reflections on visits

Over the summer hardly anyone visited at all. Which was fine, fine, totally fine as we settled into our whole new life. I almost think that people could sense my need to be in my healing cocoon for a while. Or maybe it's just because I didn't call anyone and barely went online. 


As fall turned the woods golden I sent a general invitation over facebook to anyone interested in visiting, offering our acreage as an afternoon's urban refuge. I have been surprised and pleased and honestly amazed by who this has seemingly brought out of the wood work and back into my life. 
I have also been surprised by who is hasn't. But no worries. All in due time. 


Each visit has been super wonderful and I have been enjoying them so much. I hope they continue to pop up, like winter wildflowers. 


Pause. I need stuffing and sweet potatoes for, er, brunch. Resume! Also? YUM! 
I would like to take this opportunity to thank who ever came up with the crazy idea to put butter, onion, celery and bread crumbs inside a turkey before roasting it. Holy jeez. I don't know how you came up with it and I don't care. Thank you, just thank you. 


I have been visited by old co-workers and friends I haven't seen in years and years. People that I never socialized with much in the ATL. Not sure why I never did, they were there, I was there, we enjoy each other. It just never really happened. I suspect part of it was being in a tight-ish circle of friends in the city, something I don't have here.  


But really maybe it's better this way. In Atlanta my schedule was always overbooked and I never left myself any margins, as a sweet co-worker put it. I would leave lunch with one friend to arrive late at my next engagement. Here friends can linger. There's not much to do so we take our time not doing it. We eat a leisurely meal, slowly walk the property while I explain our long term plans or latest planting. We sip tea and catch up, allowing the conversation to meander. I'm not saying that I was always in a rush in the city, but it sure felt/seemed like it sometimes. I'm not saying that I never had a decent visit with anyone there either. It's just different here, now. Maybe I'm different? 


Whatever the cause I'm glad and I welcome many many visitors and visits to come. I'll have the wood stove hot when you get here. :)