Sylvia's Journal

Tessa and Steve picked us up at the airport and drove us along the scenic route 1A to Manchester under bright blue skies – something that is a bit of a novelty this year. The grass was mowed, the flowers in full bloom, the garden full of vegetables and the house spic and span. Tessa had filled a large vase with beautiful flowers from the garden, baked bread and prepared us a beautiful homecoming. So beautiful that it made us wonder for a moment about why we would want to leave this place and exchange it for a hot, dusty and dangerous one.

We checked out the garden, picking sweet peas from the vine; we swam in cool Lobster Cove and sat on the beach with a cold beer watching Chicha and other dogs romp around as the sun slowly sank down towards the trees.

Woody came to inquire about Kabul, driving up in his antique car with his dogs in the back and a drink in his hands, the kind of scene that goes with the song ‘Summertime, when the living is easy….’ For dinner we feasted on our own broccoli, fresh corn and grilled hotdogs and hamburgers. It was the best possible homecoming we could wish. We are very grateful for all the good people and things in our life.

This morning I sorted through one month of mail and surveyed my office. After living from a suitcase for several weeks I was struck by the amount of unnecessary stuff I have. There is very little I really need and that has to go with me to Kabul in the fall. I suppose this is a good time to clean things out, pack up, throw out or give away.