Boom!

Boom!

This week finds me at my daughter's home helping her pack as they are moving to a new house. Although, packing is my primary job being on Mimi duty might take precedence.

My two year old grandson and I found ourself looking out the large picture window in their living room keeping a close eye on the garbage truck across the way. 

Sheer fascination kept his eyes glued to the window as he excitedly reminded me to, "Watch! Watch!" We probably spent a good five minutes watching the truck or as he likes to call it the "Boom" finish its work. As it slowly backed up he pumped his small arm up and down hoping for a honk. 

Their new home won't be on so quite a busy road, and I know my grandson will miss the constant parade of trucks that make their way by. However, his new home will provide plenty of room to run and play, especially when his little brother gets older. 

I'm excited for their family to begin their new adventure, and as always I love getting to spend time seeing the world through my grandson's eyes. Boom!

Pinterest Super Fan

Pinterest super fan.

My sister shared a story with me the other day about how excited her soon to be eleven year old granddaughter was about getting to share her mother's Pinterest account. I enjoyed hearing the story because my little grandniece's enthusiasm for life is contagious, and I always enjoy being around her. 

A day or two later I was on Pinterest and was checking others postings. I noticed my niece had posted three things. At a closer glance I realized it was her daughter, not her that had actually posted. What struck me, though, was the excitement of her comments about each ocean themed craft idea she had pinned. 

"So excited to try this!!!!"

"I want to try this."

Trying this tomorrow."

I realized that I have probably pinned a thousand ideas from Pinterest, but have rarely followed through on any of them. Just like unread books, my Pinterest collection is just that- a collection of ideas gathering cyber dust. 

My ten year old self would have jumped at the chance to try out all the amazing possibilities, but my grown-up self seems to be a Pinterest dud. As with most things I look for inspiration wherever I can. Here's to my sweet niece, and her love of life!

The Future

The future. 

I got a glimpse of the future the other day, and it wasn't good. In fact, I left feeling pretty disappointed. 

I was in Frisco this week dropping off our taxes, and decided to take care of some other errands while I was there. I was needing to deposit a check, and thought I would stop by the local branch of my bank. 

My purpose was actually two-fold. Along with taking care of the transaction, I thought I could visit with my favorite teller. For the last two years I had been making trip a to the bank to pick up the cash we needed for each month.  We had subscribed to Dave Ramsey's envelope system a few years before, and each month as I withdrew cash I enjoyed shooting the breeze with the teller.  

We both enjoyed sharing stories about our grandsons, and I looked forward to showing her updated pictures of mine. In such an impersonal world it was nice to actually establish a relationship with someone, kind of like the old Andy Griffith Mayberry days. 

I was really looking forward to seeing her again, and when I stepped into the bank it was was obvious that it had undergone a renovation, and I was met by an unfamiliar face. She led me to an ATM device instead of a person to take care of my transaction. The touch screen revealed a real person somewhere in the cyber-world. Although, I was able to accomplish what I had needed, I was sad that I wouldn't be seeing my familiar teller anymore. 

What seemed even more sad, though, was the reality that someday that person would probably be replaced by a human looking robot. Apparently, there really isn't any need for tellers anymore. Along with fast food workers demanding fifteen dollars an hour, bank teller jobs, I guess, are also going to be replaced by automation in the future. 

I wonder what else will fall to the wayside and be replaced by a robot in the next few years?  Regardless, I think we will be missing out on something. 

Earning Screen Time

Earning screen time. 

Parents are generally warned about too much screen time for their young children. Moreover, parents of teens have safety concerns about the actual content made available to their adolescents. Some parents limit their children's screen time. Even better, some require their children to earn screen time through reading, doing chores, and helping others. 

I wish I had a parent to limit my screen time. I know, I'm the adult, and I should be able to simply say, "Step away from the screen." Except it's never really that easy is it? Just like a bagful of Cheetos, or a big piece of chocolate cake will power doesn't always work. 

I find that being retired allows you quite a bit of time to spend on-line, which when left to its own devices can quickly become unaccounted for. This winter, probably because of the colder weather, I've found myself on my i pad WAY too much. Ten minutes become twenty, and twenty become an hour, and I've basically done little else than check my Face Book. 

