We Love The Stars Too Fondly

As usual, around susnset, I was out in the back yard refilling the birdseed feeders. The sunset was pleasant, but not spectacular. But “pleasant” was quite good enough for the moment.

It was still about 88 degrees out after pushing triple digits. But there was a brisk breeze and it was quite comfortable.

Off in the distance where the Mesa drops off into Cajon Pass, I could hear a train horn wailing as it came over the summit of the Pass and into the valley. Gotta love that sound.

After the feeders were refilled and rehung, I got on my little stepladder (I’m short!) and looked over the back yard cinder block wall for about ten minutes. There were crows screaming across the vacant lots and a coyote howling somewhere off in the distance.

I have nothing against spectacular, red-letter moments. But that’s a tough standard to keep up 24/7/365. Knowing how to appreciated these common, simple, little moments is critical. I don’t always do it well, but I’m learning!

One year ago, we closed escow and started moving into our “Forever Home.” No more moving, this is it, we only leave here in the coroner’s wagon.

It’s been wonderful! We are every bit as amazed and happy that we found this place as we were when we first saw it.

It’s not 100% EXACTLY the way we ultimately want it – for example, we need a nice 25′ flagpole in the front yard still, among other things.

I will never, EVER complain about the view at sunset, which only varies from gorgeous to stunning to spectacular. And the views of the mountains, particularly Old Baldy off to the southwest when it’s covered in snow? Just amazing.

The long road to getting everything unpacked and stored and sorted continues, even now. Stuff that we use every day has, of course (for the most part), been taken care of and we’ve been completely functional for many, many, many months. There are exceptions. For example, I still haven’t found my tie rack and all of my good, silk ties. I also have only needed to wear one once in the last year, so the priority level is not real high.

This last weekend I found a stash of a bunch of original paintings that I’ve bought at SF conventions over the years (as well as some souveniers and special gifts I’ve received) and got them all up on the walls. The office is looking nice.

We have our wildlife menagerie in the back yard, and our Corvid Gods in the front. We (mostly) know our neighbors, and we enjoy our community. There is still a long list of new things to see and places to go, but we’ll get there.

Somewhat to our dismay after years and years of looking and hoping, we’ve found our home. Here’s to one year down and a gazillion more to come!