On the Beaten Path

 Since our marriage, we have often lived right off of the interstate.

In fact, most of the times we could see or hear the interstate from our home.

I-87 in NY, I-5 in WA, I-5 again in OR.

We were NOT on the beaten path in NC.

We are once again right off a major interstate.

Can you see the flag in this picture?

It is just above the shed in the middle.

This pic was taken from my kitchen window.

The flag is at a Camping World which is right on I-65.

Sometimes, though we have been on a major thoroughfare,

it has not been a thoroughfare that was well traveled by our friends and family.

(I'm speaking of you WA and OR!)

But - here - we are having our third niece/nephew visit tonight in just 5 months.

It is nice to be "on" the path this time.

And though our score is 0 for making up on lost time which we hope to rectify soon.

For the record of niece/nephew visits...

Niobe has 2

North Vernon has 1 1/2 (one stop through without coming in counts as 1/2)

Vestal has 0 (totally understandable because they travel the northern corridor rather than a southern corridor)

We are happy to add to your totals at any time!

You Deserve Another Pic

 Because it has been awhile ...

Here is the second guest room ...

And the guest bathroom.

All of the "guest quarters" are tucked in a little hallway at the front of the house.

And we used one room Wednesday and plan to use another (or the same one) this coming Tuesday.

In Sickness and Health

 Yesterday, we celebrated 20 years,

and today hubby practiced our vows.

I spent the day in the recliner with some random sickness

and hubby tended to his needs and mine.

As I lay there,

I practiced my "Thankful Thursday."

I am thankful that hubby can come home nearly every day for lunch.

I am thankful to be on the East Coast again and have already had visits from 4 family groups and are looking forward to another nephew next week!

I am thankful for a beautiful home and a husband to share it with.

I am thankful for healthy food on my table each day (and the unhealthy treats which show up occasionally).

I am thankful that I can trust God for His timing and His will in my life.

I am thankful that even in sickness today, I have more strength than many others.

I am thankful for all of the anniversary greetings that I received in the last couple of days.

I am thankful that my hubby is not helpless when I need to take a day to rest.

How?

 20 Years!

Years ago, we thought that we would return to Maine, the site of our honeymoon, for our anniversary,

but, I am content with a staycation in our new house.

It is hard to believe that 20 years have passed - 

unless I count houses, or miles, or jobs, or churches, or friends from coast to coast and now in other countries as missionaries.

We were delighted to have a visit from one of our nephews today.

He wasn't at our wedding - and yet he is headed off to college this year.

I guess that does show how time has moved along.

And I guess when you look at the pictures,

you can see how those "little kids" have aged a bit.

I am thankful for the man who cares for me each day.

I am thankful for the good days and the bad days that have changed us (hopefully for the better).

I am thankful for all of the friends along the way.

I am thankful for all of the places I have seen (and lived).

I am thankful that God provided the right one for me - in His time.

I am thankful for 20 years,

and though I hope for the return of Christ soon,

should He not return in the next 20 years,

I look forward to another 20 ...

and another 20 ...

and another 20...

Nearing Normalcy

 It seems as if our world has been upside down for a long time.

I guess since the cancer diagnosis in October 2021.

There were a lot of unknowns.

And even as plans began to unfold,

there was still the temporary.

Tonight, I sit in my garage ... Grilling supper.

It feels good and it feels normal.

I was able to clean through the whole house on Monday as usual without too many organizational decisions stalling me.

The laundry and ironing are current.

The boxes and drawers left to be contemplated are dwindling.

The stacks of paperwork that have been shuffled here and there are dissipating.

The last of the window coverings are enroute.

It feels good to be a homemaker again.

It is easy to compare ... To make excuses.

It is easy to downplay what God has called me to do.

It is a sin that I struggle with.

Recently it has been diminishing the value of my "little" house,

Or the work that my "little" house requires,

Or my "little" property and its responsibilities,

Or my peaceful work and workplace.

But it is my calling and it is the best work I can do right now.

More Order than Chaos

 Remember the picture from 2 weeks ago.

Things have changed.

Panorama picture distorted the line of pictures - they are straight - I promise

This is the smallest guestroom.

And this was the solution along with the front coat closet.

the bottom row has a sewing machine and patterns and supplies in a tote

1st and 4th shelf has small totes of seasonal decor

2nd row is music - piano, flute, voice

3rd row is books - kids and study books

and room for guest clothes on the rod

The mailing boxes contain Bibles and stuffed animals that a missionary friend will send to the Philippines.

The open, clear tote is books to go.

Probably something more needed on the walls

and the tray table/bedside table will be painted/refinished (because I just have to paint!).

And it has its sheer panels - but still waiting on cell blinds.

Good Help is Hard to Find

Of course, I have been doing quite a bit of shopping in order to settle the home.

Windows need to be covered - especially in a subdivision.

We have cell blinds on order and have worked on curtains for the windows.

I often order online in order to take advantage of online deals.

And of course, shipping to the store is cheaper and faster (usually).

2 weeks ago, I ordered 8 white, sheer panels.

I arrived at the store last Friday and opened my package.

The package contained 6 of the curtains that I ordered 

and 2 that were white and sheer, but that had grommets rather than a rod pocket.

So - they returned the 2 incorrect curtains and reordered the 2 that I wanted.

Yesterday, I went to pick up my 2 panels.

I opened my package.

I had one white, sheer curtain with rod pocket

AND

a red t-shirt?!?!

So, I returned the red t-shirt and ordered one white, sheer curtain.

Will it arrive next week?

We'll see.

 

MIA - Missing In Action

 Still plugging along at settling a new home. 

Last Friday, I emptied the last cardboard box.

Now, I am just going through rubbermaid totes trying to pare down.

I have some things to send to Goodwill, some things to sell on Ebay, and some things have just gone directly to the garbage.

Yesterday, some of the landscaping arrived.

the home purchase provided one tree, eight bushes and some mulch

We trust that the sod is not far behind.

I think I counted 5 homes that got sod this week and about 10 that are still waiting.

In preparation, I have been working to remove weeds.

Knowing the tendency of man to save money and energy, we just doubt that the weeds would be cared for properly before the sod is laid.

I have gotten a bit "soft" and have blisters to prove it.

I only had a trowel to help loosen the dirt around weeds ...

until hubby brought me a crow bar - Thanks Hubby!

If sod is not laid today and the rain gives me a window to work,

the area should be free of major weeds by tomorrow and we will be in basic maintenance mode daily.

Just a piece in the side yard and the back yard left.

not the best pictures, but you can see weed-free vs. weed

And here is a picture for you.

Here is the front door (from inside).

Hubby applied the plastic design to the front window to add some privacy.