On the 15th, with the arrival of milder and more stable weather, the wooden chapel doors were reopened. They normally stay open until the heat is turned back on in late autumn.
The main road to the monastery, Monastery Road, was resurfaced on the 23rd and looks brand new again. Hopefully, with the town's extensive work on the culverts last year, the road will remain trouble-free for a while.
The
yearly shearing of the sheep took place on the 28th. We thank all who helped
get the job accomplished. Unlike previous years, all was accomplished in
one day because we were fortunate to have two shearers instead of the usual
one. The temperature never got out of the 60’s and there were rain showers
throughout the day. Those conditions are less stressful for sheep and handlers
than hot and humid weather. It also helped that everything took place under
the cover of a barn and a tent. We have already experienced 90+ degrees
this spring and expect more 90’s to end the month, so the cooler weather
was most timely and welcome.
One of the shearers, Gwen Hinman and her dog watching.