This past week I/we crossed several boundaries outside our home that felt good to us. One day we went to a clear and lovely river at the foot of the mountains about twelve miles from our home in Harrisonburg, Virginia.…
willowoak520
Remove the Curtains
This morning I decided to take down the curtains that, for many years, had partially covered our windows facing the back yard. I wonder why I didn't do it before . The house finches feeding their young with sunflower seed,…
Fellowship and Farewells
This past week was anything but "shelter in place," but not undertaken without care. Each day had its measure of joy. Tuesday, we did outdoor grilling with friends we had not seen since Thanksgiving. We sat at opposite ends of…
Rituals
Rituals are the glue that hold together our days and weeks. Most mornings before breakfast, my husband and I take a walk up the hill to Summit Avenue where we can see Massanutten Ridge rise just beyond the city. Sometimes…
Farm Girl
I spent a chunk of the morning in the hayloft of the rambling old barn of my childhood and youth. That barn was there when my grandpa moved from Pennsylvania to Virginia in 1943, so I don't know how old…
First Family Gathering
June 13--My sister had been planning since last year for a family reunion for this summer when her son's family from Poland was due for a long state-side visit. When COVID hit, we all wondered how and if that could…
The Song that Will Not be Silenced
The house wren rules the backyard and sings his presence no matter what else is happening. Several days ago, I was mowing around the garden while a guy on a backhoe was digging up earth in the neighbor's yard. Noise…
Of Birds and Benevolence
The house wren has returned and fills the back yard with her cheering song, reminding me again of my mother. She was always so pleased when a wren nested in the little bird house in our front yard. One summer…
Peace Amidst Upheaval
In the midst of word and street clashes, a scary virus, and hot weather, I found a word of peace yesterday. I went to the bank drive-through to withdraw cash and there was my favorite teller at the window. She…
Morning at South River Falls
My husband and I were halfway up the hill near our house this morning when we decided this would be the best day to hike up on the Skyline at one of our favorite places. We missed our usual late…
