House-sitting is quickly becoming quite an interesting venture.

   There are many things missing that we are used to having…and a few new things to enjoy.

   We have traded the bustle of the suburbs for the peace and quiet of what is, for now, the countryside. They are building a new community down the road, but it will be quite some time before it flourishes. For now, there are no gas stations close by….no grocery stores…no traffic. Most of the yards are only partially fenced. The people behind us have cows in their yard and, while we’ve only heard and not seen them, we know that the folks across the way have turkeys.

   That nasty smoking habit has eased a bit as feeding the beast now requires a trip outside so as not to stink up the house. Mijo and I go outdoors together…he does his business, I do mine. The two-pack a day habit has dwindled to less than half of a pack. I refuse to get excited because trying to quit has never worked before, but its tough not to hope.

   At any rate, a trip outdoors allows me to savor another thing that we seldom saw in the suburbs….stars. The night sky here is a true pleasure. The rich, black velvet…peppered with millions of tiny stars that seem to twinkle contentedly in the crisp air makes for a peaceful and enjoyable, if brief, trip outdoors. It brings back memories of sitting around a campsite when the only thing keeping the chilly night at bay was a roaring campfire and good friends.

   Mike and Jamie will be leaving tomorrow and it will seem strange without them. After all these years–and in spite of our tumultous childhood–the company of my brother is still one of my favourite things…and he did marry this really great woman and give me another fabulous sister. Some things haven’t changed over the years. He still knows how to relax and have fun…I’m still trying to clean the world one room at a time…but it balances out well.

    Still, I bit my lip just a bit as they loaded the car today. Its hard to watch them go even though it is what they want to do. Anybody who has family in the military understands the feeling…you want to hold them close and safe…but you let them go with a smile because its your part of the deal. In years past, there was no internet, no email, and no real communication with those who went to war except for the exchange of written letters…at least we have those things today.

   So, we are here for a year.

   Yes, this will be quite interesting, indeed.

arkmomy