FlyGuy and Little Lassie pose in front of the pasture on our way down to the pond yesterday afternoon. They simply beam when they are together.

Proof that family ties are created by love, not biology.

We’ll be leaving Va and going back home to Chicago in about 10 days. As much as I struggled to call this home, I will miss it. This hillside is quiet and secluded which is very different than our neighborhood in Chicago. Since being in VA I often find myself walking outside and wandering the yard admiring the peaceful countryside. Back home, my condo has a small deck overlooking our alley - I’ve never wandered out there to admire the view. I will miss this.

While there is not a house or road in sight, we have neighbors in our yard all the time. Being that we are nosy, FlyGuy and Little Lassie peer out the bedroom window at yesterday’s visitors.

A group of 25 wild turkeys leisurely walk through the property several times a day eating crickets.

On the left, a deer watches Fidget and I from the orchard in the front yard. Fidget tried chasing deer a few times and quickly gave it up because she was no match for their speed or grace.

Lastly, a few of the many spiders we see each day. I won’t post the picture in case some are squeamish about spiders. Click here for a look. (I caught them hanging out on LL’s wagon handle. The size of these spiders is unbelievable, but I’ll spare the details.)

My little drama queen/country bumpkin holding a raw corn cob - her favorite toy when available.

I’ve decided to embrace country life and take off my watch. I’ve been a slave to my wristwatch for years and I’m still getting used to my naked wrist. In college I constantly checked my watch to make sure I wasn’t late to class or one of my jobs. When I became a teacher, throughout the day I needed to make sure my students followed their various scheduled activities which included mainstream, ot, pt, speech, etc.

I’ve never seen my watch as a fashion statment. I’ve always worn a workhorse timepiece - timex, water resistant, indiglo. I wear (wore) it 24/7, so I can check it in the middle of the night or in the shower.

In the country, however, the only thing that is scheduled is bedtime for Little Lassie and I can ballpark that based on the sun. LL lets us know when she is hungry or tired so we don’t worry about nap or mealtimes.

Today is my first full day sans watch and I’m struggling. Time doesn’t really matter out here for me, which reminds me how far removed I am from regular life. I know its a blessing to be so free from time constraints, but its a double edged sword and I’ve learned to be careful what I wish for.