Home (hōm)

A place where one lives; a residence.
The physical structure within which one lives, such as a house or apartment.
A dwelling place together with the family or social unit that occupies it.
An environment offering security and happiness.
A valued place regarded as a refuge or place of origin.
The place, such as a country or town, where one was born or has lived for a long period.
The place where something is discovered, founded, developed, or promoted; a source.

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What is your definition of 'home'?

I have now, by this point, lived in Georgia for 2 years longer than I lived in Illinois. I certainly feel that I have made myself at home here and have many who are near and dear to me that I would never want to leave in a million years. So, why is it that when those endless miles of lush cornfields come into view, I still feel the tug on my heartstrings?

Do I really feel that strongly about fresh corn on the cob?

No. That can't be it. (Although, it is hard to beat fresh Illinois corn in the summertime.)

It must just simply be because it's still 'home' in my heart.

Mid pleasures and palaces though we may roam, be it ever so humble; there's no place like home. John Howard Payne

You know, after we had first moved down here, we managed to make it 'back home' about 3 times a year. Then, it got to be just for Christmas. Now, we rarely make the trek.

So much of our extended family has since moved away to all different places. And we, ourselves have more or less, 'moved on'. We lost Grandma Mary 4 years ago, and this weekend, we said our final good-byes to Grandma Lou.

My home is not a place, it is people. Lois McMaster Bujold

Once again, our ties get loosened.

Where we once retreated to share in hugs, smiles and fellowship over a home-cooked meal fit for a king, we now seem to simply share in memories.

And maybe that explains my tender heart toward my heartland. It not only houses all the corn and beans you could ever imagine - it also houses my childhood. And now, so many cherished memories of loved ones.

My roots.

A home is not a mere transient shelter; its essence lies in the personalities of the people who live in it. H.L. Mencken

But, as many memories as there may be that flood over me as I descend over those sweet corn fields, I must remember that these memories all live within me and I take them wherever I might go.

They are all a part of me.

My grandmas are a part of me. And until the day when we all get to gather in our heavenly home around the most glorious feast we've ever laid eyes on, I will continue to cherish every part.

In the Lane, Snow is Glistenin'
(Memory Lane, that is!)

With snow falling yet again today (though much to our dismay, not sticking all that well), it's taken me back to our snow days as kids.

In Illinois, snow wasn't quite the deal it is here in Georgia, but we loved it just the same.

Jodi would come running in to wake me up and get me going, we'd get all bundled up (not quite to the extreme of the little boy in "Christmas Story") and we would just go - all - day!


Could not get enough of the stuff!

And, I guess still can't! :)

But, we had a ball.

We were fortunate enough to have the best plot of land in Illinois for sledding. For those of you who've been to (or more likely through) Illinois, you know it is flat. As a pancake. From end to end.

But, we actually lived on a nice little hill that had the BEST driveway for sledding!! Not only was it just the right slope, it had just enough twists and turns in it to keep it exciting. It was awesome.

And, when we got snow... we - got - snow!

So much fun... and so many great memories from those beautiful wintry days.





* From top left:

me and Jodi on our sleds 12/78,

Fluffy riding along with me 1/1/85

me with my prize-worthy snowman 12/80,

Jodi and me going out into the great land of snow 12/78,

Jodi sledding down the drive successfully, as I wipe out (!) 1/79,

and me doing much better 1/79!