Refreshment

 Those long windows that look out to the side yard, full of lush greenery and trees. Picturesque, serene, bountiful. This was the view I would wake up to each morning while having breakfast at the table. It was a beautiful view. A reminder of how much moisture and rain this area gets that describes summer using words opposite of dry, parched or drought. 

The noises and voices in the kitchen nearby, with Isabel cleaning up after breakfast, playing with the boys or making lunches and preparing snacks for the day ahead. Mary either sitting right beside me at the table reading a book, finishing up her breakfast or quietly playing downstairs. 

I also enjoyed those mornings. They were eventful and let a spark for a new day ahead with possibilities and more sightseeing. Sipping my coffee, eating my cereal and yogurt while quietly thinking to myself, taking in the family life, either some normal morning rukus from the boys, disagreement or disappointments, as well as laughter, chatter and taking our time and anticipation for the day. Laundry churning nearby, dishwasher running, feet pattering, and good mornings and hugs from the girls. I would quietly open the paper- a much better and filled news resource than the one we have back home. It was interesting to read about various places in the world and happenings, a much broader scope of news. 

As myself, not very much a morning person, I would take my time- sink in the feeling of being away from home, take it all in and enjoy it. Such a unique and wonderful experience. Each day went by fairly fast, and then by evening wondering, where did the day go? Another morning waking up with some noises and playing above my room, the floor creaking, everyone already up and ready for the day, except me.

 Walking up the stairs from the basement to the second story was routine, and I knew I would start to miss it all- the daily morning routine, the interactions with my nieces and nephews, being part of their family and home life, quality time with my sister, and just being somewhere different. A new experience entirely! How refreshing!