Now there are some real legitimate reasons to be on-line. I'm finding myself checking my e-mail more frequently as we make our way through the loan process on our new house. Of course, I write and post on my blog using this little device daily.  At dinner time I am generally referring to a recipe on my i pad, and if I'm needing more information about something Google is my go-to. 

 I'm thinking I'm going to have to set up some type of protocol that allows me to earn screen time so I don't spend too much time on this thing. Already, I can tell my ability to concentrate over any length of time is pretty much gone, and yet it's siren song is so alluring. The struggle is real!

The Smartest Dog Ever

The smartest dog ever. 

Cooper is a VERY smart dog. One of the things I had read about poodles was that part of their high intelligence was their ability to anticipate. Cooper literally knows exactly what will be coming up next if it has become a part of our routine. 

On Sunday evenings when the timer goes off Cooper knows to run to the refrigerator anticipating a piece of ice. You see every Sunday night either Chuck or I bake eggs for the week, and when they come out of the oven they need to be plunged into ice cold water before peeling. Cooper has learned to listen for that timer in order to receive his favorite icy treat.

The other morning I was getting ready for the day, and realized that Cooper had taken in a new understanding of my routine. Each morning when I take my shower he likes to lay on my bed waiting for me to open the door when I'm through. He watches me wash my face, brush my teeth, put on my make-up, use my curling iron, and finally brush my hair. My actions must be so predictable and always done in the same order, because I noticed that as soon as I finished brushing my hair he would make his way off the bed using his stairs without my prompting. 

This genius-like dog had figured it out all on his own. After I used my curling iron, and reached for the brush, it would only be a matter of seconds before I would be ready to leave the bathroom. I am totally impressed with this remarkable animal, and his uncanny powers of observation. 

Not only is he adorable, fun, clown-like, loving, devoted, obedient, protective, and a good sport at all times, he is SUPER smart. I'm one lucky gal!

Two Kinds of People

Two kinds of people. 

You've probably heard the old adage, "There's two kinds of people..." After spending almost a year living in an apartment complex I find it rings true. Especially, when it comes to dog poop. 

There are two kinds of people. Those who pick up after their dog, and those who don't. My apartments have actually made it quite easy with doggie poop receptacles, and poop bags  at every turn. But apparently it isn't enough. 

For those who religiously pick up dog poop I say hurray! Your conscientious efforts helps to make for a more pleasant environment for all of us. For those with a grandiose sense of entitlement, who allow their dogs to poop wherever the wind may blow, and do nothing about it, I say shame or more honestly #*&@%!

I especially don't get the people who allow their dog to poop basically right in front of the poop receptacle, making it treacherous for the rest of us to maneuver in the dead of night. 

I have to wonder what goes through the minds of people who feel so comfortable just walking away. I've always been a rule follower by nature, but I see more the need for rules when over 1,000 people live together in close quarters. I also wonder if the noncomplyers ever consider what the place would look like if everyone took their "What the heck attitude!" 

So for now I'll continue to make the best of it, and do my part to make our apartments a better place to live, all the while dodging poop along the way. 

I would also like to give credit to my two year old grandson for his frequent use of the word poop, which has allowed me to do the same. I told my daughter that during the time I spent with them after the birth of our new grandson, that I had heard the word poop more times in a week than I had in her entire childhood!  Gotta love boys!

Trapped

Trapped. 

I made a trip to IKEA the other day as I'm wanting to make one of the bedrooms in our new house an office/craft room. I had seen several pieces on-line that I thought might work, and I was wanting to check them out in person. 

Now I should preface this posting with the fact that I have never really liked IKEA. It has nothing to do with the selection or quality of the merchandise. In fact, I think they have some really cool choices at reasonable prices. It's the store itself that I can't stand. I'm not sure I ever realized that I had claustrophobic tendencies before I made my first visit. 

When you first innocently enter you are taken aback by all the cute micro-living environments, and how cleverly they are decorated. You don't for one second know what you've actually gotten yourself into. Instead of turning and running for your life you just keep taking the next step, until you are about 10,000 paces in, and find it impossible to escape. 

When I visited last week I had a goal in mind, and spent about forty minutes jotting down furniture choices, and taking photos. I was actually enjoying myself, and thought possibly that I may have mistakenly misjudged IKEA. As I continued along the way passing by the lamp department, the rug department, the dish department, the pet department I found that sinking feeling begin to creep in again. They had sucked me into the maze of Swedish wonders and had left me for dead. 

