“Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.”
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭1:29‬ ‭NIV‬‬

This is one of the very best things about West Virginia. You can grow just about anything here. The growing season is long, there’s plenty of rain, and the soil is rich. Our tomato plants are producing faster than we can eat these tasty morsels from God. I sent this picture to my son-in-law’s dad yesterday. Ben struggles over his garden, tending his plants with loving care, only to see them be destroyed by drought, hail, and vermin over and over. Sue said the picture would just make him sad.

I remember gardening in Colorado. I lost a 2,000 square foot garden to frost on June 23rd one year. I’ve stood inside and watched hail turn my garden into something akin to chopped salad in minutes, leaving nothing but sticks behind. I’ve watch as deer, squirrels, and raccoons snack on my veggies like it’s the salad bar at Shoney’s. It’s terribly disheartening. That’s why I started frequenting farmer’s markets and produce stands. I get the fruits and veggies I want and the farmer gets the money in his/her pocket.

For as long as I can remember, I tried to make my way back home to live. I envisioned living on a farm, having a big garden, canning and putting up jams, jellies, pickles, and the like. I finally made it, and now I’m 65. Don’t get me wrong…that’s NOT old. Not really. But, oh…I sure wish I could have lived here when I was in my 30’s. When I had the energy to have animals. When I had the strength to build outbuildings and a barn. I could probably have chickens now if I wanted them, but I travel so often, it isn’t practical.

I love living here. I love how green it is. I love the smell of rain on the air and the wonderful aroma of new mown grass. I love the sounds of the many varieties of birds that live in the woods surrounding the house. I love the crickets and cicadas that fill the night with their high pitched sounds. I love how the hills around you hug you close. I love the sounds of the water rushing down the creek outside the bedroom window after a hard rain. And the rain on the tin roof of the farmhouse. I love what humidity does to my skin…making it soft and supple. Oh, yes…I do so love it here. I love Colorado…I really do. I lived there for 40 years and did learn to love it. And I love and miss my Colorado family. But here? Here, I have come home…to myself. ❤️