This morning I pause to stare out my window at the base of the willow oak where scarlet impatiens glow bright beside the white-flowering hostas. In the background, dozens of sunflowers tower over tall corn, pole beans, tomatoes, peppers, squash,…
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Chanterelle Sunday
Yesterday morning was as soggy as it could get with over an inch of rain dropped through the night. But the temperature was a lovely cool 60 degrees. Having watched our Sunday worship service on youtube the night before, we…
Life and Loss
I love sitting at my window and staring at the ivy-covered trunk and leaf-covered curvaceous branches of the willow oak. Beyond the tree, I notice how tall the corn has grown in the back corner of the garden, promising a…
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,…
Up Against
Several incidents this week reminded me that this is not a normal time. My husband was asked to replace a breaker for a dryer that was not working properly in a friend's home. However, when he called the Square D…
Family Circles and Photos
Instead of a large family gathering by a northern Minnesota lake, here we are in small town St. Peter, enjoying smaller gatherings. Since we arrived over a week ago from Virginia, we have gathered most days in groups as small…
Crossing Rivers
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.…
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…