The farm, as does the cost of vacations, makes it challenging to go away for an extended time. We chose a more straightforward and modest life, and we have a lovely one.
Maria has changed me in many ways.
Nothing in life is free, and lengthy vacations (as in two weeks) are one of the things we let go of.
Today, we are off on another one-day quick time away, it lasts about 24 hours, from noon today to noon tomorrow and it is surprisingly refreshing and soothing.
And it doesn’t strain our budget.
We go to the inn in Vermont where we had our honeymoon and where we have gone every year but once or two (the pandemic).
It’s a beautiful place; we are known and well cared for there.
A part of what has become a ritual is that I always buy a book of poetry in advance as a gift for Maria.
She loves poetry. I give it to her the day before we go. This year it’s a collection of the poems of William Blake, one of her favorites.
Maria read some of the poems while standing up in front of a lamp last night, the image was striking, and the Leica 2 captured it, as only the Leica 2 can do. I’m taking the camera with me today to Vermont.
She reads poems in our favorite room (it has a giant bathtub) at the inn and sometimes reads a verse or two to me or while taking a bubble bath.
I have my own book, often a mystery. We spent the afternoon and much of the evening reading, breaking only for dinner.
Otherwise, we are not seen or heard, no -emails, testing, laptops, etc. The silence is lovely. Before I go, I’m taking Zinnia to the vet for her annual check-up, then we’ll head out.
As it happens, the blog won’t even miss a day, which is how it usually works out. But I won’t be blogging won the afternoon or evening. I’ll put up a flower before we go. Stay warm and dry. I’m feeling good and strong and taking charge of my heath.
Have a wonderfully peaceful time at your inn. It sounds delightful, and have never thought of a one-day retreat.
Congratulations on your getaway. The photo of Maria is stunning.!
When you have a farm with animals depending on you for their food, water, care and safety it is hard to get away! Isn’t it amazing how a 24 hour change of schedule and scenery can be a big break!
Is there a living author who would make you feel starstruck if you had a chance to meet them? Have you ever met one of your writing idols? Were they what you expected? Just curious!
I couldn’t name just one Kristy, and I don’t need to meet them. I don’t have idols just people I admire…writer are not Gods.
Completely understand. No way we can leave our dogs for more than a night.
Sometimes one night away is all it takes to recharge.
Y’all enjoy.
TO SPRING by William Blake
O thou, with dewy locks, who lookest down
Thro’ the clear windows of the morning, turn
Thine angel eyes upon our western isle,
Which in full choir hails thy approach, O Spring!
Thy hills tell each other, and the list’ning
Valleys hear; all our longing eyes are turned
Up to thy bright pavillions: issue forth,
And let thy holy feet visit our clime.
Come o’er the eastern hills, and let our winds
Kiss thy perfumed garments; let us taste
Thy morn and evening breath; scatter thy pearls
Upon our love-sick land that mourns for thee.
O deck her forth with thy fair fingers; pour
Thy soft kisses on her bosom; and put
Thy golden crown upon her languish’d head,
Whose modest tresses were bound up for thee.
1769-77 (1783)
Have a great time in Vermont!
It’s really quite a striking, yet calming and beautiful image. This photograph evokes so much thought and really proves the saying that a picture is worth a thousand words. Lovely Jon. Enjoy your time away.