Bend Down the Branches

The dawn is purple behind Eliot, there's a buoy ringing somewhere, and I've needed to keep my flannel jacket buttoned the entirety of our morning walks all week. 

Autumn is here in Northeast Harbor and we have settled (back) into our new home over these past two weeks, slowly unpacking our Virginia belongings a few boxes at a time.

The Move was a beautifully and seamlessly directed and executed by Brian. I joked that he could apply and qualify for any Project Manager role after such an undertaking… from ordering the boxes, renting dumpster(s!!), helping me to break down packing and clearing out our home of 10 years into digestible bites, getting quotes from movers and contractors for needed home repairs, keeping track of various tasks on a timeline so that it could all be wrapped up in time. It was a lot and he did it all… I know moving is statistically one of Those Events that break a marriage, but I feel closer and more appreciative of him than ever.

He and Mark arrived in Maine via plane on the 5th. My mom, Chauncey, and I arrived in my CRV two days later to our apartment already in semi-order, completely livable, again thanks to Brian. Two of my favorite pieces of ‘us’ we added are our prayer/icon corner and our stereo system. I’m enjoying this Tom Waits album as I write this morning.

My mom stayed for a few days to help us settle in and to see the beauty of our new hometown. Coincidentally, there was a neighborhood cookout the day after our arrival, featuring burgers, hot dogs, and lobster rolls: ALL FREE!!

We made visits to Thunder Hole, Bass Harbor Lighthouse, and enjoyed dinner at the Colonel’s. She and Mark ventured up to our library while I re-started tutoring with my student. I think by the time I dropped her at the airport, she could see how this move was a ‘no-brainer’ for our family, though not as easy on the heart.

With her departure, the realization of what we had just accomplished/committed to sunk in and while there have been moments of doubt, over all, we’ve felt filled with peace and gratitude at the new pace this job is allowing for the whole family. There is much much more togetherness and quiet and calm. God is so good.

While we are home-schooling Mark, the town’s school allows him to join in for electives with his grade-level peers. He began Art and Music this past week and is loving it. We also began swimming lessons at the Y with Mr. Ed which are going well.

Signing off for now to spend some time tidying for our Pastor’s visit this evening. He will bless our home and enthrone the Sacred and Immaculate Hearts after the vigil mass. I’m excited for the additional peace and joy this will bring. Again, God is so good.