Wednesday, October 17, 2007

the way home

mountain seasonal changes

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

spring