From “The Private Diary of Bishop F. Atticus McButterpants” – 23-07-04 – Day off

Editor’s Note: Entries from the diary come in when our “mole” can get at them.  Also, some aren’t appropriate to post for reasons of confidentiality etc.  It’s a tough call.

July 4th, 2023

Dear Diary,

Had nothing on calendar. Asked Fr. Gilbert at breakfast about what we could do for the day. He perked up and almost yelped, “shopping!” A man after my own thing. We parked Chester with nervous Sr. Randi.  Skipped the golf course. Went to the mall. Gilbert knows all the stores, which is a little strange, but he is young. I’m still p-o’d that Sharper Image isn’t there any more. Great gadgets. Sport Gate had great socks and tees, got a bunch. Got new sunglasses. Bought new stuff for Chester at Canine Cave: plush bed, plaid. He probably won’t use it. He’ll probably destroy it in record time. Oh well.  Diocesan appeal of some kind.  We had lunch at the Cheesecake Factor. Gilbert ate even more than I did. How does he do it and stay so trim? That, and he’s always got something going on his phone, texts, etc.

Got home wiped out. Gilbert whisked it all the bags upstairs for me. His mom keeps dropping off food at the chancery. My fridge is full of leftovers.  They’re delicious, but still a little annoying.

Found out that the Latin at the bottom of my new notes says, “What I have written, I have written.” Ain’t it the truth! Fr. Tommy made a great choice. He knows me well. Gotta nail down when he’s coming back.

Dear Diary,

Big firework display tonight over the lake.  Even Chester sat still and watched.  I had a nice cigar and remember being a kid, getting so excited about the 4th.  Not anymore.  Why is that?  We had firecrackers when we were kids and we made stuff to blow up and had a great time.  It was so exciting. But now, it’s just another day sort of.  With nothing on the calendar I got out a lot today but something was missing.

Also, Fr. Gilbert left for me in my folder on my private study desk another letter about Fr. Mark [Rogers… whom +F.Atticus pretty much cancelled.] signed by a few priests.  Really on his case.  This is getting awkward.  Who should I listen to?  Jude still wants to help him.