The house is quiet now. The pitter patter of little feet that ushered our grandchildren down the long hall, through the kitchen, up and down stairs and stools and chairs and climb-upons that only children tackle have faded. The creaks and groans of the floorboards are just that; creaks and groans of an old house pushing itself back together again.
I feel a bit like a floorboard tonight, pushing myself back together again, creaking and groaning as I shift my focus from bustling granny, chief cook and bottle washer (remember that term?) to tackler of piles upon piles of this and that and the other; projects all that need some attention tomorrow.
In the quiet tonight, however, sated from a big Easter dinner, I’m feeling a tad like Peter Rabbit must have felt, soporific from overindulgence of food I don’t usually eat – with an extra helping to boot. I’ll just rest my eyes and reflect on family, both those now up north and those who were with us today, dining around our table, which also groaned and creaked with the weight of food and conversation and is just now putting itself back together.
I’ll just be still while the nearly full moon winks at me through the eyebrow window in our bedroom and I’ll give thanks for the joy of t0day and the promise of tomorrow.
Creaks and groans Penny, I know the feeling! It must have been pretty full-on, and it’s such a different rhythm when little ones are dictating the beat. Exhausting, to say the least, but I know you wouldn’t want it any other way.
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That is for certain, Juliet; I most certainly wouldn’t want it any other way. 🙂 A little lubrication (i.e., lots of water) and a bit of rest will cure the creaks and groans and I will revel in the many memories and those to come. Hope you had a lovely weekend. 🙂
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Yes, with a special treasure hunt that I’ll be posting soon.
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I will look forward to reading it, Juliet.
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Penny, you capture beautifully how empty and different the house feels when family visitors leave and there are no more children filling the space. I’m glad you had such a wonderful visit from up north and other dear ones to share your Easter feast. Make sure you rest now as you look forward to next time.
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Thank you, Perpetua. Good advice. Tomorrow will be my resting day, for sure. Hope the weather has improved there. We had a most perfect Easter Day with sun and warmth. Today went back to sulking, but, at least it is warmer and no snow.
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What perfectly chosen words, Penny! Such heartwarming memories of a wonderful visit… and so much to look forward to this Spring! I’m taking advantage of this sunny afternoon to spend time in the garden. Wishing you a lovely week! ♡
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I thank you, Dawn. It was nice to see the sun for awhile today, wasn’t it? I need to get busy in the garden, but, a few things first. I hope you Easter was nice. Wasn’t it a lovely day?
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Glad you had a wonderful Easter with your family, Penny. I also enjoyed the weekend. My friends and I had a huge meal. The children ran around hunting for Easter eggs. So much fun!
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I’m so glad to hear that, L. Marie. A good meal and children’s laughter. Perfect. Wasn’t the weather refreshing? Windows open and sunshine. Not too hot. Not too cold. Just right. A Goldilocks sort of day. 🙂
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As Pamela Terry wrote today from “Wind in the Willows”…”when the cup has been drained and the play has been played, sit down by your quiet river with a store of goodly memories for company.” You can take care of Penny and Antler Man now and make another set of Spring memories from the Cutoff and beyond. So glad the visit was all you hoped it would be. I knew it would be!
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Wasn’t that a delicious post of Pamela’s, Marilyn, and here you are with one of the best quotes from the “Wind in the Willows”. We should all have some “goodly memories” to keep us company – and I do. 🙂 Thank you for your words of kindness and encouragement. You are the best, Marilyn. I hope your own Easter was pleasant.
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Sounds like you had a wonderful Easter. We celebrated with our new granddaughter and it was just lovely. Enjoy your rest!
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How very wondrous that was, I’m sure, Sunday.Congratulations. Isn’t it spectacular being a grandmother? It was a very nice Easter and now, after a busy week, I am taking a rest. You too. 🙂
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I enjoyed every aspect of this visit. I hope it was a break for your daughter and quality time for you and Tom. I still can’t believe how big they are!!
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It was all that and more, Andra. Tom and I made sure to each take some time alone with the kids, giving them individual grandparent time and enjoying it! 🙂 Ezra’s not a baby anymore; a growing, energetic, little boy and Kezzie at 5 a thriving girl. They both play with trains and dolls and we carry on the best of conversations. Fun, fun, fun – and I was exhausted.
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I felt like I was there with you listening to the quiet after all the creeks and groans! I’m sure it was so hard to watch them go but it sure does look like you all made the most of your time together! Kate was here from the Wednesday before Easter until Easter afternoon and we did the same thing – squeezed so much enjoyment into every minute! 🙂
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That it! Squeezing in all the joy and enjoyment we can when our kids are in. I’m so glad to hear that Kate was in for Easter. We’d hope to come in to Elijah’s with the grands, but, just not enough time. Someday.
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