Last week of spring

Br. Francis was on vacation this past week. He visited a Shaker friend at Sabbathday Lake, in Maine.

On Saturday, three of the Brothers went to the Community of St John the Baptist, in Mendham, NJ, to witness and celebrate Sr. Monica Clare's ordination to the priesthood.

Br. Bruno enjoyed the visit of a couple of Spanish friends from Glasgow, Scotland. It has been good practice for Br. Bernard who studies Spanish.

On Monday, Bros. Josép and Randy went to purchase an new outdoor grill. They are our two grilling chefs. We look forward to testing it on our Fourth of July cookout.

Monastery scenes. From top left, clockwise: our new gas-powered outdoor grill: two types of yarrows near the vegetable garden; scenic clouds sailing over the Hudson; uninvited guest (a bat) taking a nap on the ceiling in the enclosure (Br. Bernard, our bat whisperer, caught her and took her outside): a Great Spangled Fritillary butterfly (Speyeria cybele) visiting Br. Josép's flower garden.

We have several shrubs of white oak leaf hydangeas putting in a great show this week. Some of it graces the church.

St Augustine church scenes. From top left, clockwise: oak leaf hydrangea arrangement near the Mother and Child sculpture (two pictures): Br. Jacob playing the mandolin during communion at Sunday mass (two pictures).

Peace and every good to you.