Hi there.
L'abbey Du Barroux
OK, the heathens among you can skip this story, but for us it was an experience for the memory banks. We stumbled on this monastery out in the boondocks of France and walked in to have a peek. It was the end of the day and a time of prayer for the motionless monks in the eerie somber chapel. Suddenly, one of them pulled on a rope by the altar that went clear to the roof and rung the bells. They rose in unison and left 2 by 2.
The sight was so moving and impressive that since we were in the area for another day, we decided to return in the morning to witness an entire ceremony. This was a service by the Benedictine monks who sang in the Gregorian Latin and had an uncanny reverence for the rituals of their vocation. I think the only other time I have witnessed anyone with as much dedication to their function in life were Navy Seals.
Just think. With not a hint of appreciation or gratitude, these guys are praying for the likes of you every single day of their lives.
The project corner
You remember that picnic table I made that I wrote about last month? Well here it is.
Look what is growing in our trees!
The project corner
Bathroom # 3 at our villa in France is almost done. OK, except for the last of the demo, a little tile on the walls and floor, a touch up on the ceiling, a tub, plumbing and a toilet and sink. Because I can visualize exactly what it will look like, in my mind it is all but done. Next year for sure.
Meanwhile, we have landed back at the island and we are not letting the grass grow under our feet. After dealing with the usual knicky knacky ticky tacky goofy maintenance issues like replacing a kitchen faucet, it was time to get busy and finish what we had started last season with two projects happening pretty much simultaneously.
First up, finish remodeling a small deck. I tore out all of the old rotting railing / benches (UGH!, so 1960's) and am replacing it with red Cedar and solid posts. Next, I am assembling 8 really nice outdoor chairs with serious upholstered cushions to furnish it.
I have failed to mention that much like 2017, the Thousand Islands is suffering from flood conditions. The river is swollen and MUCH higher than normal (what ever that means) and many homes / cabins are - once again- under water. All of our friends are in the same boat as us, (pun intended) that being that their homes are high enough to be OK, but all of our our main docks are under water. Not the end of the world, but not real funny either. Fortunately, we have a few floating docks here at the island so we are faring better than many.
Island Life
Look who came to visit this morning.
Mom and her 16 goslings.
Something else
We remembered those who stormed the beaches of Normandy this past week and justly so. I found this picture months ago and every time I see it, I get choked up. Not all our battles are 75 years old.
Where do you even begin.....?
