The death of Archbishop Basil on June 10 is a loss most keenly felt by all who had the happiness of knowing him- however briefly. No gathering of persons (where he was a member) will ever be the same without his joyous presence. The refrain at his funeral was a repetitive description, in one way or another, of the Archbishop's kindness and solicitude for all he met. "Father" Basil was thirty-seven and prior at Holy Dormition Monastery in Sybertsville when our Holy Annunciation Monastery was founded. He was our Chaplain for years, a friend and devoted brother. We knew Father Basil held our best interests close to his heart. Heaven is richer - certainly we feel poorer for his passing but we are confident of his prayers and help.

Tara, our 8 weeks old black, female, long coat German Shepherd came to us from West Virginia  exactly one week after our belovedTsaritsa's death. Tsaritsa was 12 years old and died on July 5th. 

In mid-July jersey cow Zoë had her calf- a fine heifer who we named, Zita. She is a big girl- much larger than Zoës calves in the past three years. 

August 6th, feast of the Transfiguration,  we had the blessing of fruit, a lovely custom  and an occasion to thank God for the first fruit of the year. And in 2010 fruit was abundant.

After the fast in preparation, we had a most happy feast of the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary, - so honored and loved by God and chosen to be His Mother! Our devotion is always short of the love Jesus would want us to bear for His Mother - and as St. Bernard wrote, "Of Mary, never enough!" It is traditional to bless flowers of the feast of Mary's Dormition.

The summer had passed its zenith- and harvesting began. We are fortunate that the rain and warm [hot!] days have produced good crops.

A month of  lovely liturgical services! The Nativity of the Mother of God and then almost immediately following we have the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. The autumn season deepens, foliage become brilliant, days and nights are cooler, chrysanthemums, that most hardy fall flower, blossoms, winterizing is the "next task" and Christmas baking begins and the customary "devotions" to honor St. Therese are now on the immediate horizon.