General Discussion

After a divorce, I moved to the countryside, mainly because the home hadn't sold and money was limited.

I chose a beautiful location with photo opportunities galore, which I have explored daily. Given the location, near a very popular national park, I thought friends would visit, and got lots of cookware, serving pieces, books, art supplies and more.

Well, they never showed up. First went the games and fun stuff, and then the larger casseroles and serving pieces. I have continued lately, figuring mostly that I do need a smaller place (smaller than 7 acres ... I was cutting brush on the trails I cut out over time yesterday, for exercise) and may need to rent to get a really great location, closer to family (daughter and son-in-law, anyway) if I can.

It has been interesting. Cooking for one has always been a head-scratcher, and it was fun serving the kids when they recently visited. I was inventorying cookware this morning, mainly because I needed to bake "extra" carrots last night along with some potatoes (which will make countless side dishes) and just needed to get it done, "best" dish or not.

But honestly, having been here 10 years, I know what I have used and what I never will use, even if I move closer to people (people?). Too late. I say to myself that I don't want my epitaph to be "Where were you when I needed you?"

It will be something a lot better.

I have gotten things mostly in anticipation of future need, and in the case of tools (and repair tape!) that has often saved the day. Like the day a storm pounded water through the framing on a front window. Repair tape works!

Rarely has a great photo gone untaken because I didn't have a good camera handy. So, I concentrate on those things that have given me the greatest pleasure over time, mostly piano and photography. My second-generation Italian mom taught me plenty of good cooking, which I rarely get to exercise, but for those few family visits, it's great fun.

I still anticipate, but for less.

But I have gotten great photos everywhere I've lived. Just different, and vive la difference.

I'd have given the kids lots of great stuff, but they live in such a small place.

And they don't need chain saws.