Book Club - Orphan Train

. . . I believe in ghosts. They're the ones who haunt us, the ones who have left us behind . . . 

Book club was at my home this week. A gathering of women in my new community. I feel honored to have been welcomed, accepted by this group of women. A diverse group, yet each is strong, intelligent, warm, funny, introspective, and welcoming. Each in her own, individual way.

. . . they console and protect me in death as they never did in life . . .  

The book we discussed was Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline. A book I would encourage anyone who enjoys reading to pick up as soon as possible.

. . . I've come to think that's what heaven is 

- a place in the memory 

of others where our best selves live on . . . 

The discussion was amazing. We talked about family history, mysteries of the past, what it feels like to be adopted. It was the liveliest discussion the group has had since I've been a part of it. 

. . . The ghosts whispered to me, 

telling me to go on . . . 

There were eight women in the group this time. It was a cozy group in the family room on a late summer evening. The door was ajar until the light was gone and a chill came inside, trying to join us. 

I wanted the food to be simple, a bit rustic. I made tomato and goat cheese tarts (my sister Lori's suggestion) by Ina Garten, cut vegetables with a dill dip, along with some nuts and a mix of milk and dark chocolate. I was pleased that as friends were walking up the back path along the meadow, I heard from the open kitchen window, "It certainly smells good!" 

via Pintrest

Because it was my first time to host the group, I decided to make each of them a book mark. A quick collage, printed various quotes on the back, cut into strips, and laminated. Friends were invited to pick one. I'd done the same for Lori's book club in Scottsdale years ago. 

It feels good to be a part of this community. In so many ways. Having the book group here at home is just one more step in feeling like I really belong here. My heart swells with gratitude.

Hummingbird Adventure

The hummingbird in flight is a water-spark, an incandescent drip of American fire. 

~ Pablo Neruda

This summer I've been feeding the hummingbirds from a feeder hung by the kitchen window. There has been so much life happening in the meadow out out back door! I mix up a batch of sugar water and T keeps the feeder full. 

We laugh at the birds because sometimes they actually seem to be looking in the window at us. Especially when their feeder might be getting low. We watch the birds from early morning until dusk. Sometimes, when I've been sitting still on the deck, either reading or meditating, a hummingbird will whiz right by me to feed upon one of my potted flowers. Once, as I slowly opened my eyes to see it, it was as if the hummingbird said to itself, "Oh no! A human!" It looked at me directly in the eye, about six inches away before flying off to safety in a nearby tree. 

via Pintrest

via Pintrest

It doesn't seem as though the hummingbirds share very well. In fact, they could take a lesson or two from my three year old nursery school class. As one is attempting to feed, we will see another hummingbird quickly approach in an attack fashion, dive bombing the other bird away from "his" feeder. It is difficult to tell one from another, so I don't know if it is always the same winner. The feeders to seem to vary in sex and size, so perhaps the winner changes from time to time. 

via Pintrest

Last week we saw a hummingbird sitting on the vine that has woven its way into a chair on the deck. As it sat on the vine, it didn't even weigh enough to bend the vine in the slightest. 

This afternoon I was walking through the family room when I noticed Bitty intently watching something on the deck. I went over to see what she saw. Two hummingbirds, right outside the glass door! They were both still as can be, with their wings spread out in an arched fashion. I was concerned, so quietly opened the door to check on them. Immediately one flew away. But the other continued to sit quietly. I went right up to it, knelt in front of it, and talked to it. It didn't seem to be afraid of me. I even stroked it gently. Its little eyes would close and open. Dozing?

Of course, I didn't know what to do. I remembered other birds that have been hurt on my doorstep. I didn't want this little one to expire and need to be buried instead of flying south in a few weeks. Nor did I want to think about nursing it back to health in a cage in the house and miss the flight. It was apparent to me that the bird that flew away as I went outside the door was as concerned as I about this little one.

Delight! As I sat there watching it from inside the house wondering what to do, I noticed that it became more alert. It started to look around, moving its neck and head for a good look. Obviously more aware. All of a sudden it flew off! Just as if nothing had happened at all! 

What an odd place for a nap. Or perhaps it had flown into the window during a skirmish with his friend. Regardless, I will miss watching them as the weather turns colder and they leave northern Indiana. Thankful for their eventual return to the feeder outside the kitchen window.

Labor Day

The simple things are also the most extraordinary things, and only the wise can see them.

