Catching Up

     Well, I had planned to post more about the great beach trip, but I think the time has passed. I will say it was the most relaxed vacation I have ever had, God gave us great weather, and both Liz and I had so much fun at the beach and on several explorations. We also passed a memorable evening with a couple who have been like aunt and uncle to me, touring Charleston and eating dinner at a delicious restaurant. We also managed to finish the audio cd series of both Anne of Green Gables and Anne of Avonlea during the many hours we clocked driving. Ha!
     Recently, all of Harvest was invited to attend the 50th wedding anniversary celebration of a couple in our church. It was such a sweet time! Believe me, we celebrated. After all, it's not every day a couple attains 50 years of marriage. When they do, it's cause to gussy yourself up, bring out the confetti, and break out the dancing shoes. What an honor to share it with them!
     Here at the (almost) ranch, we've been unpacking boxes (my room is actually and finally clean and unpacked although there are more boxes calling my name in the garage [eek!]), painting, cleaning, and generally trying to settle in. God has given us a beautiful and peaceful new place to live. It's quiet and nestled in the country, hidden away in the woods. I have dreamed of living in a place like this that feels expansive and where there is land to call our own. I am taken with the country feel and attitude surrounding us.
     We had a whole passel of friends from Lee and from church spending time with us this weekend, and it was good. Whether trying to navigate through the Echo Valley corn mazes, losing and then regaining an earring, petting animals, creeping through hay tunnels, flying down 60 foot slides, or trekking to find a river trailed by three neighborhood dogs, wading in almost crystal clear water and trying (unsuccesfully for most-including me!) to skip stones, and sitting around a firepit singing our hearts out (after and while antivirus protection was added by a computer-savvy friend), I enjoyed it all!