Although, they did have the good sense to put the cafeteria in the middle, even the lure of an IKEA veggie ball gave me no comfort. By this time I've realized that I've lost my LIST!  You know the one I had just spent forty minutes perfecting. I knew I had to turn around and go back into the belly of the beast to find that dang piece of paper.  

Even though the entrance was in sight, and it took everything I had not to run toward the light, I slowly turned and retraced my steps. All along finding myself becoming increasingly hot and uncomfortable. Praise the Lord I found my list lying conspicuously alone on the light-up arrow concrete path. I as well was conspicuously going against the Swedish grain of cooperation and conformity. Who does that! I quickly retrieved it, said a quick prayer of thanks, and hurriedly made my way out. 

Now I know I will probably have to return soon to make the final decisions about what I need for my new room. I may have to mentally prepare myself for the event, or hang out more in my walk-in closet as training for my claustrophobia. I guess the only silver lining to this story is that my room is going to look really AWESOME by the time I'm through. 

Strength

Strength. 

I was reading a posting from this time last year that was written just days before the death of my father, except at the time I didn't know that. I was reflecting on the fragileness of our hearts as I had recently learned that one of Dad's dear caretakers had moved on to a new facility. 

It struck me quite hard because I had grown to depend on her, and with her leaving I felt more alone, and vulnerable to what I knew was eventually coming. As hard as I had tried to stay strong, I found my weakness slipping out through the tears I tried to hide. 

As I reflect on this past year I have found it to be much easier. We were blessed with our beautiful apartment and lake, we got to visit Chuck's dad in Florida, our daughter and her family moved an hour closer, and our second grandson was born. 

I did not have to be so "strong" this year, except when I thought about it the truth was that any strength I had was more a gift from God, and less about me. My strength had came from the Lord who seemed to have wrapped his loving arms around me, and brought me the strength I needed to face the next day. He lifted me up through the people he sent my way, and through the peace that seemed to pass understanding. 

Tomorrow will be the anniversary of my father's death. I miss him. I miss his smile that greeted me at the door, the sound of his laugh that rang out, his stories of days gone by, the song in his heart that manifested in a hum, and his warm embrace while telling me he loved me.

We seem to be both fragile and strong, as we face the trials that come along our way, but that's okay. 

Tea for Two

Tea for two. 

Chuck and I have started the habit of fixing a cup of tea before bedtime. My hope is that by drinking a relaxing cup of herbal tea that I might be able to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night. Something that has become more challenging over the years. 

We've accumulated several varieties, and often add raw honey and lemon to the mix. Some of our choices are a result of the Celestial Seasonings Tour we took several summers ago in Boulder, Colorado. If you are ever in the area the tour is both informative and fun. However, we have tried a few other brands, and are enjoying them as well. 

Of course, when I think of tea I can't help, but be reminded of my grandmother on my mother's side. Although, Irish she grew up in Liverpool and continued her love of tea well into her nineties. She also had a pretty extensive collection of bone china teacups which she always proudly displayed. 

One of my favorite memories was visiting her weekly in my early twenties, and fixing tea for the both of us. She always took hers with a little milk, and I took mine with sugar. After the early death of my mother my grandmother became more important to me as I attempted to maneuver myself through life. 

I still have three teacups from her teacup collection, and consider them to be real treasures. I'm looking forward to having more room at the new house in order to display them. They've been packed away for the last year, and I'm kind of missing them. 

Along with hot tea, one of my other favorites is a big cup of unsweetened ice tea; the stronger the better. I often times drive through McDonalds just to get a big cup of their tea, and sip on it throughout the day. 

 Now I know as a newly official Texas native I should be going for the sweet tea, but I've never quite taken a liking to the southern elixir. Either way cold or hot, tea is right there on the top of my list. 

Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day. 

Thirty three years ago today I was awakened to the sound of knocking. In my still sleepy state I opened my front door and looked down the stairs of my apartment. It was then I realized that the noise was coming not from my front door, but from my balcony. 

As I stepped out on to the balcony I was met by Chuck on a ladder. Yes a LADDER resting on my balcony. Within seconds I was receiving a marriage proposal. Chuck and I had met only months before, and our romance appeared to be on a fast track. In fact, we were married on my birthday five months later. 

Now I know that Dr. Laura would never suggest such a short courtship, but to be honest I was twenty-eight at the time, and knew that someone like Chuck didn't come around every day. After almost thirty-three years of marriages looks like it was a meant to be match. 

