Staying Home after a Journey

Flowering trees on our recent trip to Massachusetts, April 2024.

Years ago, when my parents lived with us, they would take regular trips to different areas to visit their grown children. We had family in Massachusetts, and in a few southern states.  I would go downstairs (in their section of this large 1850's house) to visit them. Mother had a list of all the things they would need.  Dad would be packing a small bag with medication, first aid items, and other necessities. Mom would have piles of clean and folded clothes to go into the suitcases.  They would get all their packing done the night before they left for one of their trips.  They would spend weeks or months visiting grandchildren and their other children a few times each year.  

Mom always cleaned and tidied the house before she left. She would not leave dirty dishes or anything out of order before going out. Yet, she did all things in a calm and steady way.  Then they were able to travel with a feeling of rest and peace.

My husband and I recently went on a trip. As we packed and prepared to go, I thought of the way my parents did their packing. Their example of working in an orderly way has helped to guide me.  As we got ready for our trip, I wanted to make sure we didn't forget anything.

I said to my husband, "Let's bring the umbrellas. It might rain."  I wrote out a list of all the things we needed. We packed our suitcases and our picnic bags with food for the drive and for our journey.   I made sure the house was neat and the dishes were done before we walked out the door.

Driving through Boston, April 2024

 

On this trip, we visited our relatives and attended a funeral of a beloved family member. The brief sermon and prayers were comforting and lovely.  It was wonderful to see everyone and to remember the old days. 

 

View from the car as we entered the historic cemetery, April 2024.

 

There were sad and somber moments, but we were grateful to have been able to make the trip.

Now we are back home.  I am working on settling in to my old homemaking routine after a long journey.  One of the first things I did was to bake a batch of bread. We were running low on so many things.  A Kerosene delivery arrived while we were away. This will provide us with heat for part of the house.  The cold days in Vermont last well into May.  I will need to save up to pay this bill and to work hard at saving money to replenish our emergency fund. 

I am thinking about watching old episodes, on DVD, of The Waltons. This will bring inspiration in managing on a low income and remind me of a variety of ways to make do and to make things last.  

We have many projects, here at home, that need our attention. There is spring clean-up of the grounds and much organizing and cleaning to do indoors.   We hope to have our grandchildren visit us frequently this summer. Settling back into the familiar routine is taking some time for me to adjust. I miss my extended family and hope we can see them again soon. 

As I look out the front window at the grounds of our Estate, I am so grateful for our rural mountain village.  This is a quiet life focused on family and home.  It is a blessing to just rest and to stay home.

Blessings

Mrs. White

From the Archives -

My Mother's Example - Housekeeping All Day.

Several Generations in one House - Keeping the Family Homestead.

Ideas for a Restful Home life - Peace be Upon This House.

 

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Mrs. White's special book for homemakers: 

 

"Introduction to Home Economics:  Gentle Instruction to Find Joy in Christian Homemaking." 

 

Paperback, 200 pages.