Thoughts on a Sunday afternoon.

It is Sunday afternoon, one of my favorite times of the week due to its sheer peacefulness.
The rain falling outside is welcome.  It seems more like a mist, with drops filling every bit of air..and it falls softly. It reminds me of the soft snow that fell during our first weekend here in northwestern PA.  It is in great contrast to the skies in Arkansas which dropped angry rain, with harsh winds and gully-washers, as we called them. It would be dry for weeks, then an urgent rain came so fast and hard that the moisture could not soak into the ground quickly enough.  I will never forget watching 21 twisters on the radar screen as the weatherman cautioned to take cover. I hoped none would touch down, but one finally did, in Joplin, Missouri. You know the rest of that story. :(

 I admired noticed Clay's calm during those storms. He had the mindset to relax and doze, while I had my plan playing over and over in my head of my path for rescuing the children. We are Mama Bears, aren't we?

I certainly feel more calm here, and searching for a home has been divine.

Finally, we have begun looking at properties in person. This condo is lovely and we are very happy in it. However, we do have longings. I for a garden. Sol for four-wheeler rides with the wind in his hair. Elliot to sit on a swing and read while petting his dog. Max loves being close to his friends in town, but I am sure he could get lost in the woods looking for birds. And Annabelle, she is always restless to EXPLORE.

Of course, you know, the historic homes call to me. The battle in my mind is to be practical, prepare for aging, etc. but then my heart shouts..."WAIT!! You are not in a wheelchair YET!  Live beautifully!!".   I have to say, just walking through these homes is a privilege. I have seen chandeliers this week that I have never seen, even in an antique shop or museum!

At one of the homes was a lovely caretaker named Pete. He was so kind, a gentle man pruning and mowing and waving as we left. Some times I meet people and I wish I could be friends with them forever. Do you ever get that feeling?


I will leave you with some photos of homes we visited. It will give you a glimpse of what makes my heart sing. Love you all!