Day 1

Saturday: Milarepa Center, Barnet VT. Up about 5 AM. Somewhat restless sleep in the tent, as half of my body wanted to go numb. In the house, and a cup of tea. Upstairs and brief sitting, waiting for the first session. Just before it began I realized that my stomach needed some ballast. Quick slice of bread.

Session 1. 6-8 AM. Commentary on the D.IS&RB. Sadly not recorded. Then practice, Prlim, 6S (very fast) and Ym.

8ish Breakfast (oatmeal). Took a walk out. The sun was shining for what seemed to be the first time in a minor eternity. Stood in a field enjoying the light. Reorganized my valise, sitting on my bed in the main house.

Session 2. 10-12. Mostly commentary on Vsls. Pain in left hip. Sleepy.

12ish Lunch. Pesto pasta. Salad. The toaster wasn't working. Turned out to be the plug. Nick's birthday, with cake. Took a nap. Woke after about 40 minutes, the tent hot from the sun. Some stretching. Back to the main house and a quick shower. Cleaned the bathrooms a little.

Session 3. 3-5 PM. Began with Q&A. When our questions began to devolve, on with the commentary. Once through 6S and then Ym.

Sat on my bed for a little while. MB caught up with me on the phone, and we had a nice conversation.

5:30ish, Dinner. Potato soup, salad and bread. Wnd didn't have a place to sit at first, until something opened up. Enjoyable conversation about the 'laws' of physics. Wnd and I took a walk down and around the stupa a couple of times. She had to get back to help with set-up for the next session. A black fly had a drink from my right hand.

Session 4. 7-9:15 PM. End of the commentary, and much Q&A. I asked about the significance of some elements. 6S and Ym to end.

Downstairs and some chat with Wendy, Nick and Damchoe in the Library. Helped Haim set up a DVD player. We watched part of a DVD of the teaching throne dedication of HHDL. Some conversation about my question with Hln. Conversation about the ego and responsibility with Wnd... And snoring. Gave her my earplugs.