I can't help but think of that special day each year when February 14th rolls around, and I have to admit that for Chuck it's pretty hard to top that gesture. However, that day I found my Romeo, and am so happy I said yes! Happy Valentine's Day!

Insanity

Insanity. 

There is a common known saying that defines insanity as, "doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results."

I have been guilty of this when it comes to my glasses. For Christmas Chuck bought me a beautiful new purse. It is a much larger than purses I've owned in the past, and has very little structure to it. However, the good thing is that it has plenty of room for everything, including some of Chuck's stuff as well. 

In my last smaller purse I kept my reading glasses in a simple, black eyeglass holder. It was generally easy to retrieve so I didn't give it a second thought when I threw it in my new purse. 

Day after day, week after week I found myself desperately scrounging around trying to locate my glasses. The purse itself being cavernous was somewhat dark inside, and without the aid of my glasses I struggled to locate the black eyeglass holder. 

I found myself becoming more and more frustrated, but never once considered changing anything. I guess insanity had set in, and I somehow assumed that things would get better. 

At the same time I also carried around a brightly colored, quilted Vera Bradley eyeglass holder that kept both my sunglasses and a pair of older readers. As I would fish around inside my purse that particular item was not only easy to see, but easy to feel as it was a completely different texture from anything else. 

I'm not sure what finally brought me back to my senses, but the other day it hit me like a ton of bricks. Why not switch out the holders? I rarely used my sunglasses, but used my newer readers hourly. So that's just what I did.

Remarkably, life had gotten so much easier. If I need my glasses I can locate them in an instant. It's embarrassing to think it has taken this long to figure out a better option. I think for me being a creature of habit gets in the way sometimes. 

So if you are struggling with a situation you might consider looking at it from a different perspective, perhaps a more sane way at that. 

Communicate

Communicate.

One of the ways I've dealt with problems in my life is through avoidance. Rather than risk a confrontation, I've basically just turned my back on the people involved.  

Of course, I'm generally not happy with that solution, because I end up feeling embarrassed, and regret that I didn't have the nerve to face a situation more directly. By that time, though, so much time has passed I'm even more uncomfortable to do anything about it. 

Recently, I found myself in an uncomfortable situation, and was struggling as to what you do next. My go-to solution was to just avoid the situation and the people involved. I wasn't exactly sure what to say so I had decided not to say anything. 

Except, luckily this time I had a change of heart. I actually reached out to share my misgivings. It felt good to talk things out, and as Dr. Laura likes to point out, people just need to communicate. 

Although, this conversation did not fix everything, it did lead to understanding on both sides, which allowed me to feel more comfortable with the situation. I was proud of myself for picking up the phone, and sharing my concerns. 

I do hold regrets from those times that I did not do so. We really shouldn't be so afraid to communicate with each other. Risking confrontation may be worth the discomfort it brings, if there is resolution in the end. 

Sunny Days

Sunny days. 

Why is it that the amount of light you are exposed to seems to greatly affect your mood? As I write this I'm staring out the window at a gray, overcast day. If the sun were to break through, I promise my mood would change completely. 

I definitely respond well to light and sunshine. Back when I taught middle school there were two room options; the ones that had windows and faced the outside, and those that faced the interior and did not have windows. I prayed for a room with a window, as I wasn't sure how well I would do in a tomb-like environment. Thankfully, I had plenty of sunshine that year. 

I have a good friend who recently moved to the Sunshine State, and is thrilled after spending years in a state that was primarily overcast for half of the year. Studies have shown that our exposure to light does affect our moods, and some people require light therapy in those gray states. 

As much as I have enjoyed living in my apartment, one of the drawbacks has been the lack of light. I live on the first floor of a multi-story building with several large trees outside my door. It limits the amount of sunshine that makes its way in. Our new house, on the other hand, has plenty of light streaming through an abundance of windows. 

I'm looking forward to natural light again. 

Hovering

Hovering. 

Helicoptering parenting sure is an easy thing to do, even though we know it's really not the best thing in the long run. Expecting our children to become fully functioning adults just doesn't happen if we are there to solve every problem. 

Except it seems to be in our nature to want to protect, and to assure that our children are never sad or disappointed. We attempt to craft a Disney World type of childhood for them, or at least die trying. The whole Elf on the Shelf phenomena is an example of the over the top parenting that most of us, myself included have been party to. 

