East Coast Life – Flying Solo

We have had a lot of exciting things happen this year, but the births of our two granddaughters definitely top the list. Due just one day apart, both came into the world happy and healthy. First to arrive was Chris and Gail’s daughter Sophie, our little early bird (born three days ahead of schedule). We were able to meet her before the craziness of taking ownership of our Virginia home began.
Esther was not so eager to meet the parents (Andrew and Charlotte). Two weeks came and went and finally, with a little encouragement, she arrived…a tiny little overdue bundle delivered in Ireland.

Meanwhile, Reg and I have been hosting a variety of construction workers in our Staunton house. Some by choice and others by necessity.

We’ve emptied our storage unit, making multiple trips with our truck, had furniture delivered, repainted bedrooms, organized lawn mowing duties, started pulling weeds (lots of weeds), had our kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities removed (they were all awful) and ordered new ones.
It’s been fun, it’s been stressful and it’s been a learning experience.

So, can you blame me for jetting off to Ireland, on my own, to visit Andrew and Charlotte and to meet Esther before she gets too big? I left Reg behind to deal with the ongoing kitchen/bathroom renovations should the next phase start sooner rather than later.
I’ve had some time to explore the area around Andrew and Charlotte’s home. Road walking isn’t ideal, as you can see, so I was glad to find the forest road just across from their house.

The real excitement happened early one morning when I let the dog out. He made a beeline for the picnic table, barking up a storm. Everyone else was still asleep, so I dashed out to see what the racket was, hoping the baby wouldn’t wake up.

Hedgehogs are nocturnal creatures, valued by ranchers and farmers for the night time pest control they provide. Loss of habitat, pesticides and road traffic have taken a toll on the population and hedgehogs are now protected as an endangered species.
Because it was morning, there was a chance this one might be sick or injured. Andrew made a few calls and arranged a drop off point with a volunteer from a nonprofit rescue group.

I have a few more days before beginning the journey home. It’s been a treat to spend time here, not only to meet Esther, but to see the home Andrew and Charlotte are creating for her. Next time, I won’t fly solo…I’ll bring Reg along.