A little about House Hunting

When we first came to North Carolina to look for a new

house, this is the neighborhood we chose to begin our search

It's called Buena Vista. It's where I saw my first dogwood tree, and where I

learned what an azalea is meant to look like. Not like the azaleas he tried so

desperately to grow for me in Monterey that always turned brown and crispy!  

Here, azaleas look like this! They are soft and they grow up to cover brick walls. They

spill onto sidewalks. And, I love them as much as he always wanted me to love them!

Just like the first time I took in this stunning North Carolina spring scene, I walked

around Buena Vista today saying the same thing... Look at the trees, and all this color!

When people used to ask what brought us here from California I had to stop from

telling the truth... Because the truth is, there is no good reason to be here. The two

people we love the most in the world still live on the Monterey Peninsula, and we

didn't have friends here either. In fact, we didn't know one person that lived here

or that had ever lived here. Frankly, the decision to relocate here was just one

tiny step above throwing a dart at the map. But after seeing spring here, we

decided to give it a try. Still, telling people we moved here for, the trees

and the pretty flowers just sounded stupid. So we kept it to ourselves!

Even if it was and still is the truth! Besides, I believe everything happens for a reason
and every time we make the trip to Ft. Benning to see the Ranger, I'm glad we're only
six hours away. We certainly couldn't make the trip as often as we do from California! 

Now, it's been a few years... And today, I think his transformation of the gardens here
at the home we chose, (solely for the land!) makes them just as lovely, if not moreso,
than any garden we toured in Buena Vista! And, if the wildlife attracted to his
beautiful gardens is any indication, then I'd say we are all in perfect agreement!
Just look at this! Here is a little pair that is new to our neighborhood, and
they appear to be doing a little house hunting of their own this afternoon!

I think they've chosen quite wisely!

I sure hope they like what they see and stick around!

And I sure hope she's as much of a push-over for these gardens as I am!

Because the man I love sure does try hard to impress. Doesn't he?

The surrounding landscape lends a little to his efforts as well!

There's always plenty to eat and drink for the wildlife too!

And places to perch, and hang out. Or hide, if they need to seek shelter

Whatever they need, they'll find it here!

I vote they just pick us, and stay!

And bring their friends... We don't mind at all!

There's plenty of room for all of you!

So make yourself at home...  

And enjoy all these beautiful things that are making me sneeze right about now!

I do hope this means that you and your friends have ended your house-

hunt and that all of you will be calling our little garden your home!

Now excuse me while I liberate some of these gorgeous tulips...

From their home in front of the solarium...

And put them to work in vases all over the house!

How about you? What about where you live first attracted you?