Letters from Ascension Hermitage and Sanctuary

 As I'm sure many of you do, I have several books "going" at once. These are the books that are open on my desk at the moment, and I recommend any or all of them! A Dog Who's Always Welcome by Lorie Long Unabashedly Episcopalian: Proclaiming the Good News of the Episcopal Church  by Andrew Doyle Eating with Peter: A Life of Delicious Adventures  by Susan Buckley, with illustrations by Dana Catharine A History of the Sisterhood of the Holy Nativity by Sheryl Kujawa-Holbrook Puppy Brain: How Our Dogs Learn, Think, and Love  by Kerry Nichols BirdNote: Chirps, Quirks, and Stories of 100 Birds from the Popular Public Radio Show  edited by Ellen Blackstone The Secret Language of Dogs by Victoria Stillwell What are you reading? I'd love to know!

This beautiful lavender pink lily greeted me this morning! I don't remember planting it - certainly not where it is growing now, so it is a marvelous surprise! It reminded me of a poem by William Cowper, which is the text for hymn 667 in The Hymnal 1982 , as well as for hymns in several other books. [And yes, it's in the public domain!] . 1 Sometimes a light surprises the Christian while he sings; it is the Lord who rises with healing in his wings: when comforts are declining, he grants the soul again a season of clear shining, to cheer it after rain. 2 In holy contemplation we sweetly then pursue the theme of God’s salvation, and find it ever new; set free from present sorrow, we cheerfully can say, let the unknown tomorrow bring with it what it may. 3 It can bring with it nothing but he will bear us through: who gives the lilies clothing will clothe his people, too: beneath the spreading heavens no creature but is fed; and he who feeds the ravens will give his children bread....

Everyone else was eating breakfast, but there was a butterfly near the window and Sally could not be distracted away from the screened window! May we all have such gifts of attention, fascination, and concentration. 😸  

 What a surprise! Early this morning there was a bobwhite quail right under our birdfeeders - he only stayed a few minutes before disappearing into the nearby groundcover and brush, but I was thrilled to see him. In my 25 years in Somerset County, I haven't seen any quail and can only hope that they will come to our woods. According to the Department of Natural Resources, quail numbers have significantly declined since the mid-1940s primarily because of habitat loss, so it would be wonderful if they come to stay here. Wishing you a spectacular day - with at least one beautiful surprise!

This morning when I went upstairs to feed the cats, I discovered that our wonderful girl PG had left us for the Rainbow Bridge. That was no surprise, because even though she was still eating and drinking and more-or-less keeping the other cats in line, PG was a very old kitty. She arrived at Sanctuary House about 20 years ago, when I was asked to take care of her for "a couple of weeks." Her owner was between homes - so homeless herself, she could not keep her cat. PG was short for Pretty Girl. Even as a very young cat, PG was self-assured, patient, and friendly. Only later I discovered that she was completely deaf, but honestly that didn't seem to bother her. Barking dogs, vacuum cleaners, thunder - none of that even fazed her. I sometimes called her Princess Georgia, but usually she was simply PG. I miss her very much - as always when someone dies, the house seems almost empty right now . . . PG was a small cat with a giant personality. Wait for us at the Bridge . . . w...

 Cindy took these photos late yesterday afternoon. The hot weather has dried all of the mud from our pasture, so the horses are definitely on dry ground! As usual, Willow the Chincoteague pony followed Cindy and wanted to pose for a selfie!

We are thrilled to share that Ascension Hermitage & Sanctuary is a 2025 Grey Muzzle grant recipient! This grant, in honor of Linda Lunghofer (Grey Muzzle's executive director from 2015-2024), will provide our senior dogs with joint, skin/coat, and dental supplements for the next year. The Grey Muzzle Organization put together this short retrospective video about the dogs at Ascension Hermitage & Sanctuary:  Grey Muzzle Grant . Our current senior dogs include beagles Sammy, Bubbles, Thea, and Little Buddy; and American Eskimo "Eskie" Piper . . . although Thea and Piper, both age seven, do not believe  they are already seniors! More news about this grant will be included in our News & Notes newsletter, and from time to time on this site as well.

 I was thrilled to see a Great Crested Flycatcher this afternoon - unfortunately, I did not have my camera or phone with me. This picture is from Wikipedia: Great Crested Flycatcher But he reminded me of the Great Crested Flycatcher that Sr. Emmanuel and I raised from a tiny chick many years ago! Our bird ate more cat food than flies, and even after he had flown into the big world we could call "weep, weep" and he would come back to us for a snack. Here's a photo of me feeding our flycatcher - from another century! I hope your afternoon will include a nice surprise and happy memories!

Momma Emma just wants to be sure everyone is having a good afternoon - it's hot here, but not unbearable, and the sun is shining - and it's almost time for afternoon snacks, so the kitties are happy!  

Yesterday our gutters were cleaned! Two men from Arocon Roofing Company came - not only did they clean the gutters but also refastened two pieces of siding that had blown loose in our most recent storm. We have a few more maintenance projects scheduled for this Summer. The weather is quite hot and humid, but better to get these things taken care of while no hurricanes are in sight and before next winter! 🀩                  -- photo credit Alexi Granados

 The first zinnia of this Summer greeted me this morning! I am always interested to see which color will bloom first - last year it was white, and now pink for 2025. Zinnias are one of my favorite flowers. There are many websites that explain the symbolism of zinnias - of course, they do not always agree about what each color zinnia means. But in general zinnias symbolize joy, beauty, endurance, and friendship - and that's what they mean for me. Regardless of what else is going on in the world, a garden with zinnias is a place of peace and beauty, a sanctuary, a little taste of heaven.

A prayer for flooding in Texas hill country: Almighty God, your Holy Spirit moved over the waters in the beginning of creation, and your Son Jesus walked on the Sea of Galilee:  Be mightily present with all those impacted by catastrophic flooding in the Hill Country.  Be close to the lost that they may be found; Guide and protect those who search; Strengthen those who await news of loved ones; Comfort those who mourn; Provide for those who have lost homes and livelihoods.  And in the midst of things we cannot understand, empower us to entrust all to your never-failing love, and give us the will to persevere in our response to their needs.  All this we ask through your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ.  Amen. - Sent by the Rt. Rev. David Read, Bishop of West Texas, and the Rt. Rev. Angela Cortiñas, Bishop Suffragan of West Texas Message from the Bishops of the Diocese of West Texas

 My grandmother - yeah, not a good idea to let children play with fireworks, but it was Texas in 1908.  Roman Candles are now illegal in several states - although not in Texas. Stay safe! Roman Candle

Owen was not at all thrilled about his July 4th bandana, but being a typical cat, he ran from me when I tried to rescue him from wearing it! He was very glad when it slipped right over his head! "No more, Mom," he meowed, "I don't wear clothes for any holiday!" We hope your celebrations will be happy ones - enjoy the day, stay safe! National Anthem   National Anthem (with words) Little Boy agreed with Owen, "Enough with the bandanas, Mom!"

  O Canada May God keep Canada glorious and free forever!