Simplicity

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Most folks who visit Williamsburg marvel at the historic homes. Me? I'm a sucker for a good fence.

One of my favorite sights in Williamsburg is a classic old wooden fence that looks like it belongs in another era. Every time I see it, I'm reminded of a photo of my sister and me standing in front of a nearly identical fence in Canada years ago. I'll have to see if I can dig that picture up when I get a chance. Funny how the simplest things can spark the strongest memories.

Williamsburg was certainly hot while we were there. Now that we're back in Rhode Island, the temperatures seem to have dropped by at least twenty degrees, yet everyone is still cranking the air conditioning. Whatever happened to fresh air? Even with all my windows open, the temperature at home topped out at only 59 degrees. Okay, so we're actually closer to thirty degrees cooler than Virginia, no wonder I spent the day feeling chilly!

Despite the cool weather, it felt wonderful to be home. I was especially thankful for all the scurrying around I did before we left. Coming home to no laundry, no dirty dishes, and a freshly made bed with clean sheets was a welcome-home gift from my past self. Sometimes the best part of traveling is appreciating the comforts waiting for you when you return.

Of course, real life has a way of hitting hard after a few days away, and we jumped right back into it. The patio still needs its finishing touches, I have a couple of window boxes to hang and fill, and projects seem to multiply when we're not looking. I could certainly use a few quiet days at home to get caught up, but there doesn't appear to be any sign of that happening anytime soon.

At least beach season has arrived, now if I could just find the time to get there! I'd love to spend an evening at our beach club, sitting under the tiki bar, watching the ferry glide by while listening to the waves roll onto shore. For a few hours, I'd like to pretend there isn't a single thing on my to-do list. I even have my eye on a game or two of Mahjong with friends at one of the beach tables. My beach-themed tile set is ready and waiting and I've taught a few gals from my club to ensure I have players. 

Looking at my calendar, though, I'll be lucky to slow down at all. The dates are filling up quickly, and the schedule is already packed right through November.

Maybe that's why I love that old Williamsburg fence so much. It reminds me of a simpler time, when days weren't scheduled down to the minute, projects weren't stacked three deep, and there was always time to sit awhile and simply enjoy the view. Or maybe that's just what we think... Maybe they had just as much to do back then as we do now...animals to feed, fences to mend, cows to milk, bread to bake...Simple might be an illusion! 

"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." — Leonardo da Vinci