There is a cloudy sky this morning. Humid, with a brisk wind. Behind the wind there is a layer of coolness. Fall certainly seems to be blowing in. Seems most of the summer has blown by as quickly as the wind moves the leaves this morning. With the wind will come in a new season. Wonderful things lie in wait for us.

The meadow was cut earlier this month. It went from glorious brown grasses that flowed with the wind, to an awful look, now refreshed with the summer rains and lush green. 

Frogs and Fishes are happily swimming in the pond. Remarkable that these small creatures can bring so much pleasure. Who would have ever thought that frogs have such distinct personalities? While I was away T saw the frog using a fallen leaf as a paddle boat. The frog held onto the leaf and pushed across the pond with his back feet. Everyone needs to have fun! 

The View across the back yard at 10:00 AM this month:

August 11

August 15

August 25

This is a traditional holiday. Not so in university life. T is at work today (his birthday). I am preparing for my new position as nursery school director/teacher to start tomorrow. Yet, even in the busyness of all this, I can take a moment to reflect on the simple beauty that is at the core of our life here on the edge of the meadow. Looking forward to all that will come in this new month and new season.

What a Difference a Year Makes

"Love is the moment every other moment stops for."

Last year about this time, T was making his first visit to me in Fishers. I was thrilled, excited, barely nervous. That in itself was a huge signal to me that it was so completely right. Amazing. He had planned the trip after we spent four hours talking on the phone on a Friday night. Our first conversation in about ten years. Our first personal conversation ever. The next morning I had an email with his proposed "crazy idea" for a trip. The morning of the visit I was up early, getting everything ready in my home. A sacred space not many had visited. My sacred space alone, after Derrick was grown up and away. I was dumbfounded when he phoned to find out that not only had his flight arrived early, he had already gotten the rental car and was just moments away from me. (Who ever gets in that early?!) 

We spent the day together after sharing our hearts and souls via email for several weeks. We knew each other after working together many years ago. That was the basis of our friendship. After delving deeper through our email exchanges, we knew each other even better. Spending a day together in person was absolutely glorious. So right. So longed for. 

A rather simple day, really. We had lunch at one of my favorite restaurants. Even our food and drink choices were similar. Right down to ordering Guinness on tap! We took the train to see the Indiana State Fair. Spent the time there wandering through the animal barns, art exhibits, and watching the Blood Sweat and Tears concert. Simply being together. That was best for both of us. 

Wedding Announcement

Fast forward through the year. Continuing our long distance relationship, introducing the idea of that to our respective families. Making our way through his return to northern Indiana. Announcing our relationship to long time friends, much to their surprise. Deciding we would marry when our children were home for Christmas. My departure from teaching. Moving in to our new homes during the worst winter anyone remembers. Combining friendships in our communities; town, lake, faith. Through a few bumps in the road as we've navigated some family issues. 

As we celebrated the anniversary of our first official date this past week, it is nothing short of miraculous to see how far we've come. How strong we are together through some of the challenges we've faced. Together. No one but us knew the date of the anniversary. It was a special day also. We stood in front of the church congregation and jointly asked to be welcomed officially into that spiritual community. Baptized in the water of a lake special to both of us, even if for different reasons. Watching the swans float by as we listened to the sermon. Sharing a picnic lunch with friends.

The day is a secret anniversary of our joint heart. What a wonder to consider what lies in wait for upcoming years.

via Pintrest

Baby Shower at the Lake

There is a new baby coming to the friends at Adams Lake! "Baby Girl" is our name for her. Her parents have sworn secrecy on her name. Only a couple of hints: it is the name of a saint and it can be shortened. The say no one has even guessed the name yet! 

In true lake friends style, we had a shower for Kim right on the water. We tied two pontoons together, keeping one for food and the other for our gathering. We gathered for a Sunday morning brunch, before the day would get too hot. The men decided to go to the pub for brunch while the ladies enjoyed finger foods and chit chat about babies. Can't think of a better way to start a day! 

Most of us have grown children, so it is exciting to have one of the group with a new born on the way. She'll have lots of "aunties" to help hold and watch her grow. Some of us have grandchildren, some of us aren't even close to that yet. We all know how wonderfully precious a new born is. How fleeting time is with growing children. 

