It has been almost one year in my new home. So different from the Double Barrel Ranch. But I still carry the same heart with me. I am "out in the country." Instead of cactus, I am surrounded by the Eastern Deciduous Forest. Instead of Roadrunners, there are Canada Geese. Instead of sandstorms, there are snowstorms. Instead of dry sand washes, there are ponds, lakes, creeks. Instead of scorpions, there are mosquitoes!
There are very long summer days. Sunset close to 9 PM. Short winter days, sunset at 4:30 pm.
Unbelievably, for a person long in years, I love my stairs. Going up to the bedrooms, down to the basement. Up, down, all day long. I need better handrails, but other than that it has been fine.
And family. My family has increased with the new babies, and marriages, and sadly decreased with the calling home of a few members. But I am close by. Not sitting 2300 miles (3700 km) away in lonely mourning.
Most prices are much higher here. I knew this beforehand though. No surprise. We are all in this together moaning about costs, and the government, but that happens everywhere.
My huge maple tree is about to send its children out into the world after a year of preparation. Life goes on. And I am here now to live it. I am content.
