Thursday 1st. Today, Brother Stephen hauled a fallen tree uphill out of the grotto. A guest was struck at how evocative their return to the guesthouse was, different details of the surroundings clearly evoking moments passed here years ago. Outside, the latest wave of cats is turning out better hunters than we’ve seen in a…

Monday 1st. Overcast morning twilight is now highlighted by security lighting out front; the trees look splendid. I thought the racoons would shy away from this light but they seem to enjoy extended hours of grazing. On the side of the monastery, the new lighting is just above eye-level, giving a Hogan’s Heroes-esque feel to…