Letters from Ascension Hermitage and Sanctuary

"Good morning," Willow said as she looked over the fence. Thea squinted into the rising sun. "Very good, sunny morning," she thought. Rosie's mind was on breakfast. "Delicious morning," she decided. We all hope you also are having a great day!

It may be Spring, sunny, and near the end of March, but it's still very chilly and windy. The birds are glad to find their feeders full!

Today is Flannery O'Connor's birthday.  She is the person who famously said about her own life: "Lives spent between the house and the chicken yard do not make exciting copy."  And even more famously,    "You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you odd." Of course, we all know (from the Bible, perhaps, or the seal of the Anglican Communion) that the truth will make you free . . . yep, odd and free! Our roosters say that they do their best to make the chicken yard exciting . . . usually, they are quite successful at that! Possum, the cat, in his new fold-over blanket, says he's happiest with quiet and no excitement!  I'm with you, Possum!

For this Saturday, here is a quote from Eliza Cook: The dog - bold, fond, and beauteous beast - Is far from either last or least. Bessie was running and playing with her doggy siblings . . . a game they stopped when a strange truck turned in our driveway. Bessie led the run to the fence, barking all the way - that's my bold girl!

Happy St. Patrick's Day! and we're celebrating St. Gertrude of Nivelles, too - this is her day also, and she is the patron saint of cats and of those who keep cats!  Louie  thought you might like a puzzle for the day . . .

Sammy and Thea - and all of us at Sanctuary House - hope you are having a great Saturday! It's a bright sunny day here . . . but windy and chilly too, so Sandy is delighted to snuggle in a new blanket from our friend Jane.

The Ides of March - the day many, many years ago that our beagle girl Ida came to Sanctuary House!

Our beagle boys paused for a group photo just before they settled in for their morning nap. Back row: Sammy, George, Buddy - and Willan in front.

 Yes, here come the miniature daffodils up from the cold, wet ground . . . daffodils and hope spring eternal!

 For anyone who missed muddy  Willow  yesterday - here is the updated puzzle! Sorry about the glitch that sent Lent Madness - strange things happen in cyberspace! Alas, it's still cloudy and very muddy here.

Sunday, March 10th - let Daylight Saving Time begin! The daylilies are ready and growing. Willow , wearing a coat of Spring mud, enjoys her breakfast without ever looking up. Stay dry and mudless, if you can - and don't let that hour of missed sleep get you down!

Hope everyone is playing   Lent Madness ! Crissy is always glad to offer her opinion of the two saints for each day . . . and usually we agree!

. . . and a poem for the day: Remembering I am but dust, I form a silent prayer of trust That God can build Of spittle and of dust His will. I think it's just That He who made me knows I am but dust. [no image copyright infringement intended] Alas, no parish here = no ashes . . . but the day and its meaning are on my mind. Have a blessed day, everyone.

Chilly and rainy? Perfect, Owen said, for an afternoon nap! Gus agreed with him completely as he settled into the bathroom sink - apparently a cat's idea of a perfect spot to sleep!

Four Brahma chicks are visiting Sanctuary House - they will join Cindy's flock when they are all grown up, but for now, we are enjoying their little peeping sounds and baby chick antics! Lent begins soon - with Ash Wednesday (on March 6th) for some and Great Lent (on March 11th) for others . . . in the meantime laissez le bons temps rouler!