Dear Little House

We made it-5,250 miles, 16 states, uncountable new friends, and lots of wonderful adventures.

Stuffed to the ceiling from front to back. 

For the last thousand miles, I shared my few inches of foot space with my new lemon verbena, named Nancy for the Lemon Verbena Lady. Tucked in the bag is also a linear-leaf thyme, which was a gift from Nancy, who drove hours from Pennsylvania to Chagrin Falls just so we could finally meet in person.

Stuff kept slipping forward when we stopped. Whank, it would clobber me every time.

After a morning TV interview, we taped the FM radio show "Cover to Cover" in Cincinnati, then went on to Columbus for another TV appearance the next day.

Kathleen Gips' WONDERFUL Village Herb Shop in downtown Chagrin Falls, Ohio. It felt like (and smelled like) the old Heart's Ease to me.

Oh, wow, this old owl weathervane was a wonderful surprise. I think Joyce of Octoberfarm should have one of these.

Everything about Chagrin Falls feels timeless–even their police car.

On a side street in Chagrin Falls, we discovered this charming little guest cottage.

The Town Hall where Kathleen hosted the Fairy Tea and my talk.

Setting up for the gathering. The desserts were divine.

I loved meeting the people who attended, especially the children who had great stories to share with me.

Kathleen and Jack Gips' back garden. I wanted to plant myself there.

After my appearance in Phelps, New York, Jeff asked if we should give it a try and just drive the 9 hours straight to get home. "Yes!" I said, "I don't want to be anywhere else."

We swung into our narrow country road at about 11 P.M. The trees arched above us blotting out the stars. As we rounded the curve and broke into the clearing beside Little Harbor, we both whooped. The half moon shone above the rushing waters that flooded through the narrows between Half Tide Island and Birch Island. The stars flecked a sky blacker than any we'd seen for weeks. Fireflies flashed on and off along the roadside and up the sides of the granite cliffs by the boathouse. And the scent–balsam fir mingled with the aromas of seaweed and the Rugosa roses that brushed against our car. HEAVEN.

We're still unpacking, cleaning, weeding, and rocking in our old porch chairs whenever we get a chance. I keep saying over and over, "I can't believe we're HERE." 

Tomorrow we leave for a visit with our dear friends Sue and Joe on Martha's Vineyard, and my workshop at Highfield Hall on Cape Cod. Then HOME, to our dear little house.

Sending love to you all,

Sharon

P.S. Please drop by Garden Grow Along for some ideas for focal points in your garden.

P.P.S. My apologies for not being able to answer all your e-mails and comments. We've been on the move so much, and I will try to catch up next week. I promise!