New Gardener Needed

     Look closely and you will see that my front garden is very tired.  It really wants to be left alone to rest the fall and winter away.  But because my house is looking for a new owner (who happens to be "quite the gardener" I'm sure ), I feel obliged to keep it watered and trimmed awhile longer.  But in all honesty I am feeling tired too. 
 
     The "full speed ahead" momentum of getting the house ready to be shown, sending my oldest sons back to college, and my husband off to start his new job in North Carolina has slowed and I am out of steam.  Every week, no every day, of the past 2 months has been filled with an urgent project involving sending someone off somewhere to begin a new journey.

     I would be dishonest if I didn't say that I am disappointed that "everyone has been launched" and my journey has not yet begun.  I do believe that our move is part of the Lord's plan for our family and so waiting for the house to sell must also be part of His plan.  It will be sold in His timing.  So much to be thankful for in the mean time.  When  recently talking long distance with my husband,  I said the time apart has made me really appreciate the short weekends now and then that we do have together.   Absence does make the heart grow fonder.  I guess it is time to let my garden rest.  The gardener that is sure to buy our home will certainly understand.

Downhere "How Many Kings" Lyrics and music

Came across this song/video on another blog. Really hit home. Thanks Kathy

First Rain in Days

As a gardner I have been waiting all week for the prospect of rain. Rain started before dawn with rumble of thunder. Of course in reality rain complicates a multitude of things. Firstly this morning getting all the dogs out, in the shortest time possible, but wet floors, tail marks on walls inevitable. Then waking up the kids for school was not a pleasant chore. Who wants to get up on a morning like this? Mornings like this are meant for sleeping in.

By 6:30 am I was getting Osso Bucco (Paula Deen's recipe) in the Crockpot for a dear friend who I knew could use a little help today. At 8:00 she called to say that the meal would be much appreciated. Things have gone from bad to worse as she deals with her 23 year olds son's recently diagnosed epilepsy and her mother's cancer journey. So much on her plate it makes my heart ache. I feel gray just like the skies. Keep Lorinda in your prayers if you would.

Need to head to work for a few hours and then I am looking forward to catching up with all of you, my new blogging friends and inspiration. I know that if the sun is not shining by then your posts will chase the gray away.

Ruthann

September

School shoes

last of the tomatoes

early sunsets

mums

hints of brown and gold

number 2 pencils

early bedtimes

slow simmer cooking

high school football

dorm rooms

harvest moon

cider

apple picking

bonfires

s'mores

open windows

scarecrows



The Old Lady Who Lived in a Shoe

I can now laugh when I remember a comment made by a virtual stranger several years ago.  I was out in the yard with my 4 boys and I was very pregnant with my 5th child (a girl at last!).  Each child had at least a friend or two over to play.  In the yard barking, as usual, were my dogs.  A woman I had never met walked by and said that each time she passed our yard she was astounded by all the activity and she often thought of me as "The old lady who lived in a shoe who had so many children (and dogs) she didn't know what to do." She was very amused at her observation but became a little flustered when my mouth fell open.  She then tried to turn the comment into a compliment saying that everyone looked like they were having a great time.  She continued by saying she just thought our house looked sort of small for all the people and dogs who call it home.

Of course as soon as I told my dearest friends they were there to reassure me that, in the midst of all the chaos that constitutes my life, I am good mom, good person, etc. Over time I was able to see the humor, and frankly the accuracy of the comment. 

I am sure there is some psychological aspect that explains why I need to surround myself with chaos.  Better not go there!!  But the need for a house full of kids, dogs, and friends is critical for my well being.  I should add at this point,  that my husband is a good sport, and for the most part enjoys all the activity.  But he has recently told me,  in all sincerity, that I can continue to bring home as many dogs as I want, but if I bring home another one he is leaving.  (And for those of you who are immediately thinking of my husband now residing in North Carolina it is not because of the dog issue.  It really is just until our home in Ohio sells,)

In closing, some parenting advice, never say never to your children when it comes to pets. My love and desire for dogs, lots of dogs, stems from the fact that I grew up in with parents who would never consider a pet.  My husband grew up with dogs and I loved seeing the pictures of and hearing the stories about these furry friends of the family.  Soooo... the moment my husband and decided to marry I insisted we go puppy shopping. 

And we have all lived very happily if not chaotically,

The End 

Returning to the beginning

30 Years ago, 9 months after our wedding,  my husband and I moved to Asheville, NC from our hometown in Ohio.  With the birth of our first two children we longed for family so after 10 years in the mountains we headed back to Ohio.  It has always been a dream that at some point we would return to NC.  Well our dream is coming true...this time we are heading to the eastern coastal plains region and the small town of Rocky Mount.  I have learned with age, every dream that comes true, usually requires a leap of faith to follow the open door.  I am so excited about the possibilites for my husband - his association with a wonderful college, for me - beautiful setting, warmer temps, bluer skies, new friendships.  My leap of faith will be that my new home will continue to be a haven of love and security so much so that it reaches across the miles to all my children.  Praying that they will call it "home" and that they will return to be nurtured as often possible.