If we had the house full also in the winter months, we would solve one problem and have another. The solved problem would be, of course, that we could hire other persons for the between season maintenance. But then we would have to find the moment to do it! Many things cannot easily be done with a houseful of guests.
But we do have the person power already on the staff for the basic care of our historical buildings and the endless list of outside jobs. With the guidance of Beppe and Elisa in the villa and Giordano on the land we enter the winter phase of our work. Thankfully we have good volunteers in January (Kenneth, Drew, James and Melissa plus boys from the USA and Nele from Estonia) and others in the wings (Zsuzanna from Hungary and Franca from Germany). We certainly look forward to having Franca back, not only because she is a great worker and group member but because it would confirm that she is doing well after having left us abruptly due to health problems back in September.
These months are also busy with reservations, bookkeeping, and other administration, so we shall have enough to do. Bookings are good, mid-May through mid-July is particularly full. Anyone interested should not wait too long to check on other periods either.
Fortunately, we now can catch our breath and renew ourselves to welcome the first guests and to prepare the annual Waldensian celebration in mid-February.
Perhaps living in a rural setting helps us especially appreciate the need for rest and renewal. Obviously not in every job does one have the privilege to step back, reflect, and organize for the future! Looking back, we see a very positive year: good and enough guests and volunteers (as always!), progress on chapel renovation, no particular difficulties. Oops, another task! It is time for the annual newsletter, which should be available here on the site as the February up-date.
We wish you also the time for retreat, reflection, and renewal.
But we do have the person power already on the staff for the basic care of our historical buildings and the endless list of outside jobs. With the guidance of Beppe and Elisa in the villa and Giordano on the land we enter the winter phase of our work. Thankfully we have good volunteers in January (Kenneth, Drew, James and Melissa plus boys from the USA and Nele from Estonia) and others in the wings (Zsuzanna from Hungary and Franca from Germany). We certainly look forward to having Franca back, not only because she is a great worker and group member but because it would confirm that she is doing well after having left us abruptly due to health problems back in September.
These months are also busy with reservations, bookkeeping, and other administration, so we shall have enough to do. Bookings are good, mid-May through mid-July is particularly full. Anyone interested should not wait too long to check on other periods either.
Fortunately, we now can catch our breath and renew ourselves to welcome the first guests and to prepare the annual Waldensian celebration in mid-February.
Perhaps living in a rural setting helps us especially appreciate the need for rest and renewal. Obviously not in every job does one have the privilege to step back, reflect, and organize for the future! Looking back, we see a very positive year: good and enough guests and volunteers (as always!), progress on chapel renovation, no particular difficulties. Oops, another task! It is time for the annual newsletter, which should be available here on the site as the February up-date.
We wish you also the time for retreat, reflection, and renewal.
Being away from home (and your usual routine) could make you more likely to forget to take your medication.
Posted by: wine bag | January 20, 2012 at 04:43 AM