I'm going to help you now...and then you're on your own, kid.

This is Anne.

She's the lady that I bought the new house from. She's almost 80. And she's quite amazing.

She came over yesterday for zucchini/carrot loaf, coffee and a visit. Well, and also to show me a few things around the house.
- there are underground sprinklers that I didn't know about. Who knew!
- there are other details that are so good to know like how the water system works, the various switches, the vacuum, (the only other time I've had central vac was at home in your house Mom!), etc.

Then we went out to the garden, which really is a jungle. She immediately started pulling, cutting, and snipping plants as we chatted. I followed along after her, pulling the same things (that I thought were flowers but really are weeds), snipping and cutting, too. We chatted, laughed, I listened and as we wandered around teh garden, I couldn't help but admire her for all her work that she's done here when she owned the house and for creating such a wonderful paradise that I now get to appreciate and enjoy.

As she was getting ready to go, she handed me the blueprints for the house and said, "If you need anything, call me or look on these prints." Then, as we hugged goodbye, she said, "OK, I'm going to come back this week, and do some work in the yard, whether you're here or not...and then you're on your own, kid."

I stood on the step waving goodbye to Anne as she drove away, with her big pink glasses and smile, feeling very grateful that I'm never really left on my own.

There seem to be angels (disguised as friends, sisters, Anne, and my Mom) all around me. I am blessed.

Mom, I love you. You've said this to me before too...."________ and then you're on your own!!" The first part could have been any one of a million things you've done to help me get on my feet...so you could send me on my way, on my own. I am so grateful for you. Love you, Mom!

Crystal
PS: Anne said to tell you that you should move out here so you can come and take care of all this fruit! The pears and peaches are looking incredible on the trees!