Nesting

January 4^th, 2014

Slow start.  “Vacation” has made us complacent to waking early.  Once awake, however, we are eager to work…I mean nest.  The two of us, both introverts, work independently unpacking and putting our unique fingerprints on our new, cozy space.  It is a focused slow dance directed by NPR playing softly in the background.   It is a beautiful day and we hear new voices arriving next door for a cookie party, but we can’t be bothered.  It has been a whirlwind month and we are ready to be grounded, settled, and reflective. 

With cardboard boxes broken down, clothes on shelves, and two meals in the belly, all accompanied by a few laughs and random dance jigs; we decide to take advantage of the sun via a snowshoe adventure. From our apartment we head out to the 1-acre backyard, down past the historic graveyard, before landing on the frozen pond.  The snow is virtually untouched and we bounce around in circles trying to impress each other with speed and stylish jumps. The open sky above and surrounding landscape breathe a familiarity we both recognize.  We feel home. 

After walking across the winter desert, we find a foot trail along the perimeter that we devotedly follow up, under, and through fallen maple trees.  Eventually, the trail leads to two large trees that make an arc indicating the path back home.  We soon discovered that the trees have another important use as a double rope swing.  Naturally, we tested the frozen apparatus by swinging from each available handle.  Expect more details about this come summer…

Nesting continues through the evening with an array of delicious beverages in hand.  There is more laughing and random dancing, rice and beans for din-din (my new favorite), and small shenanigans.  I almost fall trying to skateboard across the apartment.  Spencer continues to ask for my opinion only to say, “I’m doing it!” before I have the chance to respond.  And as I finish writing this blog post, Spencer is literally running between rooms with a coiled laundry line that doesn’t hold clothes, but is really great at extracting nails from the wall.  I am completely entertained and filled with love.

All and all, it was a good day.  I look forward to getting to know the Hancock community, the family in the next room, and the goats in the days to come.  For today, however, it was nice to just be with each other and touch and be touched by our new physical surroundings. 

The nest is almost built.  Come visit so we can show it off! Still no phone or internet.  This will be posted late.  However, I am thinking of all the dear friends and family supporting us on this new adventure.  We are well and keeping you close.

Xo Kenz