Ready and Waiting Aunties

I knit a little sweater for Baby Girl to wear this first winter season of her life. We all chipped in for baby gear they can keep at the Lake for her so they won't have to transport as much stuff when they come for a weekend. Water fun in the next summer season with floaties, small life jackets, water shoes. That is one of the best gifts babies give us, looking forward to joys yet to be lived. 

Years ago I knew T only as a colleague on campus. Once in awhile someone (a work mate, an alumni) would come into the office with an infant. There is no way T can ever resist holding a baby. He would hold the baby, snuggled close, and always remark, "Fresh from God!" In all the in between years, I would often think of that when I'd meet a new baby. When Baby Girl arrives, we'll be able to hold her together and say it together. Another gift from Baby Girl!

Hero for Hobo

I think I deserve a medal! This morning started out routine enough. Turn on the coffee pot, feed the kitties, pull out a pan to start oatmeal for breakfast. As I put the pot on the stove and turned to get the oatmeal out of the cupboard, I glanced outside. The first thing I saw was the kitty that hunts in the meadow in the back. We've named him Hobo. He was sitting at the edge of the meadow, waiting for his breakfast to stir. He is incredibly patient in that regard. But then, I saw a flash out of the ordinary. A coyote was ambling through the mowed section of the meadow! The coyote was coming around the side of the brush pile, where Hobo was hunting on the other side! 

It all happened so quickly. I saw the coyote, minding his own business, just out for a morning saunter. Hobo hunting as per usual. As soon as the coyote rounded the brush pile, he did a double take as he saw Hobo. He then started purposely to head in Hobo's direction. Simply a few human strides away! I went to the back door. Opened the latch. Both animals looked immediately in my direction. I simply stepped onto the deck, at which point the coyote turned tail and ducked into the tall hedge surrounding the tree line closer to the river.

Setting the Scene

Hobo simply looked at me as if to ask,  "Can't you see I'm hunting here?" I don't think Hobo had the slightest idea that a coyote was a mere pounce away from him. 

Sitting in the usual hunting spot.

Hobo returned to hunting. By the time the oatmeal was ready, Hobo was munching on his breakfast. At least he wasn't coyote breakfast!

Joy Field Farms

Stay simple hearted and shine forth.

Last night we were Mystery Guests at Joy Field Farm. Whenever there is a fifth Thursday in the month, each family on the farm invites a surprise guest. What a welcome! The flower gardens are absolutely in their prime, making me feel comfortable before I met one person. 

The three families that live at Joy Field Farms are all loving, accepting people. I have met a few of them over the years, but know none of them well. I know they all care for Tim, so I was anxious to make a good impression. No need for worries! They welcomed me as if they have known me for years. 

Tables and tables of food. More tables with space for all to gather around. I didn't think I should take pictures of everyone, but their smiles, conversation, and laughter are etched in my memory. I couldn't have been happier to watch Tim with old friends; standing with one in front of the barn in deep conversation about sustainable energy, talking with another about organic gardening and composting. 

At this moment, I can think of nothing but peace and tranquility in living such a life in such a beautiful country setting.


After the dinner was over, we were given a short tour of Joy Field Farms. The flower gardens anchor the stone house. Tables set up between the house and the vegetable gardens in back, beyond the barn. The other house on the property has a windmill in the process of being renovated to pump water into storage tanks to use for garden irrigation. The barn has been fitted with two huge solar panels so the families can utilize the sun for most of the electric energy to run the farm. Another family with two grade school boys live in a yurt.  They were playing soccer in the field beyond, with a regulation soccer net set up. What a remarkable home! All the families heat their homes with wood. 

The farm has a chicken coop with about 40 hens and one rooster. They gather the eggs and actually deliver them to customers in town. These last several years I've been blessed to have access to fresh eggs. So much so that I would love to have a couple of hens of my own. Grateful others are able to raise hens so that there are always plenty of fresh eggs available to me. Such a difference they make in cooking!


There was a stand of some of the most remarkable rhubarb I've ever seen in my life! So, at this very moment a rhubarb crisp is baking in the oven. We'll take it to The Cottage tonight. Hopefully I'll be able to stop on the way there for some ice-cream. What a wonderful treat so share, warmed again and perhaps sitting on the deck at sunset.

Here is a link for the recipe I used. Changed a bit by adding chopped walnuts. And (of course) more cinnamon and nutmeg than was called for.  http://windowontheprairie.com/2012/04/25/rhubarb-crisp/

Cut Rhubarb

Added crisp toppings

Life simply just doesn't get much better than this!