At 3 o’clock in the morning of Sunday, April 6th, I saw that snow had begun to fall. When I looked out a few hours later it had stopped and to my amazement we were under a good six inches of snow. It was very wet, stodgy snow that clung to the branches, weighing them down and making everything utterly beautiful. When the sun came out it was even better. I don’t believe I’ve ever seen snow in April.

That day, Khun Dang, who had turned 60 the day before, was due here to lead the offering of the Tort Pah Bah that she had organised to mark her birthday and fifth cycle. As people began arriving small snowball skirmishes kept breaking out – a snow variation on the water fights that usually characterise Songkrahn. Of course this wasn’t supposed to be a Songkrahn celebration, we’re having that next Sunday but it was close enough to be in people’s minds. I gave the Refuges and Precepts then instead of an alms round outside everyone queued in the Shrine Room to put food in our bowls. After the meal came the offering of the Tort Pah Bah and then I spoke a few words of explanation and I hope, encouragement. Because I knew that some people present wouldn’t be able to make it next week I announced that we would have a mini Songkrahn and again everyone queued, this time to bathe the Buddha Image and then our hands.

It was a great day and made even better by an offering made towards what is still owed to the bank for Bhavana Dhamma (Wood Cottage) of a total of £3,861, made up of £200 from Thailand, £200 collected here, £240 that came in the post and £3,221 that was brought on the day. Fabulous! This week, with Khun Dang’s help as she’s turned 60, we’ve brought the debt down £6,000 to £73,000. Anumodana!

And for Khun Dang, Happy Birthday!

There are some pictures here.