Walking path

Enter with me on the trail.  It is here that the cool shade and sounds of nature envelope.  The paths sights change from day to day.  Depending on weather there are mushrooms of differing varieties.  The catnip bows down with the morning dew.  Feathers litter the trail as the flocks of differing birds leave bits of them behind.  To date we've seen crows, swallows, robins, cardinals, meadowlark, and possibly an oriole. 

Now hidden in the woods is the top bar bee hive that Phil built prior to our move.  The bees are doing great and building comb like mad.  Unfortunately for us they are doing the building crooked which doesn't allow us to harvest any honey.

 

Rounding the bend we were delighted to discover mulberry trees.  The mild summer has extended the berry season, and the kids love going out to pick them for snack time.

Making my way through the clearing I am met with wonderful sights each morning.  It's like God smiling down on me as I soak in His creation and chat with Him.

Phil has created other paths for the kids in the woods.  It also allows easier access to the hive.  He did such a great job as it blends in as if it has always been there.  The kids love riding their bikes through the woods and frequently escape to some new fantasy playscape.

I haven't been outside (and enjoying it) this much since I was a child.  I have noticed that I feel more peaceful and grounded since immersing myself in nature and not just seeing it through my window.  I'm looking forward to my walks as the seasons pass to watch the land as it continues to change.

No doorbells in the country

I know, three months of internet silence seems rather crazy, does it not?  We are moved and settled into our charming country home.  For those of you who might not be abreast to our families adventures, let me fill you in.  We did not build on the plot of land near wood river.  Instead we bought a little acreage right on the edge of grand island.  It has marvelous shade trees, a tiny 'forest' complete with a walking path, a chicken coop and a 10x30 storage shed.

 We are head over heels with this place and are still discovering new things each day.  I am constantly in awe each morning when I meet up with God on the path--the birds tittering en masse, the glorious sunrises, cool breezes, and hazy mists--and I cannot believe that He gave us everything we had desired in location, home, and land layout.

Our little farm is gaining momentum.  The chickens are growing, the garden is starting to give us bites to add to our plates, the orchard is started, and we harvested our first honey already.  I know that we are working hard on the land, and the kids have started school up again (much to their dismay), however it doesn't feel hard.  In spite of the work, we find that life is very idyllic and easy going.  I love not feeling harried, so when I discovered that there wasn't a doorbell on our home I found it very fitting.  This is the place where it's easy to just have someone knock on the door and come and stay awhile.  That is assuming you venture past the front porch.  The peace that is over this place just soothes the soul.  My introverted nature is assuaged here, and I am grateful for friends who keep contacting me as time is fluid and the days meld into weeks faster than I realize.

Consider this your invitation to come and rejuvenate your soul alongside mine.  Just come on over, knock on my door, and stay awhile.  You'll quickly see why we love it here so much.