Migration

Here I sit at the kitchen table, surrounded by lists, coffee cup at hand. Preparations for migration north have begun!

There is much to do, and it is difficult to focus! The thought of seeing Attila again is overwhelming. So much so, that I suddenly realize that my awareness of the world has been burrowing deeper and deeper, as the quiet and lonely winter has progressed. Feelings are running high now, with the spring water, cascading over rocks, flooding the shores, heading for home.

There is shopping to do, a short list of things Attila says are needed. The car fuel tank was topped up last week in anticipation of this weeks migration. Foodstuffs need to be carefully stored here at the little house in the city, in the event that a mouse wanders through the house while we are absent. WE, what a word! It isn’t a word that is important to everyone of course, but my world revolves around it.

Oh yes, my lists. I have lists of chores to do before I drive away from the little house in the city. I have lists of chores to do when I arrive at the country house. I have lists of things to bring north. I have lists of things to ready to bring south, once I am in the north. I have lists, and lists, and lists.

Lists keep me grounded. Lists keep me focused. Lists provide lines for me to colour in, so that I don’t float away on winds of change. When I am thinking, pen in hand, I doodle on the lists, absently. The doodles add weight and whimsy to my plans.

All this excitement, just because, by the end of the week, I will be sitting across the dinner table eating beans with Attila. Small blessings can be the best blessings!

The only flat note in the experience is preparing to say farewell-for-now to Diesel. He can sense a change coming, and has distanced himself from me, just a little. Terra has been alerted to come and fetch him home. He is well loved at Terra’s house, so I needn’t worry about him on that score. It is possible that I will miss him far more than he will miss me. But no matter, I will miss him. I am hoping that when I return south for the black fly season, Diesel will come and visit with me again.

A busy day awaits me. The grey skies, and the intermittent rain are having no effect on my ebullient mood, no effect at all!

Worldly Distractions

Weather

Little House in the City
5°C
Date: 7:00 AM EDT Wednesday 22 April 2015
Condition: Mostly Cloudy
Pressure: 100.2 kPa
Tendency: falling
Visibility: 24 km
Temperature: 5.3°C
Dewpoint: 2.1°C
Humidity: 80%
Wind: SSW 28 gust 39 km/h

Country House
2°C
Date: 6:36 AM EDT Wednesday 22 April 2015
Condition: Cloudy
Pressure: 100.0 kPa
Visibility: 16 km
Temperature: 1.6°C
Dewpoint: 1.2°C
Humidity: 97%
Wind: SSW 8 km/h

Quote

“Success is following the pattern of life one enjoys most.”
Al Capp
1909 – 1979

22 Comments
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Bex Crowell

โ€œSuccess is following the pattern of life one enjoys most.โ€ Now that is well-said, and so true! I heartily concur.

Maggie, are your writing a book about your life? I hope so. Because it’s such an interesting compilation of thoughts and events, a lifestyle far from ordinary, and one that would make a wonderful book. xox

WendyNC

Bex, the book is right here and we get to read it as it is being written!

Maggie, best wishes for a smooth transition and safe travels north.

TopsyTurvy (Teri)

Aw! So glad to hear you’re getting ready to head back to Attila. I’m sure you’re being with him will make his time at home more restful for him, just as it will make the days more full for you.

Safe journey, Maggie!

Steve-Paul Simms

All good things, Maggie and Tiller. Safe journeys, big hugs.

Lee Ann Beausejour

I am glad that you are headed back north. To be away from your partner is difficult. To be back again will bring joy to the both of you!!

Joan

Have a safe, happy trip North, and a happy reunion with Attila.

Irene Bean

Happy travels and reunion. Love.

NORA

Maggie, I am very excited for you to be able to return “Home” and to be with your Attila. I know how difficult it is to be away from a partner but I/we have never been separated for more than two weeks and that was just twice. I don’t know that I could be as strong as you are.

My world revolves around lists. The clincher is to remember to look at them!

When does black fly season start? There is actually a season! Wow.

Congrats on your publications! I would be proud too. It’s important to be recognized.

Diesel will be waiting for you and intuitively know when you’ll be arriving…meow!

Kate

There’s what others think we should write, and then there’s what WE want to write. Shall the twain e’er meet? I sometimes wonder. Like you, I enjoy the freedom of personal blogging; no one’s dictating, editing or criticizing and that, frankly, is a relief and a pleasure. It’s like being among friends! Can’t fault that. And after many years of doing it and wondering why, considering the minutes added up to hours added up to — well, you know — I now realize it strengthened my voice, my confidence in writing, and the ease of it. Great practice for any other writing I choose to do.

I enjoy being taken along with you on your travels through your kitchen and everywhere else. Next best thing to being there!

Tell us, have there been many lookyloos to the country house, or what is happening there?

TopsyTurvy (Teri)

Spending the day with Mist, Maggie? Are you back at the country house again?

TopsyTurvy (Teri)

Maggie, she may have missed you a little too much. I had that happen with an elderly dog that I couldn’t keep for a shortwhile after my divorce. Crocherlady/LeeAnne kept her for me and the next time I saw her she was terribly changed. I noticed her start to comeback when I visited her and paid her a great deal of attention.

I worked hard finally get a home I could bring her to but she died before I could get her back again. I always felt so bad about leaving her alone and wish she could have lived until I couldmbring her home again.

Still makes me tear up, 22 years later. Her name was Jesse. She was a wonderful dog.