For the Soul Retreat

Just what my soul needed.

What my body and mind and heart needed. 

A week in Moultonborough, New Hampshire with 14 new to me fascinating women figuring out what the post family rearing and careers life will look like. 

Boat rides of all sorts,

An absolutely fabulous art instructor

with plenty of space inside and out for painting, drawing and contemplating.

Great healthy food, conversations and activities.

With a bit of silliness, fun and laughter.

I arrived home feeling light. Somehow those burden stones I had been carrying around found their way out of my soul and into one of those quintessential New England stone walls I have admired so much. 

My intention for the week was to find courage. 

To try new things, to travel solo, to live as best I can in this chapter of life.

So looking forward to new adventures.

A Fritz Day Walk

 What better way to celebrate the man than being outdoors with family and fun.

We met along the Shenandoah River so I could share one of my favorite spring events in these parts: the Blue Belles.

We spotted other spring flowers, 

and interesting sights.

And boys, being boys...found some fun of their own. 

It's been three years since my beloved went to be with the Angels. I celebrate his life and his love for us everyday, but this particular anniversary was filled with extra smiles and extra comfort. Many thanks to all my family for sharing the day in their own ways with me. 

Love always finds a way.

Still Knitting

For the girls who turned four! this past Autumn. 

One sweater that twirls,

one based on a favorite book.

A few things for me,

The Knights who Knit: a mystery knit-along.
Cotton Linen blend. Was a fun project to work on. 

one can never have too many wool socks on these cold days. 

A summery linen shawl for what was to be an Italy trip. 
Maybe someday.

 A blanket for our newest grandchild Henry. {#11!},

 and the current work in progress

A soon to be cardigan. 

Handspun yarn from mighty Mac, one of my sheep. Loving how this is working up despite a lumpy, bumpy inconsistent spinning job. Maybe I will pretend I planned it that way? 

 

Take Care and Be Well,

Joan

Merry Christmas

All Together....

...after a great long pause.

Carrying on just as Fritz willed us to. 

Doing all the things that make us....us.

His presence was everywhere. 

Especially in the Smiles!

Always Celebrate Life.

The Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail

 It's rather sad that rail travel no longer is as viable as it once was. At least the former lines and passages have been put to good re-use by providing us outdoors types many new trails to explore. 

The tunnel it self is over 4000 feet long with so many interesting details to see if one takes the time to look and appreciate. (and have a lantern [I did not] and ask a lot of questions [I certainly did])

{the ceiling}

{there where many grooves like this throughout. I was told they were the drilled holes for dynamite when blasting out the tunnel}

{just a few leaks}

                 Thank goodness there's always light at the end of 

         the tunnel. 

{remnants of it's former life}

Quite a lovely walk and most enjoyable day. 

Perhaps the best was meeting and chatting with the folks in the Southern Shenandoah Valley Chapter of the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club. It was a very small group because of Cov....well you know why...

I look forward to more.