Homeward bound

Tonight is the last night of this visit with my tremedous and amazing, love-her-so-much friend, and her beautiful family, and this lovely state of Vermont.  There is not a single minute of this trip that I have not enjoyed. Her daughters have charmed me as they never cease to do. They are intelligent, well-mannered, curious, poised and at times absolutely silly giggle boxes. Her husband has entertained me in conversation, kindness and wit. We've cooked dinners and gone out for dinners, we've gone to a cocktail party hosted by my friend's parents who also have a house here, and we've gone to an arts festival in Stowe.

I've witnessed the change of green leaves to red and gold, and every single morning I have heard and seen flocks of geese fly overhead as I sat on her porch with my morning coffee. I've gone to sleep each night with my windows open and been lulled into slumber by the steady hum and chirp of all the bugs in the woods, and the occasional coyote calls.

We've had rainy days and nights and some very cold days and nights prompting some roaring fires in the fireplace, a couple grey days and some sunny days that were what postcards dream to be. We have tickled and danced and sung right out loud, picked wild flowers, gone to the Farmers Market and even managed a nice adults-only evening on the porch, with good wine and great conversation, beneath a dark blue blanket of  sky and a million and three stars.

Lastly, my friend and I have had several long and meaningful conversations and we have intentionally re-kindled some weakening flames within me. That will be the lasting gift of my time here. I leave here tomorrow with a full heart, a relaxed but challenged mind, and a couple goals that I look forward to pursuing and achieving. 

A couple of photos from the weekend:

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Autumn corn, almost ready for harvest.



Two trees that were green when I arrived.


My little friend has picked a bunch of wildflowers just for me.







Bridge and bike path in Stowe.



As I write this post, I am sitting in what has become my usual spot on the back porch.  When I turn my  head to the right, this is my view.

So, yeah, I'm heading home tomorrow.  And I can't wait to see this girl!



And I admit it, this little devil too...