Hi Everyone,
Today I went for a walk with Suzy and Sally, my 2 beloved “puppies.” Thirteen years each, but you’d never know it. They love to chase balls and rabbits, sticks and squirrels. It takes so little to keep them amused. I’m always happy when I’m playing or just hanging out with them. Here we are, all 3 of us, albeit a tad younger…
There’s a small hill on my walk home from the park. When I get to the top I can start to see the rooftop of my home. Which got me to remember what was going on in my mind when I was thinking about purchasing Willis Graves so many years ago: it reminded me of my childhood home. And the log cabin – well that was just cool. The property was exactly the right size to craft a small, peaceful oasis. Close to where I raised my 2 sons with Cincinnati close by if I want to go try a new restaurant or see a show. My little slice of heaven. “Yes,” I thought, “this would be a good place to call home.”
What I didn’t know (or fully appreciate) at the time was what else I was buying. A small, quaint, historic town called Burlington. A few independent restaurants that I walk to. A place where kids still ride their bikes, dogs cross into neighbors yards, we still rake leaves and get permission to burn. The 4H club meets next door at the Boone County Fairgrounds. The annual County Fair is every August and the Antique Show is monthly from April to October. That’s just a taste of what borders my property. Sounds like a Norman Rockwell painting, right? Like I said, my little slice of heaven.
Back home the sun is still shining. I grab a seat on the back porch. Normally filled with lively guests and friendly chatter, but today is different. It’s quiet. Reflective. I can smell spring in the air. Birds are chirping happily as they build nests for their new babies. Rabbits are out too, in force. Trees buds are popping, daffodils are about to burst. Spring is truly amazing: a time of rejuvenation and rebirth… for all of us.
I’ve been cooking, and more than just breakfast and cookies. Scouring my pantry, I just cooked some dried cannellini beans in my slow cooker with garlic and fresh thyme. They’ll make a nice meal with some homemade cornbread. Remember our famous cornbread from your last visit to Willis Graves? Here’s my recipe if you’d like to make some at home. What are your family’s comfort foods? If you’d like to share a recipe with me or would like me to send you a recipe from something I cooked for you, I’d love to hear from you.
We have the 2 wonderful attractions nearby: The Ark and The Creation Museum. They bring in folks from all over the country and around the world. Also nearby – Rabbit Hash – ever heard of it? A teeny tiny town with the oldest General Store in KY. Grab a pop or a beer and go sit by the river. I can almost picture Tom Sawyer walking by! It’s a perfect diversion, especially now.
Well, I’ve got garden beds to clean up and pots to be filled, followed by a luxurious soak in the tub! There’s so much I have received in my life since moving here. It brings me so much joy to have time to take it all in right now. I’ve reached out to many old friends this week, just to see how they were and to hear their voices. I’m caught up on their kids, grandkids, parents and so on. I’m grateful I have some quiet time to make those long-overdue calls.
Next, after years of procrastinating, perhaps I should organize those old photos stashed in my basement. Or, on second thought, maybe a romance novel?
I pray you and your loved ones are healthy and safe.
See you soon,
Jennifer
