It’s been about a month since we returned from the UK to our home in Boulder, and it’s been super busy but not eventful in the same way as travel is. There was a major construction project, putting 10 helical piers under the foundation of our house to stabilize it. And then there were the backhoe tracks in the lawn to repair, and the gardens in disarray from the 6′ deep holes that were dug.
There was a memorial service for one of our close friends, who died a few days after our return at an all-too-young 61, and within a month of the death of a second friend. Lots of loss and sadness. Linda and Anne, we will always miss you! There were 1,000 things to do around our house, reminding us that this is the time of year when gardens and ponds and pretty much everything else needs an inordinate amount of attention.
We even house-sat in our own house, staying in the guest bedroom and taking care of our renters’ cat Billy, who is charming. It was wonderful to spend a few days in the house that we designed and know so well.
There were many meals with friends, bike rides, and also the escalating frenzy of planning to go away for 4 months again, this time with bikes. There’s a lot to arrange with the logistics of shipping bikes and all that goes along with bike travel. Many details.
My best friends Randy and Jeanne moved from the house that they had lived in for 40 years, to a smaller place at Balfour, a senior living place. So many wonderful memories of shared dinners and conversations in that house. In every life, there are clearly seasons, and our friends’ transitions from one phase of life to another remind us that health and life are not endless. If you want to do something, don’t wait. We are listening.
Being back in Boulder reminded us of why we live here. Lovely weather, nearby recreation, beautiful scenery, wonderful family and faithful friends, and the positive energy of the place all combined to make us re-embrace our home. Being gone for a few months to amazing other places, allows you to see your home with new eyes on returning, at least temporarily. Would we like Boulder as we did before? Do we want to continue to live here when our travels are over? A resounding YES. It’s a cool place.
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