Left to my own devices I think I probably would have been a card carrying helicopter parent in my attempts to make my daughter's life perfect, except that she wouldn't let me. Early on in her childhood she set me straight, and taught me a very valuable lesson about independence and learning how to solve problems on your own. 

Growing up she lived in a neighborhood with children of all ages who played together.  Brittany had one particular friend who appeared to be her favorite, probably because they were the closest in age. However, apparently she and her friend had a habit of going off away from the group leaving the others behind. 

One day there was a knock at the door, and when I opened it there was a group of neighborhood children being led by one particularly brave child who had decided to be the spokesperson for the group. She relayed the message that they were not happy about how Brittany and her friend were not including everyone. 

When it became apparent that all these children were "ganging up" on my precious daughter my mother bear instincts kicked in. How dare they show up at our door and criticize my innocent daughter!  I was ready to lay into the "mob" when I heard Brittany say, "You're right. I'm sorry, and we won't do it again." The group left quite happy with her answer. 

I was shocked. My eight year old daughter had completely handled the situation on her own, and had not needed my help. In fact, she had dealt with it better than I would have. I learned a lesson that day. 

My daughter didn't need me to solve every problem that came her way. Over the years I took great pleasure in watching her handle situations that came up. She just seemed to have a knack for it, and it put my job as parent into a different perspective. It was okay for her not to need me for everything. 

Just like the mother bird has to push her baby out of the nest and let it fly, I realized that day that hovering too closely all the time would not allow my baby bird to soar. Parenting can be the hardest job you'll ever undertake, but it's also the most rewarding. 

Surf's Up

Surfs up. 

In my younger days I never would have believed that I would have taken up surfing in my sixties. Especially living no where near an ocean. But I must say that I've become quite a proficient surfer. Cowabunga!

Of course, I'm actually talking about surfing the net!  It has become one of my favorite pastimes, and has probably crossed over to an addiction. But to be honest, I really have a hard time remembering how we lived prior to the internet?

I have never been an early adopter when it comes to technology. In fact, I never owned an eight track player, and went straight from albums to cassettes. I've never played a video game on a television screen, and I think my only other attempt was on a Ms Pacman game while waiting for my meal at Del Taco, back in the early eighties, but that's a whole other story in itself. 

Surprisingly, though I preordered and stood in line to pick up my first i pad the day it came out. That's when the love affair began. I had owned a little i touch before, but realized it's limitations due to its small size. When the i pad was advertised I knew I wanted in. It's arrival came out almost a year after I retired, and it has been a part of my life ever since. 

Facebook has allowed me to reconnect and stay in touch with so many past friends. Pinterest is my recipe go to. Podcasts and Ted Talks have not only entertained me, but have instructed me as well. 

Blogs have inspired and encouraged me to become a blogger in my own right. Any time I have the least bit of interest in anything I know the answer is just a click away. My collection of photos over the years brings hours of enjoyment as I walk down memory lane. 

I've learned new cooking techniques and have completed craft projects just by watching a You Tube video. I've read books on my Kindle, binged on Netflix, and even have paid my bills using this little workhorse. 

I've listened to music, written posts, found my new house, and used its gps feature to plan my next adventure. To be honest, I would have to claim surfing as both a hobby and a vice. I know spending too much time doing anything probably isn't good, so finding a balance when it comes to the net is probably wise. 

Of course, I can't say I'm there yet. It's hard to resist a good wave. 

Who Picked Whom?

Who picked whom?  

As I write this post Abby, my cat, purrs contentedly on my lap. She likes to spend her days shifting between Chuck's lap and mine, but if truth be told she likes Chuck's lap the best. I'll do in a pinch, but the look of adoration on her face while gazing up at him is a dead give away. 

I was remembering, though, about the day we brought Abby home many years ago. Chuck had taken a fifteen year old Brittany out for some highway driving, and it was during this excursion that they hatched the plan of getting a kitten. Brittany's arguement was that, although we had a cat when she was born, she had never had a kitten of her own. 

Popcorn, her first cat, had passed away earlier that year, and I was not missing having to keep up with the litter box. That is probably the main reason why we had not already gotten a new cat. My first pet had been a cat, and I had always had a soft spot for kittens. However, it didn't take much arm twisting on my part, and I agreed to meet them over at the McKinney SPCA.

