Letters from Ascension Hermitage and Sanctuary

We did have a lot of snow overnight, but by noon today the temperature had risen to 30, and most of our snow has turned to slush . . . the doggies still think this is fun! More snow predicted for tonight and temperatures back down to low 20s, so no doubt this slush will turn to ice. If you must go out, be careful, stay safe! And because it is the Feast of the Epiphany, I share this blessing from The Book of Occasional Services : May Almighty God, who led the Wise Men by the shining of a star to find the Christ, the Light from Light, lead you also in your pilgrimage, to find the Lord. Amen. May God, who sent the Holy Spirit to rest upon the Only-begotten at his baptism in the Jordon River, pour out that Spirit on you who have come to the waters of new birth. Amen. May God, by the power that turned water into wine at the wedding feast at Cana, transform your lives and make glad your hearts. Amen.  

For reasons beyond my control, this remembrance from January 3rd, is being posted today.   Canon West was mentor to many of us in the Religious Life. May he rest in peace and rise in glory. May his memory always be a blessing. from Episcopal News Service . January 25, 1990  One of the premier liturgical scholars in the Episcopal Church, the Rev. Canon Edward Nason West, retired canon sacrist of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, died on Wednesday, January 3, from pulmonary failure. "Edward West was to the American Church what Thomas Crammer was to the Church of England," said the Rt. Rev. Walter Dennis, suffragan bishop of New York, at a requiem for West. Describing West as "a legend in his own time," Dennis pointed to his reputation as a liturgical expert as an example that he "could see in a moment exactly what could be done to reveal hidden beauty." . . .   As a scholar of icons and religious art, West was an important adviser in the design of churc...

 Well, the morning started with an early call from our gas company - our propane gas tanks were low, and we'd be getting a delivery this morning! It's always hard to begin the day with a large bill, but good that the company monitors our tanks, and quickly comes when we need a refill. And the other good news?  Two men came with the gas delivery - both wore woolen caps and hooded sweatshirts (it's cold and very windy today!) - but one of the men had a dark beard, so he must have dark hair on his head as well. And if we can assume the Scottish legend is correct (and why not?!) the first "guest" to enter our property after mid-night on New Year's was a dark-haired man and that means a year of good luck!  Yes, indeed, I have enough Scottish ancestors to believe that legend!