Day 365 + 13: Welcome familiarity at 'Pilgrim's Rest'

“This hill though high I covent ascend;

The difficulty will not me offend;

For I perceive the way of life lies here.

Come, pluck up, heart; let's neither faint nor fear. ” 

― John Bunyan, The Pilgrim's Progress

Project 365: #365 + 13

When we delivered Caitlin to college, we were hosted graciously at 'Pilgrim's Rest' by Mike's very kind cousins, Sandy and John, in their beautiful home! We had been stressed about sending her to the other side of the US, but found familiar comfort here, and somehow felt that everything is going to be okay. There was so much familiarity to what we knew from SA, starting with their beautiful garden! They too have been through similar changes as us, in the decision to make a new life for themselves with all that it takes. Their wisdom gave us hope in the faith that things will work out, and we will overcome the difficult barriers without fear! Pilgrim's Rest is also close to my heart, as it is where my mother was christened. It is amazing how things work out!

Day 365 + 12: Forever sisters

"A sister is both your mirror - and your opposite" - Elizabeth Fishel

Project 365: #365 + 12


Nothing can be truer for these two than being a mirror of each other and yet complete opposites! We tried (mostly in vain) to get some nice pictures of them before Caitlin went off to college. It was almost impossible as they will not pose next to each other...but we did manage to sneak in one or two pics! Yay! Despite them being so different, they are so alike in many ways. I did know that we would miss Caitlin terribly, but Nicole has taken on some of her mannerisms, so it doesn't seem quite so bad! I do hope that they value each other as they get older, and realize that they will be forever friends and have a bond that no-one can break.

Day 365 + 11: Yellow leaves

"There is a time in the last few days of summer when the ripeness of autumn fills the air." - Rudolfo Anaya

Project 365: # 365 + 11

The yellow leaves are a'fallin by the dozen. I am still absolutely amazed by the seasons, and their perfect timing...almost to the day! The leaf litter is accumulating, and the bright colors are beginning. There is a delicious crispness in the early morning air, thick with the expectation of a new season. Autumn provides renewed energy, and the anticipation of the excitement and beauty that is yet to come.

Day 365 + 10: Fresh harvest

"Always do your best. What you plant now, you will harvest later." - Og Mandino

Project 365: # 365 + 10

The harvest from my veggie garden this week...beans, tomatoes, peppers, lettuce...so exciting....even Riley is excited about it. He is employed (in food and walks) to keep the rabbits at bay, otherwise the tomato on the bottom is what happens...they take a nice bite out of whatever is in reach! This has been such an exciting project...with more to follow. I am not sure what source our organic soil is...but we even have butternuts growing in the tree! It has provided such a sense of accomplishment, while teaching patience and self-control! I would recommend a veggie garden to anyone, providing you have enough water, as they can be thirsty!

Day 365 + 9: Hiking in India Brook Park

"Hiking is something that I really, really like to do. It's distracting, you're in nature, and you get a nice workout that way. I would tell everyone to hike as much as they can - you just feel so much better when you get outdoors. I'm also into yoga". - Odette Annable

Project 365: #365 + 9

Since we are down to just three in the house, and Nic was in bed with a cold for the weekend, Mike and I have found that we have a little more time on the weekends, so have decided to get back to exploring our area. We have been for some lovely hikes to Buttermilk Falls, only staying on the paths, mind you, to avoid being mistaken for a deer by hunters. The weather is a little cooler, with tons of leaf litter on the ground, and a more delicate sunshine than a few weeks ago. There is so much beauty around us if we just stop to look and notice, listen and hear! It also clears the mind of cobwebs and tangled thoughts...creating new perspective and a fresh outlook.

Day 365 + 8: Puppy reunion

"There is not psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face." - Bernard Williams

Project 365: #365 + 8

An email arrived from the puppy rescue center at the beginning of the week requesting contact information, as the other owners of Riley's littermates had reached out for a reunion...and by Saturday we had our first reunion! It was such fun, and hopefully we will soon have all five pups together. They all look so different, but have so many of the same personality traits and characteristics. They are all full of energy and loads of fun! It was such an entertaining couple of hours. The photo creds are to the owner of Ronan (the bigger pup), since my photos are all blurry with their excitement! So, here are Ronan, Riley, and Ellie. Ellie's owners were the gracious hosts, and have done a DNA test...will keep you guessing till the others know! There is truly no better therapist than a puppy, and they are far cheaper too!!! (At least, that is what I keep reminding Mike!)

Day 365 + 7: Grand Canyon from 36,000 ft!

"The wonders of the Grand Canyon cannot be adequately represented in symbols of speech, nor by speech itself. The resources of the graphic art are taxed beyond their powers in attempting to portray its features. Language and illustration combined must fail." - John Wesley Powell

Project 365: #365 + 7

I have an extensive bucket list of things that I would like to see and do. I feel these goals are important to keep you moving in a forward direction. Theoretically, I have now seen the Grand Canyon....from 36,000 ft! I was blessed with a window seat on the way to California, and saw the most amazing landscapes from a different perspective...from dense forest, to mountains, including a glimpse of the Rockies, to desert, to beautiful river valleys! The beauty and enormity of the Grand Canyon cannot be explained...but I do know that it is not just on my list to maybe do, but something I have to do. I feel that it is one of the places in the world where we can feel the great work of our Creator, and know that nothing was created by mistake, and each has a purpose to fulfil. The stark beauty created over eons of time fills your soul with awe! I wonder if the pilots flying these routes daily appreciate the sights they see, or if it is just routine? I hope that I always find beauty in everyday things, even when they are routine!

Day 365 + 6: A new chapter begins

"The true purpose of education is to teach a man to carry himself triumphant to the sunset" - Liberty Hyde Bailey

Project 365: #365 + 6

After a long summer hiatus, I thought it good to start up again. This is the best way for me to stay positive and appreciate all that is around me, and share our daily experiences with family and loved ones far away. We had a good summer, but not in the sense of 'So, how was your summer? Awesome thanks, we went on a cruise, then spent some time at our house in the Hamptons' kind of summer. We were at home most of the time, the girls both worked pretty much full time, and life was mostly much of a muchness. Nicole went to marching-band camp at East Stroudsburg University in Pennsylvania, and Caitlin and Mike had a trip to San Diego for Caitlin to do some placement tests. BUT, it was an important time for regrouping and discovering who we are all are and why we are here. So, actually summer was AWESOME! We had fun at home, gardening, swimming, hanging out. We even discovered Riley loves to lounge on the lilo in the pool! Summer also marked the end of one chapter, and the beginning of another. So, as the sun set at Black's Beach in San Diego, it marked the end of life as we have known it for the past twelve years, and the beginning of new adventures with Caitlin at college. I know that her education to this point has provided a solid foundation to base her tertiary education on, and carry herself forward triumphantly. It is amazing how things work out, and I will continue to have faith that we are on the right path. San Diego is such a perfect fit, with a comfortable familiarity to everything that we know, from the sights and sounds, even to the smell of the ocean and the enjoyment of a perfect sunset!