Dear Friends,
another month has nearly gone and the improvements around the property continue.
We were really blessed to have Annika from Sweden spend 10 days with us early in the month. This girl was a true legend - fun loving, intelligent, hard working, artistic and a beautiful person to be around. Both Kate and I had a very memorable 10 days with Annika and she has left an indelible mark on the Mangana Mission (Literally as well as figuratively!) The first couple of days were involved with work in the gardens however then the fateful words were uttered: " Can you paint?". Annika's response was I have never done it before however I am willing to give it a try. The next 6 days were spent on Annika's Mangana Artwork. The majority of the 120 year old colonial barns walls were converted into a living canvas. Local comments have been very positive and it has now become a real Mangana landmark.
The same day that Annika left Mangana Mission to return to Europe Michele from Germany arrived to assist with our many projects. The first few days were spent working in the gardens, weeding and digging out thistles.
This was only the start as we then undertook a day tour of the North east Coast of Tasmania visiting Scamander,Beaumaris, St. Helens, Binnalong Bay and the Bay of Fires.
A couple of days latter we had a day trip up to the summit of Ben Lamond including an ascent of the treacherous Jacobs Ladder track to the summit
Sadly the Pub was closed at the summit so we had to travel to Evandale for a bite to eat!
The balance of Michele's time here was devoted to working on the inside of the Cabin. Thanks to her diligence and German efficiency all of the internal wooden walls have now been varnished as well as the floors to the bedroom and bathroom being sealed. The Cabin is now almost totally complete!
This year has seen a shift in focus for myself and the Mangana Mission. After 2 very challenging years undertaking innumerable projects around the property thanks to the great help of many WWOOFER's / Helpers my focus has now turned seriously towards attempting to improve Kate's physical, mental, spiritual and emotional condition.
This involves an intensive program of massage, exercise, diet, hydrotherapy,meditation and much more. The improvements are starting to show and the job has just begun.
The assistance of WWOOFER's and Helpers is now more important than ever as the day to day running of the property is heavily reliant upon their input.
Just to add another string to the ever growing bow we are also looking at setting up a "soft release" program for injured native wildlife from the property.
On a sad note our"special needs" kitten Jesus passed away peacefully in her sleep about 2 weeks ago. She died young however was lucky to have a happy and fun filled life. She had shown no signs of any illness and I was very shocked to find her dead in the morning. Mangana will now be spared me standing at the back door in my Kaftan calling :"Jesus come home for dinner ".She is now resting peacefully in the front garden bulb bed. the place will never be quite the same without you.
