On June 21st, this Brooklyn bike-powered compost group arrived at The Uplands mid-day, eager to take in the sights and settle in for the weekend before diving into their group meeting. A sunny break between heavy rain showers allowed for a relaxed and playful garden tour, where they popped fresh strawberries into their mouths and advised The Uplands on our compost piles.

Dinner was an astounding spread of locally grown and sourced dishes, including savory herbed cheesecake, herbed fish, carrot mousse, and strawberry shortbread made with strawberries from The Uplands garden. After an evening group meeting, the group enjoyed some spa time and laughter while playing board games together.

Saturday began with a yoga class followed by a rich quiche breakfast. The group then engaged in a long stint of productive group work, looking at the structure of their organization, changes that have happened, and the next chapter that lays ahead and how all fit into it.  This was followed by a scrumptious garden veggie lunch and some free time. They enjoyed swimming and lounging by the pond on the hot and humid day. After more productive group work and a delicious, nourishing dinner, a thunderstorm kept the group indoors, providing a dramatic backdrop to the powerful healing sound bath given in the yoga room. The storm cleared, revealing fireflies and a full moon on this summer Solstice night.

Sunday came quickly, and the group had a wonderful wrap-up in Cheriklo. They enjoyed a final meal with take-home baked goods, including a decadent chocolate tart. Some took a quick dip in the pond before departing, ready to return to their busy lives of honoring and working with organic matter in their urban home environment.