a sweet day at home

Long ago, when the children were young,

I would try very hard to carve out a day to be at home.

Totally at home.

Not an errand

not a run to the store

no appointments.

As they got older,

I found it almost impossible to achieve a day at home.

This has turned into a busy week

and today was my only day at home for the whole week.

Mothers at home with tiny ones who nap and eat often

and so must stay home a lot

don't understand this

but they will someday.

Days at home, if rare, are so sweet and ... productive!

Introverts, I think, especially love to be at home. I do.

Today I finished writing an article that's due soon.

Watered the flowers.

Made granola. And part of tomorrow's dinner.

And did laundry. And read my Bible.

It's amazing what can be accomplished when you stay home all day.

Try it if you can.

Thurber House!

Yesterday Katie invited me to a "secret destination" in Columbus. I had no idea where we were going until we pulled off Broad Street in the heart of downtown. And then I knew: Thurber House! For years I've wanted to visit this home of James Thurber, born in Columbus in 1894.

"James Thurber was an American author, cartoonist and celebrated wit. Thurber was best known for his cartoons and short stories, published mainly in The New Yorker magazine then collected in his numerous books. One of the most popular humorists of his time, Thurber celebrated the comic frustrations and eccentricities of ordinary people." [Wikipedia]


We learned all sorts of interesting tidbits about Thurber while wandering through the house. His mother was a born comedian, thus Thurber's skillful wit. His father sometimes slept with the dogs in an alcove off the living room, presumably to escape his family. And Thurber lost an eye from his brother's mis-aimed bow and arrow. The Thurbers lived in this home during his years at Ohio State University ... they lived in a dozen other houses around Columbus over the years, too. The attic was made into an apartment for "writers in residence."



Posing pointlessly in an upstairs hallway.

Imagine writing on this ... Thurber's typewriter.
(I love how Katie, the photographer, simply pulled a curtain open so I'd have
enough light for this photo.)

Dozens of writers have visited here, and their photos hang on the stairway.

Then it was on to the North Market across town where we sampled some delicious Jeni's ice cream.

Best of all was an afternoon spent with my thoughtful daughter who planned the outing!

photo(s) of the day

Haller babies get bathed in the old kitchen sink at the cabin.

I know this is how babies were bathed before fancy baby bath tubs came around.

A kitchen sink works well and Lily loved it!

While on the topic of baby care, Jill brought Lily's cloth diapers for a

good "sunning." And, it turns out, is one of my favorite photos.



photo of the day

My oldest son, David, made his way to the cabin.

He throughly enjoyed the break from his job,

and we thoroughly enjoyed time with him!

photo of the day

Katie snapped this one ... I'm holding Lily at Besser Beach on Lake Huron.

I love how we're both looking out at the water.

What a treat it was to have Lily with us for a few days!

photo of the day

Our nightly ritual: putting kayaks in the boathouse.

I know this isn't the most amazing photo,

but Katie's smile captures how she adores being at the cabin.

photo of the day

My son Mark with his daughter Lily ...

during our hike near Lake Huron.

(photo taken on Lily's 5-month birthday)