EASTERN BLUEBIRDS AT "THE MOUNT"

One of my most consoling experiences, even during the toughest moments of this severe winter, are the gentle chirpings of the Eastern Bluebird.  Here on the grounds of Mt. St. Alphonsus, due to about 300 birdhouses placed by Cornell and some by our deceased Bro Charlie Summers, we have many, many Eastern Bluebirds. It is the "State Bird" of New York.  They are always here, even in winter. But as spring approaches they are "abundantly here".

Eastern Bluebird from Rob Lavoie on Vimeo.

BOG MEADOW IN SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY

Gullian Rug Repair/ Cleaning House-Popletown Road-Esopus, NY

The Sheep of Popletown Road-Esopus-NY

Any of my Redemptorist friends that are, sorry to admit this, 60 years or older will remember the old Gullian homestead at the top of Popletown Road coming up from Union Center and Hardenberg Roads. In those days "Mom" (as we used to call her) Gullian, had this very lovely homestead with a commanding view of the town and riverfront of the Hudson in Esopus. And there were sheep there because the Gullians had come here from Armenia, I believe in the 19th century and sheep, I imagine, reminded them of their native home. The family, among other things cleaned and I think "repaired" rugs for people in the community. The lovely little stone house where this was done stands alone and beautiful just below Shaupeneak Ridge. I have a photo here of that stone house. Bea Moore, the daughter of Mom, still lives in a house adjacent to their old homestead. Bea is a dear old friend of us Redemptorists at the Mount and witnessed many of us visit and eat great Armenian food at her mother's home so, so many years ago.

A "MOUNT ST. ALPHONSUS SUNRISE"