We have some new neighbors in New Market: sheep and lots of little lambs! Makes us eager for Easter and the Victory of the Lamb of God!
Gunther Takes A Nap
We’re testing some site functionality and thought everyone would like to see Gunther. Enjoy.
Gertrude Caught Stalking…but it wasn’t the Squirrels
Our squirrel cat Gertrude, known as Sunbeam in cartoon land, was recently observed among the rose bushes next to our Mass Chapel. She crouched, then leaped into one bush very energetically. Unfortunately, her prey was the butterfly she had been stalking, not the hoped-for squirrel. The good news is that the butterfly fluttered away and the rose bush was more …
Gunther Climbs To New Heights
Our indoor cat Gunther (a.k.a. Shadow in cartoon land) has the run of the largest building, Cor Jesu Monastery, which is a large, rustic, wooden lodge. It’s like one big cat tree. Fortunately he is not like most cats and doesn’t often push his limits. But during a recent meal (best nun audience time) he leapt from the second floor …
On Eagle’s Wings (Not the song)
We see them relatively frequently but it’s harder to actually photograph a bald eagle in flight. During a very windy day recently in a sky shared by hawks, black vultures and turkey vultures, a bald eagle also made an appearance. Though one hawk was not pleased to share the sky with this bald eagle (and he let the eagle know …
Gertrude’s Christmas Wardrobe – ribbons, for a moment
Gertrude, not to be outdone by Gunther’s little green bowtie, did tolerate a bit of Christmas color for a short photo shoot session. A dashing, yet feminine, red bow assembly with a flower, was (after some treat bribery) quite something against her diluted tortoiseshell coat of grayish brown. She even provided some reasonable poses before opting to remove said bow …
What Do You Get Cats For Christmas?
We can laugh about the gifts the cats are sometimes sent and in this cartoon we poke fun that Shadow and Sunbeam (a.k.a. Gunther and Gertrude) are disappointed with practical presents found under the tree. Us nuns are thrilled with such items while the cats may be sniffing around for catnip and other edibles. An interesting fact about Gunther is …
Another Christmas Cat Laugh
Humor can extend Christmas too. And animals as well. This is a cartoon many cat owners might sympathize with, though in full disclosure, we must admit Gunther has never climbed the Christmas tree. [It took him over a year to even touch his cat tree. Russian Blues are notorious about disliking change.] But he does like to be the present …
Gunther’s Christmas Wardrobe – the bowtie
We know our cats are popular with those who frequent our website or social media venues. In the cartoon world they have nom de plumes (Shadow and Sunbeam) but we call them by their real names (Gunther and Gertrude). Fans, both feline and human, have sent the cats notes, gifts, as well as well wishes and prayers. Regarding Gunther: his …
Of Community Christmas Photo Sessions and Cats
We had our community Christmas photo and invited Gunther. He declined the invite though he did wear his bowtie and even seemed to parade it before every Sister that entered the house. But as the photos indicate, he prefers to play with his tie than wear it. He also likes trying to eat artificial Christmas decorations. All the beautiful poinsettias we …
Monastery Cats: The Formative Years
As many a novice or postulant can tell you, the formation group in a monastery is not shy of humor and entertaining skits to share with the rest of the community. The Handmaids are no exception. In years past, as our archive sharing during our Diamond Jubilee will show, Handmaids found themselves in plays, musicals, humorous skits, and sing-a-longs. This …
Feline Lessons for Laetare Sunday: Pursuing Jesus with Passion and Delight
Cats, passion and delight? If we could pursue God like cats go after prey and delight in the Lord like cats play with toys? Wouldn’t that be one amazing Lent!