when we first found this old farm road, we went to the top of the hill and declared that this would be a great place for a house
it has not changed much over the years, a dirt and gravel lane
the old blue tractor keeps it in shape, smooths out the bumps
when there is not a drought, the perpetual puddle in the curve gives it character
stray dogs and cats have made their way up the drive looking for food and company, many have stayed - Dolly and Clifford come to mind
new babies made their first trip to their new home
many steps have been made from the school bus to the house, kicking rocks or picking flowers along the way
scars prove it is not practical for bicycles or scooters or skateboards
kids of all ages have sledded on its snow
daughters have learned to drive on it, the trees could tell some stories
there have been 4-wheelers ridden up and down, first by kids, now by grandkids
prom dates have made their way up the country drive, panicked at the dust on their newly waxed cars
moving trucks filled with boxes and a lifetime of memories have traveled out and back again
the familiar crunch of gravel on the tires is a welcome sound, a sign to sleeping children in the back seat to wake up
it changes with the seasons, a row of daffodils in the spring, or lined with rhododendron blooms in the summer
as the seasons change, it is littered with acorn shells, piled with colorful leaves, and eventually may be frosted with a layer of white snow
in November folks come up the driveway from near and far, inlaws and outlaws, to share turkey dinner
our connection to the outside world, there is no gate, all are welcome
whenever away from home - whether just to town, or gone on vacation, or returning from a long stint of work - our driveway is always a welcome sight
it's always good to be home again
~Susan Tidwell 2007
~photos - our driveway circa 1973