As luck would have it there was a plethora of kittens available that day,  and we had a roomful of choices. I had decided on the ride over that we should pick our next kitten on friendliness, not just cuteness. Sure enough when we walked in I was immediately drawn to a calico kitten hiding under a chair. I had to resist the urge to pick her up knowing that it was probably better to pick a more outgoing cat. 

Brittany and I sat down, and waited to see what would happen next.  Within seconds a sweet little tan and white kitten jumped into my lap. A minute or two later she jumped down to get a bite to eat, but as soon as she was finished she jumped right back up, and made herself at home.

The shelter volunteer pointed out the fact that this particular cat must have really liked me as she had returned to my lap. It didn't take long to decide that this friendly kitten would be the one, and her little girl name, Abby suited her perfectly. 

Now I wish I could say that Brittany and Abby became  inseparable, but when you're fifteen you'd really rather be over at your friend's house, so Abby basically bonded to me. There never seemed to be any love lost between those two, and Abby's dislike of Brittany seems to have passed down to our grandson. Because of this I've learned to treat Abby kind of like the lion at the zoo; best viewed from afar when it comes to our grandson. 

As much as I like to think that I chose Abby that fateful day, I think the truth is she chose me. 

Never Say Never

Never say never. 

I think the first time I realized that you should never say never was when we got a Bassett Hound puppy for our daughter. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would own this floppy eared canine, but when our daughter dragged us over to see them we were completely smitten. 

In fact, when Brittany pointed them out, I had to ask what kind of dog they were. I must admit the Bassett puppies were absolutely adorable, but after learning what breed they were I knew one thing. If we were to take one home, it would have to be a girl, as I had seen full grown male Bassetts, and was not too crazy about all their personal parts hanging down for all the world to see. Our last male dog had been a Husky fully covered in fur, if you catch my drift. 

If you had told me at the beginning of my career that I would be teaching middle school Social Studies, I would have told you that you needed to have your head examined. Except late in my career I did willing make the move, and although I did eventually return to elementary, I never regretted the time I spent as a middle school teacher. I left that experience light years ahead in my technological abilities. 

Even my beloved poodle Cooper was a dog I never thought I'd ever own. I had never been drawn too much to the foo foo style of a poodle, but after learning that they could be kept in their puppy cut, I couldn't have been more pleased with the breed. If I had completely discounted the poodle as an option I would never have experienced the pure joy they bring. Smart as a whip, loyal, loving and somewhat clown-like are just a few adjectives to describe my little guy. 

No one would have convinced me that I could move a herd of cows from one area to another at our farm with a simple, "Haw!" and some outstretched arms. Petting an enormous boa constrictor, writing a blog, and cooking primarily plants are all things along the way that I would have never thought to do. 

Leaving Frisco, moving into an apartment, and even purchasing a new house in Euless of all places had never really crossed my radar until it did. Being open to possibilities allows you to experience life in a way you could never predict. I'm discovering that an interesting life is a lot more fun than a completely predictable one. 

Lake

Lake.

I'm really going to miss the lake that borders our apartment complex. It was the reason we ended up in these apartments. As soon as I saw it I knew instantly that I could live here. It was as if an invisible hand was guiding us. 

I have so enjoyed taking Cooper out for a walk as often as the weather has permitted. Last spring I loved watching the baby Mallards grow to the size of their mothers. In the summer I learned that the males lost their impressive green feathers, and sported the same brown color as the females. This winter the lake has been home to many other feathered friends along with the Mallards. Loons, Coots, Buffleheads, Cranes and even Sea Gulls have all made their appearance, and have brought me many hours of enjoyment in observing them. 

Recently with the return of warmer weather, and even longer days, Cooper and I have been trying to squeeze in as much lake time as possible. Along with the benefits of walking, just having the opportunity to be out in nature enjoying the fresh air has kept my spirits up during the grayer days of winter. 

I keep telling myself I will need to return, as our new home is not too far away. Except, I think I know that having to get in the car, and travel down the highway twenty minutes won't be as easy as just stepping out the door. 

I feel very grateful for this last year, and the opportunities that have come along. The stillness of the water has refreshed my soul, and reminded me to make time for the beauty of creation. Our time here this last year has given us a chance to live a simpler life, and to be excited again about the possibilities that lie ahead.