Looked at backwards or forwards there’s no shortage of news this week. The winter retreat is at a close. Three of the four of us are on the verge of departure. ‘Theodolite Bill’ has settled his final levels, with work on the sewage system about to commence. And I’ve nearly squeezed the last of the juice from the oranges. Which, given the influx of visitors (perhaps sensing the imminent shut-down) has been about the only kitchen work left to me this week. Though of course I didn’t miss the opportunity to make pancakes on Tuesday and suggest tongue-in-cheek to the monks that, since it was the beginning of Lent, they really ought to give something up. At any rate, Ajahn Sawaeng, Ajahn Abhinando and I must give up Harnham for a while; the two Ajahns to join the last month of winter retreats at Santacittarama and Dhammapala respectively and myself for the hardship of a ‘work-related study-tour’ to contemplate the kitchens of northern Italy.
That will leave Radek solo on the hill, bathing out of a bucket and strolling to and from the portaloo: Which will also be the only facility available to you should you wish to visit the Dhamma hall, or out of compassion check on our anagarika’s well-being. As things stand though, he looks pretty well set up. There is plenty in the larder. And just the right amount of fresh stuff hanging in the baskets by the window. With also one or two offers in the pipeline should he find himself in-extremis. Come the 27th March he will be joined again by Ajahn Sawaeng for a few days, until he and I travel to Amaravati on the 4th April, returning with Ajahn Munindo and Samanera Nanamoli on the 8th. By that time, all being well, the sewage installation will be nearing completion and you’ll be ready for another dose of the blog. Meantime, if you do find yourself coming by and would like to bring something, then the following would be gratefully received for use at a later date:
Ciao a tutti!
