The end of summer....

So my last post was June 1 in the front row for Billy Idol.  While it was a great show, it also marked the start of a great summer.  Summer included my daughter Mary graduating Pinkerton Academy and being accepted to attend Saint Anselm College beginning Monday, September 2.  It also included me taking the Rite of Acolyte and being assigned to Blessed Sacrament Parish for my internship until April 30 of next year.  Over the last few months I have also vacationed with the family at Salisbury Beach again for two weeks as we have done for 18 years (right on the ocean!) and attending concerts of Paul McCartney (6th row), Jon Bon Jovi (2nd Row), The Monkees (8th row) and George Thorogood (front row!!).  So, as I like to take and post photos, here is the photo summary of my summer:

First, here is Mary's Graduation:

Then, here am I taking the Rite of Acolyte at Saint Joseph Cathedral in Manchester, NH:

Kneeling before the Bishop taking the Rite.  Bishop Emeritus McCormack was the Presider.

Chris was a server, as he has been at each of the Rites over the last three years. 

with Mary

and my brother Ron and his wife Carrie.

then we started attending concerts.  First up was Sir Paul McCartney in Fenway.  I had tickets in Row 6.  I was in the crowd as his limo arrived at Fenway:

then, the concert:

and then we went to see The Monkees in Boston.  Sad to be without Davey Jones, but Mickey Dolenz, Peter Tork and Mike Nesmith were great.  Since this concert, we've picked up tickets to see Mike Nesmith solo.  Mike hasn't toured with the band for many years and the setlist included many songs written by Mike.

Next up was Jon Bon Jovi in Gillette Stadium in Row 2.  the highlight for me was seeing J. Geils with Peter Wolf.  Bon Jovi was great.  Wished I could have seen him again the next week in Jersey with Ron and Carrie.

OK, so that summarizes July.  Then we went to the beach in August.  Actually left at the end of July.  Two full weeks on the shore of Salisbury Beach.  Great weather, but regardless, I spent my time reading and being with the family.  Our rental is on the ocean and there is a deck accessible only from the master bedroom that overlooks the ocean.  I don't go in the ocean, but really like watching and listening to it at night:

and the last update (at least with photos).  The weekend we got back from the beach, we scored front row tickets for George Thorogood and Buddy Guy at Meadowbrook.  Went with my brother Ron.  Here are front row photos.  

and, my friends, I think that summarizes the last three months the best that I can.  As September begins, my internship at Blessed Sacrament Parish, Elm Street Manchester, gets more involved.  If you are so inclined, please come join us for a 7 AM (!) Sunday Mass.  Most Sundays, you will find me serving with Fr John Bucchino.  If you attend, please stop by and say hello at the end of Mass.