Gather Round Ye Minions of Michaels Nook

When I wrote a series of six blog posts on my time in 1978/1979 working at Michael's Nook Country House Retreat, situated in Grasmere in England's Lake District, I did not foresee that other employees would find my stories and add their memories. It's been a fun ride keeping up with them all. Earlier this …

Still Pining for the Lakes District

I can't quite shake off my nostalgia for the English Lakes District. It is such a beautiful part of the world. I became so attached that I honestly felt as if I would be happy to spend my final days there. Many years later, through family history research, I learned my grandfather was born about twenty …

Leaving Michael’s Nook Country House Retreat

Perhaps I developed my fetish for spring cleaning from my months in Michael's Nook.  In the quieter times Mr Gifford had us stripping the house from top to bottom. He was an exacting boss, insisting on demonstrating the correct way to do everything from washing wine glasses, to vacuuming the stair carpets; polishing mahogany, and …