I arrived home to the House at White Picket Gardens last Saturday evening after a summer of memories with Philip.

I tried to keep the last week normal...just the routine...pot luck supper for his birthday (and his grandson, Lachlan)...working in the shop...the ghost and history walk..taking tickets at the Opry. By Friday I knew it was real and I was leaving. We spent the late afternoon playing croquet at Sundae's with her family. We walked home down Fig Tree Lane and stopped to visit and hear more stories with Fowler and Chloe. They are all island treasures.

Dusk was approaching as we arrived back to Miss Aliph's. It was time to pack. Some things are so easy to pack up and take away...summer clothes, birthday cards, books, pictures of the Fourth of July, a few seashells. Other things just slip through your fingers...the last of the beach sand...the music..the stories..the laughter...my garden...Philip.

We left on the 6:00 ferry early on Saturday. It was a breathtaking ride watching the sun rise over the water. We stopped for cinnamon buns at the Orange Blossom (a tradition) and arrived at the Norfolk Airport in time to share lunch one more time.

I don't even remember eating lunch, but I know we did...I only remember saying good bye. It was all I could do to pull away and leave for my flight. We promised each other not to turn back, I wouldn't have been able to see him anyway through my tears.

My sweet sister, Jesse, and her three grandchildren picked me up at the airport, and we decided to go to Atz's for ice cream. It always cheered us up when we were kids. How many times did we go there, Dad? We must have been a sight then...so many kids to fill up the booth. Jesse and I always got turtle sundaes. That is what we had that afternoon as she just sat and listened to my tales.

She took me to my Jeep...forlorn and waiting for me to return. I hadn't driven since the day I left so it was an odd feeling to turn the key. I drove straight to Karen and Aaron's to see the babies...Matthew, who just turned four and baby Jonah. It was healing to have baby hugs and kisses. I stayed for supper and then came home to darkness...to be alone once again..learning to do it all over again.

By morning Adam and Tonya had arrived (they were up from Florida for a wedding). The girls had planned a big party for the boy's 30th birthday (now how is that possible???) They sent invitations and folks came from far and wide to
celebrate with all of us on Sunday evening. It was great to visit with
friends and family throughout the evening. Later on a few diehards stayed to play cards late into the night, just like we used to do. Happy Birthday to my first born children, how did the time go so fast? This week also was Abe and Kristin's second anniversary. Good thoughts go to them and wishes for many more happy years.

Monday we spent together again and Monday evening. They filled up each waking hour for me. By Tuesday the celebration was over, Adam and Tonya were on their way back to Florida, and I decided to go to school and keep busy. I have a new room this year...new hours...new curriculum. I will be teaching elementary theatre and storytelling. By Friday I felt that my room was ready with twinkle lights and puppets and playbills adorning bulletin boards.

I am back home. My gardens are lovely, my house charming...but it is quiet and something gentle tugs at my heart each waking moment. For now..it is teaching...theatre...lots of storytelling...lots of hugs and baby kisses...

I will resume my blog site tomorrow..don't forget to bookmark it and check
back in...www.louannhoman.com

Until next week, the perseid showers are out now...take time to watch the night sky...tell your sweetheart you love them when you latch the door together at the end of the evening.

Until next time, love to all, Lou Ann

"That is will never come again
Is what makes life so sweet.
Believing what we don't believe
Does not exhilarate.

That if it be, it be at best
An ablative estate-
This instigates an appetite
Precisely opposite."
Emily Dickinson