Yuri and Liudmila came today to help in the production of the skin creme that the monastery is proud of, for it truly is an excellent product. As I grow older, it becomes more difficult for me to make it, so this assistance was gratefully accepted. There are only the labels to be applied to the jars and off they will go for those who are ready to purchase them. The men who were to have come to empty the septic tank did not appear, but after a quick telephone call, they drove up and did their work promptly. I was pleased to taste the first two strawberries that ripened on my little patio. This is always a time of rejoicing, knowing that the first of the berries and fruit have ripened and are available to us. It also happened to be Liudmila’s birthday, so a delicious cake was brought out and quickly eaten.