As a “matured” hyperactive kid, I’ve created cyclones wherever I go. My custom is to accomplish filing by piling. Normal adults find this habit most unsettling because it’s never particularly neat, but it is moderately clean, and I pretty much know where everything is. My mom seemed to have a lot of the same genes, but it turned her into a compulsive neatnick easily rivaling MStewart in frenetic desperation to control all around her, tendencies I seem to have been trying to escape my whole life, with mixed results. I’d rather spend quality smooch and appreciation time w/ family instead of having a spotless living room 24/7.

But now we just MUST clear out as much as possible, so potential buyers of this extremely pleasant, modest home will look as enticing as possible to every person who walks through the door. sigh. And yet, although the house is attractive, solid, bright and cheery with gobs of windows (fauncy Anderson doublepanes by gum), our main interests have always been outside.

The deliberately semi-wild fruiting and nectaring garden edges are abuzz with butterflies in summer, and birds year-round. Right now springtime prompts same to provide a symphony hard to match in beauty of sounds and sights, as many of the wild ones are quite tame and come right up to the windows., follow us as we mow and garden, and answer our inept imitations of their calls.

We host (including nesting) the biggest and speediest hawks and owls, as well as myriads of warblers, orioles, grosbeaks, and the cocky little chickadees, titmice and nuthatches. Shortly the hummingbirds will arrive. and hover glaring at me through the kitchen window until their favorite feeders are filled and operational.

How does one sell such a property, given the slick-sales pitch routines of pro realtors frantic for quick turnover? We’re letting the pro do her thing, but also spreading word among nature enthusiasts and others in the area. No matter who gets it, a conservation easement protects the 6 acres of woods behind the house from being split and crammed with condos and the like.

Yes. We’re ready to move. We’re moving TO a wonderful place, not just leaving one, but with a considerable downsizing component built in. The little cottage we’re headed for is right next to a lovely natural pond already hosting busy nesting tree swallows just outside our new porch, and much more. A major-league private college is just down the road within walking distance, offering free auditing of courses, music recitals etc. I hope to start practicing again. Giving up my fiddle was one of my things that proved necessary as I cared for my mom. It’s time to turn back the clock a little and see if I can still find my way around the instrument.

Please stay in touch. ;->

Hey! Neatly stacked boxes are displacing the clutter, which is slowly but surely disappearing. I can see the floor and the tabletops, AND the bottom of the huge chest freezer!

Our warblers are returning, and the eagles are feeding babies just southwest of us. The bird symphony in our yard and woods is a glory to behold.

It is a good day today. One step at a time. Look back and savor some memories. Work for the future. ;->

Thanks for trying.

Good Friend. ;->