Rick and Ruth Gabehart arrived this week from Texas to help remove the giant fallen eucalyptus tree at the pond and help with many other post COVID projects to maintain the temple. They had visited a few days in July shortly after the tree had fallen after a wind storm and promised to return in October to take care of the mess.
This turned into a work-Dharma retreat like we used to have when we started to make the old farm house and almost ten acres into a retreat center. Ruth cooked and did amazing things to bring the Bodi Tree back to life and reshape the gardens. They both worked on cleaning the temple as well as making mulch and firewood out of the fallen tree and other fallen and pruned trees on the property. We were also able to hold daily classes on Imparting the Absolute Truth through the Heart Sutra.
There are still lots to do here if any other brave souls want to join in this sort of retreat, you are welcome.
We also had a couple of stray teenage puppies show up to add to the chaos. The humane society officer who came to rescue the puppies said she was pretty sure they also part of a litter the picked up the previous day. They were so scared and protective of each other. The one on the left looked very much like a border collie with bright blue eyes and a tendency to herd her brother as well as protect him from us. Our cats were not thrilled to have these guests.
I am told they used to hold weddings at this site with the bride and groom being married on the island, while friends and family stayed under the shade of the eucalyptus tree.
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