Lofty and grounded in the same week

Br. Robert Leo will come home with Br. Will Brown from Santa Barbara this week.

Br. Robert James was on vacation this last week.

Last week, I forgot to tell you I saw a bear cub on one of out trails leading to the river. Because it was small and moving swiftly on all fours, I thought at first it was a stray dog. Once I recognized it, my joy was great but my prudence also. I did not try to follow it to meet its mother. This is the first wild bear I see in my 22 years in New York state. I knew we had bears in our area but I'd never seen one myself. I can cross this off my bucket list.

Our four alongsiders are continuing to adapt to their monastic environment.

On Tuesday, we started to welcome visitors for Vespers again. They are properly masked and sit in the back of the visitors court. As expected, we only get one or two people at a time. We will continue to livestream Vespers on Wednesdays and Saturdays on our Facebook page.

On Thursday, I welcomed architect Barry Donaldson and his team back to our church which they have surveyed to determine the work that needs to be done to it to stop water infiltrations. Barry was here with with his colleague Tom and their contractor Enrique who will be one of the bidders on the work.

In the last several months we have run de-humidifiers, fans (and when needed heaters) on the two storeys of the belltower to keep it drier. It's a temporary fix but it seems to help. More lasting structural solutions are being considered (hence tghe architects and contractors).

And Jamie Morano and his brothers are still working on renewing the tiling of our Middle House roof. The last delivery of custom-made tiles should arrive soon. The hope is for the work to be completed before winter makes roof work hazardous.

Belltower visit. From top left, clockwise: architect Barry Donaldson, contractore Enrique and fellow architect Tom in the bell-chamber atop the bell tower.; Jamie Morano and his brother Lewis seen working on the Middle House roof from the belltower; a grid keeps birds and bats from making their home (and a dangerous mess of it) in the belltower; the various machines that help keep the tower dry for the moment.

On Saturday, Br. Aidan and I delivered our 14 year old van to the parish of St Andrew's in New Paltz. They need a van for their university chaplaincy and their food pantry. We are happy our gift will help these worthy ministries in our region.

Off and on the grounds. From left, clockwise: the meadow and the river seen from the bell chamber at the top of the belltower: our volunteer Emily Trautman never shies away from determined weeds; Br. Robert Hagler in discussion with intern Renée while she makes pictures of the meadow.

Stay safe, stay healthy, wear a mask, save lives. Peace!