that sounds great Carlotta!
There was a Soto Zen group in our area that met 3 or 4 times a week for sitting and chanting and readings. After the teacher (who wouldn't admit he was a teacher) died, the group disbanded in a few years. It is hard to keep up early morning practice without a person of real spiritual roots to sorta encourage you (unknowingly) as you go ... through the rough and dry periods.
I have to say that the internet has been a real encouragement for those of us who are far from a sanga. At the temple I attend everyone speaks Thai but me, so I don't get to hear a lot. that doesn't really matter as I have felt a connection and they always speak a few words of English to me to help me feel the welcome.
I've missed temple all month due to a day when I was ill and a day when I was knee deep in gardening. The temple is an hour drive away and with gas prices and timing I can only go every other week.
A cyber sanga will be a nice refuge.
gasho (if I spelt that right
