Trip to the Monastery

I tried to post this from my phone while we were traveling… apparently I don’t have that set up properly yet. Sorry.

But at least this time I can include some pictures.

We had a delightful visit to The Abbey of New Clairvaux (http://www.newclairvaux.org/) with our friends, Ellen, Eric, Hayden, and Cecelia, and Ellen’s dad. Cecelia’s baptism was a small gathering and an intimate, beautiful ceremony


The kids had a splendid time running around and playing together! It was a joy for them and anyone within ear-shot (at least they assured us that this was the case!) A favorite activity was visiting the koi pond! (of course) and Father Mark even invited the kids to feed the fish a few times!! Woo-Hoo!!

Ellen’s uncle, Brother Pierre, is an amazing host. He was incredibly generous with his time, affection, and knowledge. I enjoyed his company immensely.

Brother Pierre is the chief orchardist and a fountain of energy and information regarding the 650 acres of orchards (mostly plum and walnut) and the vineyards. He brought us fresh fruits every morning (avocado, pomegranate, persimmon, grapefruit, grapes, tomatoes, and more!!) WHAT A TREAT!!! He joined us on walks around the grounds and talked to us about the pruning, harvesting, planting, irrigating, equipment, selling and anything else we could think of to ask!

They are in the process of reconstructing the medieval Spanish Ovila Chapter House (circa 1200), using the stones brought to CA by William Randolph Hearst. (http://www.sacredstones.org/) We had an opportunity to speak with the master stonemason briefly and observe him and his 2 assistants at work. (They work on this project during the summers and on the Luxor in Egypt during the winters, he joked that he split his efforts between 1200 AD & 1200 BC. Whoa.) Incredible effort and craftsmanship… it’s already an inspirational space.