When we moved out east, and looked for a place to rent, one of the things we wanted more than anything was a nice forest in the backyard for our kids to play in. When I grew up we always had a forest to explore in, and I feel like it helped develop my childhood imagination as I explored through the dense woods, stepped through the thick marshes, and climbed the tangled trees. (That's our house behind Ken and Riley)
We found a great duplex in a small town outside of Charlottesville. The house was surrounded with a green, thick forest in the back. I can't tell you how beautiful it is to open my windows every morning and see the early sun peaking through the layers of trees. Maybe it's because I've been green-deprived for 12 years after living in the desert, but there's something about the trees that puts my soul to rest. Here's a picture of the family in the backyard.
Now one problem with living in the east is there are bugs. Lots and lots of bugs. Otherwise this place would be Eden. Mosquitoes, ants, flies, hornets...and then one morning I opened my window and saw...
This handing on a limb. Look closely...
Yup, it's a nest of gestating caterpillars. Eww, eww, eww, gross. I immediately made Ken cut the web off of the tree and throw it deep in the woods. I didn't want it to take over the tree and eventually haunt me as I would dream about caterpillars climbing all over me.
We have tons more pictures to post from our back yard - pictures of bugs and snakes and frogs and turtles and much more. And that will happen eventually, someday, hopefully soon.
***You may notice a change to my blog. I am being normal now, and not doing only lower-case. It was time for a change. No matter what I decide, I hope I will be consistent. We'll see how long it lasts.
4 comments:
My, you pics flash me back to my childhood in the green. I still can't believe you are gone. We taught your class today(and are hoping they make it official) and I just can't get over that Ellie is not there. Miss you TONS!
Your green, bug infested yard sounds wonderful! I bet your kids love it!
We miss you all terribly!
Glad we can still keep up with you on our blogs! :)
Caterpillars can be your friends! Love the pics, are glad you are settlin' in there. Did you ever hear from the cousin Sarah Morris Simmons she is a nurse and she and her husband are moving there for him to go to medical school?
I really miss you, and I am also really jealous of your beautiful, green yard! I had a little snow ball party the other day, and Lynnae asked who was gonna be there, and I started naming people and I named you, and then I thought "Oh, no. She really did move." SAD!
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