The Time is Approaching

The time to leave my beloved North Carolina is rapidly approaching. There is much to do. My list is long. Getting all the details done, seeing friends and family, and taking a bunch of photos. I am seeing all my doctors, only two to go; getting new glasses; getting the car ready and holding my breath waiting for an offer on my house. It is the only NEW home I have ever had, and is so close to my heart. It hurts to go by there to get the mail or otherwise take care of things. I think of all the wonderful things that happened there. It is funny I cannot remember bad things. When I had all that surgery, my home was my refuge. I think of all the things that really make memories in a home and am eagerly anticipating a new one, embracing the new and bringing some of the old. (photo by Sterling)

Thinking back the things that made a home were first of all the warmth of the people who were there. Making a home is having memories of lots of occasions. Celebrating Christmas, birthdays, accomplishments and visits from friends and family. But there are certain THINGS that make a place homey to me:

• A door bell that chimes announcing a guest, a special package, or maybe a prankster on Halloween.
• The smell of newly cut grass.
• Candles that have the aroma of cinnamon, lavender, or another exotic smell.
• The smell of the grill, with guys doing the work.
• A fridge with ice cream in the freezer.
• A bowl of fresh fruit to remind us to not go to the freezer for ice cream.
• A comfy bed to share;
• A clock that has Westminster chimes, to remind us that time is passing.
• A big comfy chair, just for each person, to relax, feel the comfort of home.
• Fresh flowers in the bathroom, and everywhere else, for that matter.
• A jug of sweet tea always available.
• A gardenia bush out the back door.
• A rocking chair, preferably on the porch...to sit and read and chat and knit.
• A mantle for garlands at Christmas.
• A fireplace that crackles and smells like the whole outdoors.
• A soft sofa to nap on.
• A room all my own, to hide from the world.
• African violets on the window sill.
• The smell of cookies or cake in the oven.
  
• Kittens making a mess.
  
  
• A big dog to show affection without condition and to alert us to the unusual.

Meet Annie who is Justin and Leah's and the most wonderful loving dog. I will get to spoil her. Her story later.

We all have our list of things that bring that happy feeling to our hearts. As I was thinking of this list...I had to make myself stop.... I was also thinking of all the things to put into a guest room to welcome each of you when you visit.

Beginning my Blog

Today I begin my Blog. My nephew Jim has inspired to try this again and begin blogging away. My entries will be random, unlike his well organized descriptions of Hawksbill Cabin. You will not be able to follow me as well. On my mind is my MOVE TO OHIO. I have packed all my things, had them stored, and am living for a few weeks with my sister. Getting ready to capture my kitties and head north. My house has a good potential for purchase. No other homes like it for sale in Raleigh, and we are doing pretty well with economic recovery. Leah, my daughter, and her husband Justin have the job of finding the PERFECT HOUSE. This is the best job and the worse job in the world. Here I am the "mother- in -law" or worse the Mother....coming to live. Everytime Leah (my daughter) tells me she has found the perfect house...well, I am not sure about her list of must haves....but these are my wanna haves....


A place

• to be safe
• to be warm and cool.
• to have my solitude when the time is right.
• to have a bed where I can lay down and take a nap, with the sun streaming inon me.
• that has windows for the kittens to look out and survey their world.
• where people can talk to me while I cook, or I can talk to them while they cook.
• that has a place to share in doing art, projects, games and all.
• that has a great big chair to sit in and watch TV and blog away.
• that has windows to open and let the fresh spring or fall breeze rush through my room.
• that has a window and a porch or deck to watch the sunset from.
• to plant my Iris and maybe a field of daffodils.
• that has a lot of light to make my studio come alive again.
• that has lots of privacy where I can run around with or without.
• the warmly welcomes guests, friends and family.
• with a fireplace to burn real wood hear the crackle and smell the smell.
• with a nearby church that has bells that ring.
• with view of of nature from every window....deer, rabbits and other vermin--snow and all.

And hopefully,
Neighbors to lighten the load.
Friends to share the burdens.

And above All...LOVE that is felt every day.

I am so grateful that this change is possible for me. My aging is beginning to show. I know that only when we get older are we bold enough to admit to our frailty and our dependence. I hope God gives me the power to do it gracefully, lovingly and non-judgmentally. So help me Y'all.