Nesting

We so enjoy our time in the Sacramento Mountains of New Mexico.  The last several summers have found us nestled in here at around 7000 feet above sea level.  Denny and I both grew up surviving the cold North Dakota/Minnesota winters, and withered for years in the hot central Texas summers.  Whenever we speak of settling down somewhere now, we always factor in the 4 distinct, yet mild seasons one finds right here in Lincoln County.  The friends we've made in our favorite campground in town; the little church just up the road that has welcomed us, even into its choir family; the golf course that favors our level of play...we always feel quite at home when we are in this area.  The fact that we are only about 500 miles from our loved ones in Texas is a big bonus, as well.

And so, while we will still hold on to our RV, and travel whenever and wherever the whim takes us; we've decided to make a little permanent nest here.  Just about the time my dear Denny celebrates his next birthday (in late September), our cabin should be completed.

This is very similar to ours, except that we'll have a covered roof over the deck, and the deck will be 'skirted' so you won't see underneath.  We will have a lovely wooded view out the back and off the deck...with all the critters that come with it!

I always maintain that Denny is the happiest when he has a project to work on; well, he is as happy as a clam right now overseeing all the details of our new venture!  I've been busy selecting furniture, etc. to make our little nest a home.  We'll keep you posted on the progress...and we'll see you soon!!   Lori & Dennis

Life = Change

A little while ago, I was sitting outside knitting a colorful dishcloth and enjoying the mid-70's temperature here in Ruidoso.  I glanced up and noticed a dark cloud off to my left and the next thing I knew, a crisp gust of wind and several rain drops nudged me indoors.  As I sit here writing to you now, the temperature is a cool 58 degrees and the Good Lord is generously watering our little piece of heaven!

Life is all about change, isn't it?  The other day, several friends notified me of some 'strange' messages they'd received from my email address.  Apparently, some kind of bug had attached itself to my email account and so I had to create a new one.  It was a bit of a hassle, but a necessary one.  [Oh, if you had my old address and didn't get a message from me about the change, let me know and I'll update you...I can still check my old account's inbox.] 

One thing I've learned over the years is that you must be able to roll with the tide; bend like a willow in the wind; be flexible with whatever changes come your way.  One cannot overcome the inevitable shifting sands of time.  Adaptability and finding peace in the midst of it all is the key to successfully navigating life's path.

I wrote a poem years ago which speaks to that lesson learned.  I'd found a peaceful little spot in the shaded bend of a creek near my office.  When I was stressed by forces beyond my control, I would go there and find solace. The poem is a bit cheesy, perhaps, but I'd like to share it with you. 

This Quiet Place

Crisp leaves drift down to swirling waters;

and my tension is eased.

An autumn breeze torments the trees to nakedness

but calms the anxiety in my mind.

Submerged rocks and decaying branches

catch and keep discarded treasures;

a faded bandana, a child's lost sock,

silently synchronized with the current forever.

There is a peace in this quiet place

which belies the struggle beneath the water's surface.

Nature models an accepting grace of the cycles of life

and teaches me to relinquish my hold

on monumental troubles I choose to own.

To grasp instead the lesson of peace in this quiet place.

Well, the rain outside has stopped, the temperature is now a balmy 80 degrees, and I believe that I'll head back to the porch and my knitting.

Blessings and peace be with you until next time!

Lori