It's the corners of home............

.............that are special. The little nooks and crannies one often misses when far from home. I'm whizzing about getting ready to leave, but I find it so hard to shut that door behind me!

By the time I get back, the hearth will be set for Winter fires.  New logs will have been delivered and stacked. Bob's 'Winter fireside chair' will be down from the guest room, ready for toe warming evenings, perhaps a roasted chestnut or two. The Summer rosé wine will be a memory, instead glasses of deep ruby will be clinked in the firelight.

I do love to travel and see new places, but I'm also a real homebody who has a hard time leaving my familiar domicile to venture off into remote corners of the world. I'm not really that brave. That probably all sounds ridiculous but, until I'm strapped in that seat on the first lap of a journey, when all the goodbyes have been said, the bags hopefully stowed in the belly of that big bird, and the wheels go up, I'm still wishing I could stay home! 

I'll miss sitting here, reading your blogs and sharing something important, trivial, or downright silly with you each morning as I sip that first eye-opening cup of coffee.  Will miss looking out at the front porch where the daily wren comes to chirp, and on toward the feeder swaying in an early Fall breeze as the woodpecker, chickadees, and cardinals come for breakfast.

Projects are waiting. I purchased these old starched collars some time ago thinking I'd create something artistic for the wall. The oil painting doesn't fit there behind my Grandmother's lovely vase, when I get back I'll hang it somewhere more appropriate.  

Creative juices have not been flowing lately. Hunting for antique and vintage treasures has been pushed to the back burner, where the longing to visit thrift shops and such simmers in silence.  

Talk about simmering..............not much cooking has been going on here either.  Quick meals with some homemade soups now and then.  A lovely dinner at our neighbors' home to wish me bon voyage (and celebrate my birthday early!), and a run to the local Panera Bread, quick and tasty. 

Yes, to travel to remote places is different. The planning takes much more time, the coordinating is time consuming.  You need an adventurous best friend who has done it before, and, when she already has great friends waiting on the other side of the world to welcome you and take you sightseeing, it's even better. I am truly blessed and thankful.