I Love Summer

Seven Sister Summer Solstice 2010

Where Have I Been?

There has been a lot going on since my last entry. The main thing is that Tracy asked me to marry him, and I of course said yes. The reactions have been anywhere from whoops of joy to what-took-him-so-long. It DID seem to take a long time, but it is good to hope and hope for something and finally have it happen in the best possible way. How often does that happen?
Guest Log

My friend Devra is always full of good ideas, but this one has become a centerpiece of Big Hill. She suggested it even before the walls were up. The first time anyone visits they sign a rock and write or draw something on it if they want, as a sort of guest log sign in. I have also added sea glass and shells to the mixture, which now serves as both memorabilia and art.Our “guest log” bowl is filling up with rocks, filled with about a hundred rocks. That’s a good start.
We switched Internet providers to Skybeam yesterday. They came out and installed the day after we called them! So far, so good. We can now stream videos, which we couldn’t with our last provider. I don’t do a lot of that, but it is an indication that their service is faster and stronger.
Also, the Windstream folks are half way up the hill with their phone line. Now they are getting to solid rock. I know their hearts probably sank when they first saw the task awaiting them. They are making good progress, though. Hopefully soon I will have a land line.
All in all it’s getting to be real gentrified-like ‘round here. Well, except for the spiders and bugs that have sprung up with the spring flowers. Good news is that has brought out lots of birds to partake in the feast. In fact, I just got bombarded by a hummingbird as I was sitting on the master deck writing this. And watched out usual buzzards soaring across the valley.
Tracy and I also just saw a high flying, swirling group of very streamlined birds, flying in circles, but generally headed north. There were about 30 of them, and we have no idea what type of birds they were. I could draw you a picture…And, oh the butterflies! I sat outside on a conference call today and saw probably a dozen different kinds of them, all taking advantage of the plethora of flowers. I read in the local paper that is should be a great year for wild hogs, too, whatever a “great year” for hogs means…..
So, if you’re not afraid of a little wild life, come on out and sit a spell on the back deck and let’s visit! While you’re here, please sign your name on a rock and add it to the artful bowl. Oh, and look out for wild hogs.
Rhythm

And of course that got me to thinking about all the ways the rhythm of life shows itself to us.
On Big Hill, Saturdays are for vacuuming and mopping and dusting. Wednesdays are trash pick up. Sundays are for church and relaxation.
I follow along on my iPhone app to catch the full moon rising every 29 and a third days.
And now, having lived here almost a year, I am seeing the rhythm of full circle of nature outside every window. I see the deer cross county road 2010 every morning, headed to the north side of the street, and then back again every evening. I wonder where they go?
The spring flowers are starting to be overcome with the growth of blue stem and Chinese tassel top grasses- and a hundred other growing things.
The days are getting longer and warmer. I know where and when the sun will hit in every window and how it changes as the seasons change.
I think I feel the seasonal changes more intensely here, with nature being so close and so big. But I also find joy in noticing the little things, like how cooking in my own kitchen has become so second nature or how Sweet Pea, my fluffy white cat, has finally done most of her spring shedding.
The rhythm of life is in steady beat around here. Endless entertainment for a consummate daydreamer.
Spring Has Sprung

We Are Better Together

I realize the opposite is also true- that we can be worse in groups. We can fudge on decisions, be persuaded to laziness, be pulled into dark places. But, when you care about the people around you, what a difference good company makes.
There. Feel That?
Right there. In the exuberant flight of the robins. In the chirp of the finch sitting atop the highest branch of a red oak. In the upward push of the masses of bluebonnets. In the softening of the horizon and the movement of the stars. Spring is coming. 100th Post from Big Hill!

January Slumber
