Filis related:
As I washed the pink, silk handmade jacket and the white, batiste sadra and hung them out on the line under the trees, they seemed to radiate pure love and light. I had the feeling the clothes were really cleansing me! We stayed up late that night to have them dry and freshly ironed for Baba in the morning.
Early in the morning, before seven o'clock, on Wednesday, 25 July 1956, Baba's car arrived at the Guest House, where he ate his breakfast of tea and toast. At about 7:30, he came into the (Original) kitchen where his lovers were having their breakfast. The mandali remained outside. Baba then came out and sat down on one of the log benches outside the Lagoon Cabin, where he called a few, such as Filis, Ruth White and Margaret, individually over to chat while the rest lingered not far away.
In the early morning sunlight, a mist was rising over the lake, and Baba pointed out the lovely scenery and remarked, "Isn't this a beautiful place?"
Those staying off the Center arrived at eight o'clock. Private interviews in the Lagoon Cabin were to begin at nine, but Baba was anxious to start. All morning, Baba gave interviews, reclining on the same blue divan he had used before. Many from the southern states, Florida, Georgia and North Carolina, met him for the first time that day.
Among those from Miami, were Ralph and Stella Hernandez. Ralph, 37, had found out about Baba from Dana Field, who had moved to Florida soon after returning from India in 1954. Earlier that morning, Ralph had seen Baba briefly, as Baba crossed the bridge. Their eyes had met, and something had happened to Ralph deep inside. He became "choked up" and could not think for about ten minutes. During his interview in the Lagoon Cabin, Baba had casual talk with various ones. Ralph was anxious to relate his recent experience, but every time he started someone else spoke up.
Finally, Baba stopped the person and looked over at Ralph.
"Did you want to say something?" he questioned.
Ralph said, "Yes, Baba. When I saw you by the boathouse you took my breath away."
Baba responded, "I take away very little and I give the infinite Ocean of Love!"