Friday, 13 April

On Easter Sunday we had the brothers from St Ives with us for the Easter meal.  We then looked around the building site.  They were very impressed.  It is a good feeling to hear the appreciation of the brethren for the project.

Easter week has been blessedly quiet.  We have had some cold and windy days but other days like today have been magnificent.  There has also been further progress to report.  'Whisky' our neighbour's dog has left her prints on the concrete of a veranda.  I think this may be one adventure too many for Whisky. 

The walkway from the retreat centre to the priory now has its framework.  The steel is now undercoat black. 

The framework for the walk way is in place

The floor coverings have extended into the corridor.  We are using comcork which is made of 70 percent recycled wine corks and rubber.  So it is quiet, has some give in it and is not cold in winter.

Comcork on the floor of the office and corridor

Looking past the courtyard into the priory corridor

The courtyard now has a tree and little bushes along with its rocks and gravel.  We will be able to see the seasons change as the Red Spire pear tree in the centre loses its autumn coloured leaves, then is bare in winter before it blossoms with beautiful white flowers and then has its leaves emerge as red purple in spring while in summer it is green.

The courtyard with its Red Spire pear tree

The bedrooms are almost ready.  Here is one which will soon have its comcork floor and lighting.  Even the showers and toilets are now tiled.

Bedroom

Tiled shower and toilet

Looking down the corridor

The dining room takes shape.

This is a rush job as I am about to head off to Wollongong for a disco (for the disabled) and tomorrow I will be for some days with the Carmelite Secular Order in Launceston and Hobart, Tasmania.