June 2006

News

During Lent we held a Quiz evening and raised 210 euros for the Bishop's Lent appeal. As it was Saint Patrick's Day the evening had an Irish flavour. The sole French member present excelled in the niceties of French Grammar and everyone's brain was severely taxed by questions on trains thanks to the quizmaster's love of railways. Jacket potatoes with sauces were washed down by local wines proving that the two cultures were totally complementary.

Communion

Ascension Day dawned bright and clear, this year. About fifty people, including many friends from the Saint John's congregation, joined us in the garden for our celebrations. Four priests concelebrated and our friend, the Rev. John Horner gave a lively and thought provoking sermon. The hearty Alleluias brought our neighbours to the balcony and those in the passing cars were reminded that Ascension Day is more than a public holiday. After the service the members of the congregation stayed for a picnic lunch. This time there was a definite French flavour as the guests brought out their hampers with table-cloths and napkins and a gorgeous variety of foods.

Rogues Gallery Do we eat it or wear it?
No one will notice if we just try this All together now...

The next day , Jean and Cécile left for their holiday in their caravan in the Vaucluse. All went well until Gari began to show signs of being under the weather. It was thought to be a reaction against his recent flu jab but during our second week he began to show other symptoms, which at first was thought to be a urinary infection. Unfortunately his complaint proved to be more serious and was diagnosed as encephalitis. He did not regain consciousness and died on June 6th. He will be cremated, and his ashes buried under the palm tree.

Dry Gari
Gari: Not only has he left a huge gap in our lives at Prasada, but he will be missed by his many friends among our visitors. Fifteen years ago we first met this tiny bundle of fur which could be held in one hand. The breeder asked us what we were going to call him and informed us that it was "G" year. (as in cars in England). She read out the suggested list which included Gasoil and gnocchi, when she arrived at Gari we said yes, we could pronounce that, and so Gari he became. When we bought his basket Jean said that she expected it to be well chewed and worn out within a few months. Fifteen years on he has bequeathed it to the cats in pristine condition. Cécile tried to train him to retrieve balls, but he had other ideas and after several months Cécile had been trained to retrieve balls which having been thrown and picked up were deposited in some difficult position, preferably in a muddy ditch. Some of our visitors, who were not doggie lovers were a bit apprehensive when they first met him, but most came to appreciate the jolly friendly little dog. They often accompanied us on Gari walks in the woods or by the lake. At a very early age he began to attend Chapel services and usually lay down before the Altar. He liked to get up to share the "peace" but otherwise conducted himself as a devout dog should. Wet Gari

© The Community of the Glorious Ascension, Prasada
Part of the Anglican Diocese in Europe
Page created June 2006