WINTER SOLSTICE UPDATE 2008

Misel and I completed the stone-project on the evening of 10 Aug.  The worst of the thick layer of stones that had built up over all the orchads was transferred to the creek that serves as a road outside my gate.

Following Nigel in June, the other helpers were Martin in July and Rick who gave the two early mornings of his brief stay at the end of the month.

Martin from Hove, had last visited in 05.  Undeterred by his lack of horticultural experience, he took on a number of tasks in the cooler hours.  In the heat he read, swam and had a couple of days out.

Rick and Vedrana, from London, came from 28-30 July and were most enthusiastic about my project.  Being bi-lingual they enabled me to make contact with a pleasant local family and we spent a delightful evening at the restaurant on the beach.

I marvel at the way these and other guests who have come from towns and cities, adapt to living as close to the earth as I do here: using compost loos, recycling water, having fresh, simple food etc.

Daro, visiting for the Summer from Australia, gave me his brother's dog, Samba, to care for during his absences.  She is a Pointer-type with a smooth red coat.  Though I have handled hundreds of dogs, especially in India, this was my first opportunity to put into practice the 5 principles of dog-management outlined by Jan Fennell in her book THE DOG LISTENER.  After a few days, Samba was persuaded that she did not have to guard me obsessively and began to relax.  I was especially pleased to find that I could tether her while I paid a visit in strange territory and she would just lie down quietly and that when I could not take her out with me she did not attempt to follow.  For centuries owners have been priding themselves on their dog's devotion or 'one-man-dogmanship' yet excessive protectiveness in a dog is only the result of bad management!  When I went swimming, Samba would wander around the sunbathers without ever encroaching on anyone's body-space.

July and August always bring a few English-speakers around and I miss them when they leave.  August brought a few weeks of much-needed respite.  The drought had slowed plant-growth to such an extent that 3-4 hours' outside work a day was sufficient.  Free of the usual pressure, I found the simplest tasks becoming highly meaningful.

I had suggested to Misel that October would be a good time for him to come to the UK with me since, besides going to Swansea, I would be visiting Meg, a dear old friend in Cornwall.  We spent 3 nights at Treyarnon Bay which Misel loved, near Padstow and one each way at Exeter.  George and Shirley kindly hosted both of us in Swansea.  I was pleased that, in both counties, I completed with ease the day-coastal walks that had tired me 5 yrs ago, especially as I walk so little on Brac.  Perhaps, like the Peruvian runners, I will continue to gain condition until I am 65!

Misel returned looking and feeling tremendously better for his 9 days as a vegetarian and disliked returning to flesh-eating at home.  Occasionally he rejects a meal, buying himself a substitute.  He has also given up synthetic drinks and is even more dedicated in his yoga than I am!  Slowly and surely thus, he is changing his way of life.

Nigel and Julia who had covered for my absence, remained for a day after my return.  They, Misel and I had a pleasant last supper together at Potok.

Misel returned to building with his father and I to catching up with Potok and before long we were both engaged in olive-picking.  My own trees produced 75kg for which I received 7 ltrs.  I then again helped local friends to pick theirs. The oranges, this year, are few but large.

Late November brought rain and frost and a most welcome gift of audio books from Harper-Collins.  I have little time for reading but can listen at meal-times and a new (normally charity-shop) cassette-set is a tremendous treat.  My cassettes and CDs are my only form of entertainment and almost my only contact with spoken English!

I have at last acquired a strimmer that works and look forward to its easing my work-load considerably.(Though there is always something else to take up any time saved!)  To think that I have spent 4 years removing every weed on the 2 acres by hand!  There will be less compost but this seems a small price to pay for less pressure!  The neighbouring family has expressed concern that I am over-working and last Jan. the postman was appalled to find me balancing at the top of the walnut tree with a chainsaw.!  Some trees need even greater acrobatic skill: I sometimes use the pruning saw while hanging upside-down!

Nevertheless, there is enormous satisfaction in everything I do. Whenever I give thanks for the day's blessings, I find that those for which I am most grateful are the tasks accomplished.

An inspiring Solstice and Christmas and a fulfilling New Year to all,   Jenny