And Settling In, Sort Of

Has it really been nearly a month since I've blogged? Yes, sadly it has.  And in that time, I've been on an emotional roller coaster as we all try to settle into life in Vermont.

First, there was the summer babysitting issue, after our French au pair departed after just 7 weeks in the US.  But as all things do have silver linings, a lovely Starksboro girl fell out of the sky and frolicked with my kids for most of August.

Then, there was the start of school.  Oh, so much to worry about in terms of whether Abby and Stefan would be happy, would connect socially and would decide that leaving behind friends and a known, "safe" community was not so bad after all.

And, the saga, ongoing saga of trying to find a permanent after school care provider. Who knew it would be this hard?? It's been 8 weeks of looking and we still don't have a solution. I won't bore anyone with the details but suffice it to say it's been a major source of stress in terms of trying to balance life and work.

Finally, that thing called work. Back and forth to DC every other week. Planes and trains and automobiles.  Frantic scheduling to squeeze in meetings and catch ups with fellow staffers.

I know it will take time. I know life will become established.  But for now, I'm having a hard time seeing that future.

Amidst it all, Vermont is....beautiful.  If I can just remember to breathe.

Vermont: And Fishing!

Oh, Clifford Pond. This heavenly little spot is just a stone's throw from our house. Nestled amongst tall pines, a treasure trove of tadpoles and frogs await.

And on a given night last week, we ventured there with fishing rod and Brad's tackle box from when he was a kid.

Granted the fish were tiny and we threw them back in, it was a perfect way to spend a Vermont evening. 

Washington, D.C.: And the Good Life

There will be many things that I will miss about D.C. this fall, when we start our Vermont adventure.

Like walking to Nationals Stadium.  Biker Barre classes around the corner from our house.  Eastern Market for Saturday browsing.

Oh, so many wonderful eateries on 8th Street, like Cava, Tash, Tandoori Grill, Old Siam, Las Placitas. I need to stop.

So until next time, I'll be in Vermont.

Fire Island: And Putting Life into Perspective

It's been a very rough few weeks.

Not insurmountable and in many ways, we have so much to be thankful for.  And I am.

But July has not had good karma, vibes, juju.  Call it what you want.

So, every day, I try to live in the moment and enjoy the beauty of my life.

Like Crazy Hat day at the kids' camp. And appreciating a bright yellow colander and some popcorn boxes.

PS They were all Abby's ideas!

Fire Island: A Week of Change and Silver Linings

The breezes have been blowing. The sun was out most of the week.  There were fun activities at camp. And walks on the beach.  There was a movie and ice cream night with our dear friend down C Street.

And, there was change. Big, upsetting change. The kind that gives you a knot in your stomach that won't go away and keeps you up at night, wondering how things could have gone so horribly wrong.

Our au pair from France got on a plane to go home Tuesday morning after just 7 weeks.  And in the process, our lives were turned topsy turvy.  The days leading up to her departure were tense and awkward and filled with anger and disappointment.

And then a lovely young lady from Seattle entered our lives. And made our children giggle again. And giggled at them for their silliness. And drew big funny sharks on pieces of construction paper. And took them down the street to her grandparents' pool. And made me sigh with relief.

And then I realized everything would be okay.

So, here's to silliness. And happiness.   And family, of course.

Fire Island: And the Celebration of all Things American

When I first moved back from Eastern Europe oh so many years ago, I didn't really get into the spirit of the 4th of July. I didn't fully appreciate the parades and fireworks and the endless red, white and blue.

And then something magical happened. I had my children and I saw the celebration through their eyes.

We decorated our wagons on Fire Island with stars and bunting and dressed up in silly costumes to "march" in a wonderful 4th of July parade. 

We danced to the loud drums and sang along to the Star Spangled Banner. 

And we oohed and ahed at the fireworks as they burst over the skies of our beloved island.

Happy belated 4th of July. I hope yours was as wonderful as ours!

Ghana: And Everyday Life Captured in a Few Photos

We know we are much too selfish. We sometimes catch ourselves during the day complaining about the most mundane things. The Starbucks line was too long. We didn't have electricity during a storm for an entire....hour. Our flight was delayed.

But then for me, I travel to the developing world.  And I am reminded that these problems are oh, so very, very small.

There are people who must travel 2 hours on foot to get to work. People who suffer with malaria and malnutrition. Girls who don't get to go to school.

Mothers who have been widowed and are raising children on their own.  People living on less than $1 a day.

Today, I am pausing to think about just how incredibly easy my life is and how truly fortunate I am.