Shundo David Haye – Zen Priest

We’re getting closer to our trip to England, and most of the little things are falling into place. I even received a replacement credit card from my UK bank after they froze my old one (without actually letting me know) due to suspect transactions while I was booking hotels.

I always worry, when I travel in May, that I will be missing the best weather of the year, but this seems unlikely this time around. On Wednesday, it briefly looked like our unseasonal weather was changing for the good – we had a sunny and warm afternoon, albeit with a wind. It didn’t last long: the chilly winds and morning clouds came rolling right back. Nonetheless, a jacaranda tree down the street from us is setting out its bright purple blossoms, as if it were already warm.

We had had late patches of rain as well. On Sunday, I felt a few sprinkles while I was out riding, and also on Tuesday morning when I was heading to Mukunda. Something about the weather – and the number of things I have had going on – meant that on Sunday afternoon, I couldn’t keep my eyes open as I was reading the football stories, and succumbed to a rare, brief nap.

This week was of the less busy kind (with none of my current three alternate-week offerings taking place). We made great strides towards finalising the programming for the upcoming Gen X Teachers’ Gathering (which I am attending on my way back from England), and as my Zen Center class progresses, I can stick a little closer to my prepared material, and hopefully remain organised. I enjoyed the second class last weekend as much as the first, and am looking forward to the remaining pair. 

There has even been time to move forward with my sewing, as we start to plan for September’s events and ceremonies. That will be my main focus once we are back in June.