Letters from Brookland (2)

Tuesday morning.

I have a whole day stretching out in front of me with no online appointments. That is a real gift.

I began the morning with a cup of coffee and a quick tour outside. There were deer tracks in the snow under the apple tree and the sun was doing its best to broadcast a new day from under a thick layer of clouds. I love the view of the retreat house from just up the hill- there were a few lights shining in the house that makes it so inviting and cozy against the snow and dark sky.

A few cups of strong coffee, a perusal of email and checking in with my siblings on our regular dawn “SibChat” text thread got me started.

After Morning Prayer in the chapel, my house mate and I spent some time reading and working and I finally got my walk up to the top of the hill. (Later on I learned from a neighbor that I had trodden on private land… so, tomorrow’s walk will be re-mapped.)

In the afternoon I worked for a short time on my needlework and then the caretaker of the Retreat House, Matt, stopped by. Matt is the Fire Chief in the town, an EMT, Boy Scout leader and a jack of all trades. He is also a great conversationalist and we learned some about the local area from him.

Towards the end of the afternoon, we ventured out on another walk, stopped over to say hello to Darryl, the next door neighbor and fellow Episcopalian, and made it back in time for Evening Prayer in the chapel and the arrival of another guest, who was coming for dinner and the night.

What a lovely way to spend the day: cozy in the house, out in the brisk winter air crunching through snow kissed leaves, visiting with people who know and love this place, and being together in prayer and community. Pretty great.

Tomorrow is a zoom day but another guest is coming for Morning Prayer and a hike before the computer calls me to the couch.

Sweet dreams.