BURNING THE PRAIRIE

Last Friday we burned our natural prairie.  This is done to get rid of weeds and invasive plants,to put nutrients back into the soil and to promote germination of prairie flowers.  They tend to have hard seeds and the heat helps them to open for germination.   Several sisters helped to contain the fire.  It was a windy day so the fire was started into the wind so it wouldn't burn too fast and get out of control, The sisters stood at the edges of the fire to put out any fire that was straying onto the path or side of the road.  It took about an hour and a half to finish the burning.

Maple Syrup Season Ends

Sr. Grace removing spiles

Sr. Grace collecting sap

It takes 10 gallons of maple sap to make 1 quart of maple syrup.  Sr. Grace has collected approximately 150 gallons of sap this season.  So we can look forward to 15 quarts of the yummy syrup!  Yesterday she collected the last of the sap, removed the spiles and buckets and cooked down the sap. It takes hours to cook it down and she uses a candy cooker for the process.  It's ideal, really with its large kettle and exhaust fan.

Sr. Grace cooking the sap

Hungry Birds

The spring plowing has begun.  As the tractor is plowing up the fields it unearths a banquet for the seagulls who are swarming our fields looking for lunch.

Br. Nicholas' Solemn Profession

Yesterday, Br. Nicholas of New Melleray Abbey made his solemn profession as a Cistercian monk.. Almost all of the Mississippi Abbey sisters made the 20 minute drive over to New Melleray to witness this sacred event.  After Mass a dinner was served for all of Br. Nicholas' guests.

Sr. Myra congratulates Br. Nicholas on his Solemn Profession

Solemn Profession of Br. Nicholas

Congratulating Br. Nicholas

SPRING?

After a long hard winter a few signs of spring have appeared even though there is still snow on the ground.  Some daffodils near the front entrance are starting to come out beneath the snow.  Crocus are poking out of the few bare spots that have appeared.  It actually got to 50 degrees yesterday.  After weeks of sub zero temperatures it seemed absolutely balmy!