It called out to us to “come home.” We were drawn back by our connection to the surrounding land and its history. We felt welcomed by the familiar woods, fields, and nature. It was a place we had loved. In this place, a feeling of safety would be nurtured through continuity of care. It was a place where Mother and Dad would continue to share in “Real Life Pleasures” while being nourished in every way. 

Our modest home would receive its due attention for the perfect placement of Mother and Dad’s loveseat. It was finally positioned so they could best oversee the activities in our busy ranch house. They sat together to consume the morning news while others bustled about in the kitchen area of our great room. In the early years, Mother was often up assisting in her kitchen.

Also important was the overall effective use of space; adequate room to extend the table for guests; an inside wall for best placement of the piano; a small TV on a wall super-saver in every room; DVD-CD player in constant use; easy access to the garage for our frequent RAV outings; good air and water quality and chemically-free household cleaners; good lighting; book shelves, a desk and chair in a small office space. Just the basics!

Also important, the view to our front yard as an extension of our living space – with flowers and a birdbath in “Dad’s Garden” and the planting of a new tree to mark his birthday each year; a front porch with porch chairs for Mother and Dad and their guests, hanging plants, and wind chimes; a small side deck just around the corner; two bird feeders for Mother (a former Audubon Society member) to watch her birds from her kitchen window. From bedroom windows – a view south through the woods to the farm which Dad and Mother had operated for close to three decades.  

It offered a familiar “sense of place.” Our goal? A holistic environment of simplicity and well-being.

NEXT –  see other Real Life Pleasures – Food for Life.