After seven weeks of traveling with and hosting our 8 and 11 year old granddaughters, it sure is quiet around here. (And the house stays a lot neater). But I sure do miss them.
We left Cullman on Friday the 11th and drove a little over 400 miles to our nephew and niece-in-laws house (Jason and Kelly) who live in Rural Retreat, VA. They are gracious to host us when we travel I-81. After another 400 miles, we got the girls home to MD mid day on Saturday. Daughter Amy and SIL Scott were awaiting their arrival with open arms and hugs and kisses.
Then we visited daughter Terri and SIL Steve who live in Cleona PA. Grandson Justin and girlfriend Karlie came to the weekend. We stayed there until Tuesday morning and did our trip in reverse, staying at Jason and Kelly's Tuesday night and arriving home Wednesday.
What a welcome sight! Home! And grass to be cut! But that's okay. It's home!
On Thursday as I set our table for dinner, it hit me. Only Two Plates. Only Two Place Settings. Only Two People to Feed. Tears fell. So quiet around here now. Time to relax, to think, to dream.
My spot favorite is our porch. The front porch. My views.
I love this house and every part of it. But no place compares to this porch. The back porch has a porch swing. It's okay. As we were looking outside a bit ago, we saw a fawn and its mama walk into the woods in the back. That's nice. But even with that, I prefer the front porch.
It's my spot for morning coffee. It's my serene place for a cold glass of unsweet tea. It's my spot to read or even play a game on the Smart Phone or catch up on Facebook. It's a relaxing oasis in the evening to watch the lightening bugs until the mosquitoes find me. It's a spot to just sit still, be calm and listen to the birds sing and watch the hummingbirds drink from the feeder. It's my place of contentment.
Do you have such a place?
Phyllis, just read and published your comment on my blog about our being fortunate and then read your blog, planning to make a similar comment! Yes, dear friend, we are very much so! My place of contentment is, I think our entire home, town and life now. You know I enjoyed that life, but it was time to exit. Great memories, but I don't miss the lifestyle. Nope.
ReplyDeleteYes, my front porch is the same...I am in town, but it's quiet and serene, comfortable and 'home'. Good memories of mom and dad, and raising my kids and grandkids.
ReplyDeleteMy grandma loved her front porch. She said she had more laughs, cries, meetings and fellowship right there on her porch. You do have such a lovely one at that!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you've found a place to be content. As much as we like to travel and see new places, I have found contentment here.
ReplyDeleteLooks like you have a beautiful place and porches in front and back is a big plus. I know sitting on your porch and enjoying nature around you and the serenity of your surroundings is so peaceful and enjoyable.
ReplyDeleteLove your view! That would be my coffee spot too! I can appreciate what you're saying. Harry and I went for a walk last night and I was just enjoying the simpleness of it - the lake views and the birds. I am also feeling quite content these days.
ReplyDeleteThat is a beautiful spot the views are wonderful and peaceful. I to have a porch but in this heat no sitting out there, no flowers. Maybe by the mid or end of Sept. I will make it come to life again.
ReplyDeletePhyllis - we will be coming 'south' beginning of Nov, would love to stop and visit, and maybe stay a night or two!!!
ReplyDeleteYou know we will be thrilled to have you two visit. Looking forward!
DeleteLet's see: we finally got you two down South; you've got the requisite front porch (back porch is the bonus) for waving to neighbors. Now if we can only convert you to sweet tea. You can always cut out calories somewhere else. Besides, with all the work you two are doing around the place I'm sure you'll burn them off in no time. Love you two and glad you're enjoying your new home. Take care.
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