Well, we haven’t got to the blog for a few weeks. Mel had several weeks of flu last month and was out of action. Still, there are silver linings to most things – she discovered she wasn’t indispensable and also lost a few Christmas pounds!
Despite the nocturnal bulb eating forays of the local rabbit population, we still have at least some lovely bulbs bursting into colour – the snowdrops are coming up amongst the dogwoods and around the place, and crocuses and daffodils are beginning to appear. There should be lots of colour in a week or so. We also planted some bulbs in rows up in the veg patch for picking for the dining tables, and as we wait for the group to arrive today, the tables look lovely with daffs and helibores on them.
We’re starting to get busy in the veg plot. Gail’s bringing up manure from the compost area and has been planting onions this week. Steve’s mowing the lawn today for the first time this year which always smartens the garden up after the winter. After weeks of mainly greyness, it’s a lovely Spring day here today. Hilary is on Iona having a much deserved rest and so the lovely Ellie, who some of you may have met last year, is cooking for us for the next few days. We have two shamanic groups coming in this week back-to-back so we should be busy. Since last writing, we’ve had a large group of lively masseurs (and masseuses!) here doing the residential part of their training and we’ve had a seven day silent meditation retreat since then. Quite different energies – which is one of the pleasures of running the place!
Gail’s also quite an accomplished seamstress and has recently made roman blinds for most of the bathrooms, recycling some old curtains that had been languishing in the housekeeping cupboard for years. She’s also adding thermal lining to existing curtains which should make things cosier after stepping out of the shower in the winter months.
That’s all for now. Time to meet and greet!
With love
Mel & Steve xx
Poulstone Court Retreat Centre
