The Rest of September...

Nathanial and I had a wonderful trip to NC.

Nathanial really enjoyed meeting the people at Shepherd's.  The people are very friendly and the area is booming with growth.  It shouldn't be hard for him to find a part-time job and the cost of living is much cheaper in NC.  After visiting with the family he stayed with during the visit, he was told by the grandfather, "You're a good Yankee, you can move to Cary."  Nathanial learned that if he does start his studies with Shepherds for the spring semester he'll be eligible to go on an archeological dig in Israel in May.  That is VERY appealing to him.

I, in turn, had a great visit with my friends Barry & Saundra Stebbing.  Their little farm is so restful and restorative.  Hopefully, after they fulfil their commitments for classes this fall, they'll be able to take a sabbatical for a year to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of their farm with all the geese, ducks, guinea hens, and chickens.  (Notice I didn't say "quiet"). It was such a precious time  together.  I was given Barry's studio for my stay and couldn't help but be inspired as I was surrounded by his beautiful paintings and art materials. I even got a few lessons while there.

The family at home weathered our absence and were eager to hear of our adventures.  As nice as it is to visit new places, it's always great to get back home to those we love.

The garden is slowly fading.  We are still getting a few tomatoes and the green peppers have produced beyond any previous year.  The gourds are still in full leaf, but I've caught glimpses of several large 'bowl' gourds that I look forward to playing with next year after they've dried/cured.  Wayne and I both agree that our favorite crop this year has been the scattered sunflowers of several varieties that I planted here and there.  They continue to brighten areas where other flowers have passed.

The two youngest have developed the first cold of fall, and as I type this, flock after flock of geese have flown over in their journey south.  We've had such delightful weather that it's easy to forget that cold, winter weather is not far away.  The honking of the hundreds of geese remind us that we need to treasure these beautiful fall days.

Headin' South

Nathanial has been accepted into the Masters Program at Shepherds Theological Seminary in Cary, NC.  He decided to wait until the spring semester to start attending classes on campus, but he has wanted to make a trip to confirm that is where he wants to move in January.  Considering that it's a 10+ hour trip from Unadilla and the uncertainty that his Civic would make the trip and back, Wayne suggested that I accompany Nathanial and take the van.  This would allow me to see where he's moving to, help with the driving, have a more reliable vehicle, and give me the opportunity to visit friends while Nathanial is on campus.  We'll leave early Sunday a.m. and return on Wednesday.

Three years ago I organized a home school art workshop led by Barry Stebbing of How Great Thou ART for local home school students.  As I communicated with the Stebbings, a wonderful friendship developed and we have kept in contact via email, phone, and letters.  Last year Barry and his wife Saundra invited me to come to their farm in NC for a retreat from the busyness of life.  I couldn't get away for several reasons, but I promised to try to find a time when I could visit their little piece of paradise.  Monday a.m. I will drive an additional 2 hours from Cary to spend 2 days with the Stebbings.  This very special couple has been instrumental in encouraging me (and many more!) to keep a nature journal and to really look at the beauty in creation.  They have made such a substantial, positive influence to the home school community that I feel deeply privileged to be welcomed into the sanctuary of their farm. 

It promises to be an exciting few days!