January 2019 |
Edith Borio is an older cousin of mine. She was born and brought up in Brazil where she contributes to a calendar each year. * I had scarcely finished writing the above when the calendar for 2019 arrived by airmail.... accompanied by a card from Edith. Her contribution was on the page for August. *
Tuesday 8th January The sky has been overcast for several days. The gulls have been sitting on adjacent roofs waiting patiently, watching every movement of mine as I scatter the bread broken for them. As I turn away they land - shrieking loudly - on the green grass. Silence follows almost at once...... and the waiting continues.
A herring gull keeps watch .... * The bare trees make delicate patterns against the dull winter sky.
A hymn for the Epiphany When Christ was born, God sent a star, A sign of hope whence light should spring, And Israels glory shine for all, For pagan and for pilgrim - king.
He is the Fathers only Son On whom the Spirit came to rest, Who was baptised to cleanse our sins: The Lamb of God and Saviour blest.
He is the anchor of our soul And shares with us his life divine; For sadness he exchanges joy, As water he once changed to wine.
We praise the Father, Lord of life, And Christ his well-beloved Son, Who with the Spirit is our peace: Most tranquil Trinity in One.
From the Stanbrook Hymnal 10th January The weather remains very cold. The windows are adorned with variously sized drops of water while ladybirds form clusters in dry areas indoors.
* 14th January After days and nights of high wind, followed by torrential rain, the garden has become still again. Some of us found it difficult to sleep during this assault by howling wind. I am now able to feed the gulls who, having returned, keep watch from various roofs .... * 17th January My mind closes itself from time to time. I want to write but all inspiration has flown. The fierce wind and rain have returned ...... It is still dark at 6.30 a.m. but the gulls will appear with the dawn. * The sun began to shine a few hours later. Our gardener Dave arrived and worked quietly in the garden. He is a kindly person and enjoys being here. * The trees are standing still, enjoying the sunshine, and beyond them we can see the Welsh Hills. The weather remains cold and those who venture outside wear jackets and gloves .... * The first daffodils are in bud but need more time to both grow and glow !
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Frost in late January * Sunday 27th January The wind howled all through the night making sounds like the waves of the sea. It is bitterly cold outside.
Yesterday Sister Catherine took a photograph of some seagulls eating the soft bread I had broken for them. I hope they will come again today when the wind is no longer so turbulent. Most of the nuns are wearing warmer clothing ! *
* Wishing you every blessing and the comfort of warmer weather .....
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Ingathering |