Going Home

Next week at this time we'll be home. This is the first day I've been able to say that in a long, long time. I am now 'farmsick'. As wonderful as England is, I still like Dancing Leaf Farm the best. I've lived there for 27 years (wow!) and it is where my heart and soul are. Our three boys, countless dogs, cats, sheep, goats, chickens, hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, birds, anoles, chameleons, hermit crabs, and an iguana (no snakes, I have my limits!) have all been raised here. Dancing Leaf Farm consists of a 1930's Cape Cod style house, a very useful barn/garage/chicken coop, a 2-story studio (mine, mine, all mine!), a garden shed, a large side field with a veggie garden and colorful perennial gardens, and a hopefully green sheep pasture out back. All this in just 2 acres. It also has the most gorgeous views of the Catoctin and Blue Ridge Mountain ranges, which act as the foreground for the setting sun. We host sunset parties when there's promise of a pleasant evening. We also have a full frontal view of Sugarloaf Mountain, which stands as a quiet sentinel over the valleys below. I never tire of resting my eyes on the Mountain. It brings peace to a hectic day. My clothesline is in direct view of Sugarloaf so it is never a chore hanging out the wash. I am truly blessed to live in such a lovely place and not one day do I take it for granted. I am a lucky girl!
I miss my girlfriends too. I am known to be a social butterfly and I need to flit about and see what my girlfriends are up to. What wonderful blanket Bev is weaving, what lovely landscape Tina is painting, what giant pod Susan is making come to life with her oils, what delicious fruit is in season at Cherry's, what nice thing Holly has to say, what amazing watercolor, necklace or purse Seal has made, what Judy has done to her darling log cabin, what nice thing Anne has done for someone, what Penny's doing on her farm at the toes of Sugarloaf, what stories Ann has to tell when she returns from Davis after 31 months, where Marsha has been on her latest adventure, what juicy gossip Maureen has for me, what quirky German translation Marion says, what's blooming in Peg's garden, what 'farmazing' trick Annie has accomplished, to what funny story Julie has to tell about her horses escaping, and last but not least, George. He's my best guy girlfriend. What color is your house, Jorge? And Kirsten and Nicole, the best helpers at DLF. And Jenna, my gorgeous niece who is as nice as her dad. I have a lot of catching up to do!
Then there's my newish life in Cumberland. I have a set of girlfriends there too. Beth and her amazing, whacky, wonderful, wild loft, Betsey with her sweet smile and taste for great art, Ann who is an instant friend, like you've known her your whole life (a fellow graphic artist, as is Beth), Susan, a perfect neighbor, Pat and Jerri and Meg and Gail and Mary and Jamie, all who I want to get to know a whole lot better.
And my boys. Aramin has been nice enough to take care of the farm while we've been away. It's not easy tending to 2 large dogs, 3 cats, 14 sheep, 7 chickens and a bitchy cockatiel, along with the mowing and cleaning (hopefully!!!). Garrett lives an hour away so will see him soon too. Forrest is only around for another five or six weeks, then he's off to Montana for his second year of college. So I need to get back and give them mom hugs and bond.
I miss all my girlfriend's guys too. Thought I'd better mention that!
I miss my stinky Taz too. He's been my favorite dog ever and we need to hike the mountain together.
In my last few days here, I have to get my fill of the beauty of England. But Maryland is drawing me back and I will surrender to its pull.