Today at Parroquia San Cristóbal

Last night the Lovely Mona and I were at the 25th anniversary of la Asociacón de Jubilados Civil Servicio at the Waikiki. I did all the priest-stuff required at these occasions: invocación, blessing the food, bendición, and telling jokes at my table. We didn't take any photos, though, which is a shame as we had a great time. My buddy Marcellino Marshall sang acapella for the entertainment. As always, we agreed that we gotsta git together and do some more music. He may be singing with El Gran Combo de San Cristóbal at the special concert we are holding on May 11 (there will be plenty photos of that!).

Grandma Mary is back in town for the week, which means good eatin' for me. After the 7:30 am service she asked me if I had lunch plans yet. Then she ordered me to drop by the house after church. Yum! I had coco-rice and peas, pot roast and potatoes, and banana fritters! She told the Lovely Mona that I'm one of her step-sons and she has to cook for me when she's in town. Too bad she goes back to Costa Rica on Wednesday!

And now some great news: Ricky's Back!
Last Sunday Ricardo Staple returned to San Cristóbal after his illness, but today he was really back! Today he picked up his drum sticks and was back in action. He played at the 7:30 am Choral Eucharist in English and everyone was so happy to have him back; he received several ovations. At la Misa en español a las 10:30, Bernie was in Mexico with one of the many bands he plays with, so it was up to Ricky and I to provide the music (it was a great work out for the new guitar). I played guitar a lot during Lent as Bernie was gone quite often, and Ricky was in the hospital. I forgot how much I missed his percussion until we broke into the Gloria this morning and he laid down this incredible rhythm and the entire church was swaying and moving, including me. Gracias a Dios for Ricky's return, and thanks for your prayers, too.

Ricardo "Ricky" Staple


Ricky with Mrs. Kelley


Ricky with Ernestine Jackman


Ricky with Martha Olton and Mrs. Doyle (and Alda Allen in the back)


Ricky behind la batería

do you like that lil' chicky on the wall?


The congregation singing


Angie and el coro singing la Gloria