PA, I’m in northern VA and the DC suburbs from June 30-July 15. The next itinerary takes me back north through Wappinger Falls, NY on July 15-1 ..read more

Altar at Saint Stephen the Martyr in Middleburg VA I returned to my former home area twice this past month by traveling in faith in Virginia.  Primarily my trip was to visit friends and family, but it became part of my pilgrimage.  First, I enjoyed Easter at my parish, Saint Leo the Great in Fairfax, and visited my daughters.  On my way there from Alabama, I stopped for a few days in Gordonsville and went to Mass at the lovely Saint Isidore the Farmer in Gordonsville VA.  In northern Virginia, my stops included the magnificent Saint John the Apostle Catholic Church in Leesb ..read more

Our Lady Queen of the Universe Chapel in Orlando FL Beyond theme parks and beaches, there are amazing places to explore faith in Florida.  For the past several months, I’ve been wandering around this huge state, giving talks and signing books.  From the northwest Panhandle to sunny Sarasota to historic St. Augustine, many beautiful churches and religious sites help keep the spiritual dimension of travel in focus. Cathedral of Saint James in Orlando FLCentral Florida For instance, the mecca of theme parks — Orlando — offers the stunning Cathedral of Saint James.  Renovated in 201 ..read more

Tomorrow many Catholics and other Christians will head to church to receive the sign of the cross marked in black ash on their foreheads.  This marks the beginning of Lent, a season of penance before the glory of Easter.  Indeed, the ashes themselves come from the burnt palms of last Easter.  They symbolize penance and mortality.  As the priest reminds us when he applies them, “Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return.”  Sounds harsh? Not at all.  It is full of wonder and awe.  God created us and our bodies will die, but that’s not the end of t ..read more

January 1 promises renewal in the new year.  The blank calendar beckons to be filled with plans and resolutions for becoming a better you. Perhaps you promise yourself to more closely follow the Lord, to make time for prayer, to find and live your purpose in life through embracing a personal relationship with Jesus.  Or perhaps you resolve to diet, to get more exercise, to take a class, to improve your knowledge and skills. Whatever path you choose for the new year, recognize that God loves you for you, not for what you accomplish.  Goals are good, but our intentions in pursuing ..read more

May the peace and joy of the Christ Child reign in your hearts! Last Christmas I celebrated back in Fairfax, VA while recuperating from breast cancer surgery. This Christmas I’m in Florida, back on the road full time since April, with an excellent prognosis. I’m grateful for so many things this year – spending more time with my daughters, traveling to new areas, publishing my first book. Especially though, I’m grateful that God came to be with us and remains with us always. Tonight, I’m looking forward to a reverent midnight Mass at St. Rita Catholic Church in Santa Rosa Beach, FL. There will ..read more