Friday, February 13, 2026

Life is Good: Things I’ve learned

It’s a blessing to be back in the nest. 

Over the past month, I’ve learned that although we may live a slow-paced sheltered life in North Dakota, it’s the life for us.

As I drove back into North Dakota last week, I had this overwhelming sense of peace. 

I’ve learned that I hate heavy traffic, crowds of people, and especially humidity.

Returning to North Dakota’s cooler fall and – even knowing winter is coming – it’s all good. As wonderful of a time that we had in the South, it’s not where we should live.

We celebrated Tom’s 73rd birthday yesterday. We had a great dinner with Becky, Tiffany, and Lea at Dobre’ here in Beach. Of course, Tom spent most of the day working on his Halloween decorations. We’re short on time this year, but still, it’s looking great.

Today, I’m enjoying a quiet morning tucked in my big chair in my she-shed. I can hear the blustery wind outside. Soon our yard will fill with golden leaves that drop from the big old trees out front. They’ll have to be cleared and hauled away, but for a time, it’s as it should be. Fall is my favorite time of the year.

We are blessed to have traveled so far safely. We are doubly blessed to be home.

Furthermore, we loved the beauty of the South. We loved the fellowship with friends and family, and we enjoyed the wonderful scenery and the beloved history. We saw many things, enjoyed many things, and ate a lot of good food. But now, it’s back to reality. 

I had two appointments on Thursday. I gave myself five minutes to drive to each of them. No traffic jams. I stopped at the grocery store and visited with at least four people who welcomed me back. It’s good to be in a small town.

Life is good today.

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