Early in the month, we had an unusual four-legged visitor out for a walk. At age 15 and weighing about 45 pounds, Lisle is an African spurred tortoise, the third-largest tortoise species in the world. They can live over 100 years. Our dogs did not quite know what to make of it, but they got along peaceably as he made the rounds devouring our many dandelions. Lisle came complete with a handy handle apparatus on his back and a GPS monitor so he would not be lost by his caretaker.
We give thanks and prayers for Leo XIV, elected by the College of Cardinals on the 8th, much to the surprise of many, but not to the Holy Spirit
The maternity hospital for the 137 newborn lambs from 76 mothers was taken down on the 12th. All received their vaccinations on the 13th.
The Archdiocese of New York deacon candidates had their pre-ordination retreat here from the 16th until the 21st.
The annual sheep-shearing day was the 24th. The two shearers were at work from 9 am until 2:30, shearing 85 ewes and five rams. The weather was mostly cloudy and cool with scattered sprinkles on and off throughout the day. Fortunately, all the work was done under cover on dry sheep that had been brought into the barn the day before.
We celebrated the Solemnity of the Ascension on the 29th as we near the end of the Easter season. In addition, a dozen women arrived for their group retreat to close out the month.