Birthday celebrations and vacation

We have renamed this blog "The Monastery Column" to reflect the writer's change of status. We have chosen to simplify the structure of leadership in the monastery. Br. Robert James, our Superior, continues to be our Head of House. We are doing away with the role of the Prior for the time being as it was superfluous to the functioning of the house. This means I have rejoined my place in the order of seniority in choir and chapter. I will continue to help the house in a variety of administrative and financial jobs but my schedule is lightening up somewhat.

Spring's blossoming is bringing colorful beauty back to our landscape which is greening up by the day. Brothers are seen outside more, strolling or gazing at nature's beauty. Brother Aidan and Yanick Savain are welcoming two colonies of bees to the monastery. I have offered to consult and help as needed.

Spring blossoming on the grounds. From top left, clockwise: a blooming ornamental cherry tree in the meadow; redbuds about to do their thing; a four-year old magnolia that has a gorgeous pink tint; daffodils near the driveway; hellebores in glory; center: daffodils and lilac bush getting started on its blooming.

On April 12, I turned sixty. It was also the day I went on a one week vacation to Ocean Grove, New Jersey. By the generosity of a friend, I was able to use her vacation home four blocks from the beach. I took walks on all but the rainiest day. Ocean Grove started life as a Methodist Camp in the mid-19th century. It has kept a lot of its character and renovations and constructions seem to respect the town's style. I read abundantly, watched a few documentaries and rested thoroughly. On one of my walks I got to observe a mother fox and her two cubs on the beach for twenty minutes or so.

Ocean Grove, New Jersey. From top, clockwise: the beach; a pretty Victorian house; the author kicking his feet up; a decorative seashells wreath on a house; the porch of my abode for the week; the rotunda at the beach.

On the day I returned home, by the generosity of another friend, Brothers Carl, Robert Leo and I got to go to dinner at the Tavern at the Beekman Arms Inn in Rhinebeck. This was to mark two recent birthdays; Carl's ninetieth and my sixtieth. The Beekman Arms and Delamater Inn bills itself as the oldest inn in continuous operation in the United States. It certainly has a lot of old times charm and the food was delicious.

The Brothers. From top left, clockwise: Brothers Robert Leo and Carl at the Beekman Arms Inn (two pictures); Br. Aidan in a selfie with one of the four Rhode Island Red chickens that roam St Mary's grounds (under the care of Yanick and Matthew); tulip blooms from the garden gracing St Augustine's icon (two pictures)

The installation of the new Guesthouse elevator continues apace. It will take several more weeks to be completed. With the better weather, we hope to complete the work on the Middle House roof by the summer.

Yesterday, I got to hug my two nun friends from the Companion of Mary the Apostle. We were finally all fully vaccinated for over two weeks. It felt so good to hold them in my arms and to be held. Little by little we are creeping out from under the Covid-19 pandemic.

What about you? Get a vaccine if you can. Stick with protective measures still. Even vaccinated, they are still needed. They still save lives.

You are in our prayers.