Thankful

Not a day goes by that I'm not grateful for my opportunity to stay home with Ellie.  I desperately wish I had been able to with Hannah and Lily, but things just couldn't be worked out.

As I was driving to and from CW this morning, I kept marveling at how wonderful my life is (I know, I know a complete turn around from Sunday's "I QUIT" post, but true nonetheless--minus the never ending housework...).  I have a chance to be with my girls in the morning and get Lil on her way with a nice breakfast and without a whole lot of hustle (although, where Lil is concerned, there's always some sort of hustling and bustling going on).

I want to work on improving my health?  All I have to do is head over to CW to walk/run and meet up with Christy (although we only meet MWF, TTh are just Beanie and me and my time to snap photos) or walk around the nature trail.  I have the time to do that without getting out of bed at 5 in the morning.  Heck, I sleep later now than I ever did while teaching.  I lie in bed until 7 most mornings and marvel at the luxury at being able to do so.

I live in a gorgeous state.  Virginia is stunningly beautiful no matter where you happen to be--the coast, the mountains, the piedmont.  I get to see scenes such as this every day.

Can you imagine?  (Jaydee, I snapped these foxglove especially for you!)

Typically I take it for granted.  I mean, I see it, I know it's lovley, but accept it as part of where I live.  But, today, I was struck by how very lucky I am to live here.  I don't feel that way very often during the summer months, lol, but I'm working on it.  I still maintain those first Brits to arrive here must have thought they had died and gone to hell when that first summer arrived.  UGH!! Wool uniforms and clothing and the stifling heat and humidity of Tidewater Virginia after the cool of England?  No thank you.  :oP

I think my feelings of gratitude stem from simply feeling so much better.  Thank goodness.  The nasty mood has lifted, the yo is back fully up and I'm feeling good.  It's spring so everything is green and beautiful and the true misery of summer has yet to hit. 

The sheep are generally quiet, but today couldn't stop baaing.  They were very upset about something but I'm not sure what.

Today I noticed we're starting to be recognized by some of the interpreters and grounds workers.  I feel rather like "Cheers"--sometimes I want to be where everybody knows my name (or, if not my name, than my face).  I love living in small towns!

There's something fun about cruising the streets of CW and smiling and waving and saying "good morning" to the tourists and interpreters alike.  I chuckle when I hear a wistful childish voice say, "I wish I could live here."  I have to say, it is pretty special--if you remember to take advantage of it. :oP

Lily is just about the right age to bring her to CW to visit the buildings and take the tours.  It's lovely to be able to get a Good Neighbor's pass and not have to worry about taking in everything in a day or two, and instead make multiple visits. 

There's nothing worse than a melting down child who has had enough and the parents desperate to get their money's worth. :oS  I'm trying to decide where to start first with Lil.  Do we do the blacksmith or the cabinet makers?  Or, would she like the cobbler or the wig/peruke maker?  So many things to see and learn. My little sponge will LOVE it over there. 

House of Burgesses at the end of DoG Street.  Not a bad view. :o)

Alas, my little Bean isn't quite there yet.  She would be one of the screaming monster children and I have no desire to inflict her on anyone and ruin their vacations.  So, maybe Lil and I will just have to have "dates" or maybe she could go with Daddy.  Either way, she's more than ready and I'm happy for her to be able to experience the joy and fun that is CW. :o)

Ellie and I took a couple of side roads this morning.  We have a "usual" route and I veered from it this morning to see what else we could see.  I found this.

And this.

And this.  Well, this is right off DoG Street, but I haven't ventured back there.  Today I decided to.

I'm so glad I did because I found this!

These gardens are so stunning.  Look, they have the same columbine I have!

Such a gorgeous yard!  I can't have foxglove because I believe it is toxic to humans and given Miss Beanie's propensity to put everything in her mouth...yeah, a really bad scene.  So, instead, I'll just enjoy them here.  They're much prettier there anyhow with all the white picket fences.  :o)

We took a final detour home and found this.  I swear, there's just so much to see and explore!

How lucky am I to not only have a chance to exercise at a reasonable hour, but to do so with a friend in such beautiful surroundings?  Yes, I've done a number of CW posts of late, but I really was struck today by how blessed I am to be able to be there EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.  That that could be my reality would never have occurred to me when I was twelve and falling in love with the place.  I think we sometimes get so wrapped up in the act of daily living we fail to truly appreciate the place we live.  So tell me, where do you live and what are some awesome things to do around your parts that you don't do nearly often enough? 

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Sparklies:

1. Lil and I played with the iPhone camera the other evening at bedtime:

She laughed and laughed and laughed.  I love how kids just naturally adore a camera and will ham it up.  When do we lose that freedom in front of the lens?  About the time we realize sand in our bathing suits sucks?

2.  Bad and Badder:

I'm not sure what they were looking at, but they were pretty intent. :o)

3.  It's cooler today.  I'm thrilled!  It was supposed to be close to 90 and I think it's only about 75.  This is awesome as it means my bedroom won't be 92 degrees when B gets home...
4.  Pink chicken for dinner.  We've not had chicken tikka masala in forever!
5.  Catching up on all the chores that needed to be done and getting things put in order once more--also a mood elevator for me. I swear, I have no idea why things are suddenly looking so much rosier, but I'm grateful for it.

No milestones.  However, as I was cruising CW today, thinking of taking Lil, I was sad I never brought Hannah for she would have LOVED it.  I'll always have these little regrets.  :sigh: