–Rolling Stones, 1964
I have long been fascinated that my perception of time can shift, reflecting what is occurring during that time. For instance, if a dear friend is flying away for a long trip in only 10 minutes, that period of time feels so very short and becomes precious, whereas if your dentist tells you that she will be drilling for just 10 minutes, that period of time feels so very long and becomes anxiety-producing. A first kiss, as it lingers for 20 seconds is delicious, but kicking a hornets nest while walking in the woods evoking a stinging frenzy over 20 seconds is a completely different scenario…
We have been home for 6 weeks, and our upcoming trip will take us away from home for 6 weeks, creating that same shift in perception of time: our 6 weeks at home have been absolutely wonderful, filled with many busy days, a period of time that seemed long and ample. Yet, as we look at the upcoming 6 weeks of travel we have planned, it seems as though that time period will not be long enough for us to bask in warmer weather, observe the beginning of songbird migration from South and Central America into Texas as they make their way farther north, to explore more of Southern US via hikes and bike rides, to visit farmers markets, and just to revel in the #vanlife. How can 6 weeks be enough time at home but 6 weeks also not be enough time away?!
Being home for the Hanukkah, Xmas, and New Years holiday was just wonderful, and all that I had hoped for! I absolutely love to decorate with lights and favored reminders of holidays past, spent with our now-grown kids; pulling out my Grandma Ida’s menorah which was brought with her from Eastern Europe when she emigrated to the United States as a young woman; precious art work made by my son Kyle when he was 3 1/2 years old for Hanukkah; and the many cherished ornaments we have saved from when we blended our families back in 1995 and those that we have collected over these 30 years together — it is such a treat to unwrap the carefully wrapped treasures to put up on the tree, as well as to hang years-old garlands, and lay out pine cones from our beloved years in NorCal…all of it is so dear to both of us.
None of you will be surprised to know that I baked SO many holiday treats, happily prepared a full Xmas dinner for six of us including 3 different pies (the turkey and gravy was prepared by a caterer friend, because…turkey), whipped up a batch of Limoncello, put together several dinners during which we savored time with friends, and we hosted a New Years Eve gathering for which I made a huge pot of cioppino! Being home again allows me to reconnect with a fully stocked pantry and large cooking space, which fully delights me. I also got to be with my dear friend Ange Humphrey on her Local Lifestyles TV show, demonstrating how to make a quiche while extolling the virtues of a potato crust!
The weather bounced in its typical midwest manner by being either very cold and windy or above-average warm temps; any day that it was 50 degrees or higher, I went out on my bike; fortunately, I was able to ride often. That has changed however, this of our last week at home, as cold temps are predicated all week which means the elliptical will have to suffice as my mode of exercise. I am grateful for that option…
We had Vanda’s water pump replaced by a local RV repair shop, after which I was able to clean up the inside both from our last trip and in preparation for this upcoming trip. I am now in full prep mode — flipping the bed mattresses; repacking nonperishable foods; charging the portable speaker, vacuum cleaner, and shimmer lights that we like to hang on the outside of our van once we settle into camp; preparing the few nights’ dinners of that first week out (calzone, cheese enchiladas, and quiche) — ya’ know, just routine stuff that brings me pleasure to not only do but to check off my ToDo list!
In between walkabouts through local forests, bike rides, shared meals, enjoying our home, working on the van, taking naps and numerous long hot baths, we have enjoyed the midwest birds. Our native yard is in its winter splendor, filled with overwintering songbirds. Not only are they able to take seeds from the dried flowerheads that abound on plentiful stalks remaining from summer blooms, but we supplement those seeds when we are home with store-bought seed mix, providing additional fat and flavor. As well, we were blessed to have seen 3 of the approximately 17 Whooping Cranes that spend the winter in the cornfields and ponds only 30 minutes away. We will always have time for the birds…
Oh! One last update to share…my meyer lemon tree is once again in growth mode. Unbelievably, this is her third bloom since she moved back into the greenhouse last fall where she will spend the winter! She typically struggles in the winter, as the greenhouse is just not as nurturing of an environment as when she is outside in late spring through late summer, but here she is, an old gal showing determined resilience…kinda like me, I guess! I’ve made that batch of Limoncello that I mentioned, along with a triple-batch of lemon curd from the harvesting I’ve done in October and November, and I have given numerous lemons to friends. There are two ripe lemons left on the tree but SO many new lemons — some the size of almonds, some larger like a walnut, and some larger still like an egg! There are ~ 40 new lemons that have set, which will ripen at varying intervals over the next 8 – 10 months.
“All we have to decide is what to do with the time given us.” –J.R.R. Tolkien
