Rabbit Rabbit Everyone!

Well, haven't I been in my hibernation hole for a long time huh. 

I simply haven't had the time, energy or gumption to blog for months. I've kept up with your blogs just not my own. But now it feels like it's time to start again. I don't know if it's the end of summer's heat and hustle 'n' bustle or perhaps the more quiet, familiar routine of fall .... but it feels right. 

I had a wonderful summer. No kids at all other than a daughter visiting at the end of August. There was lots of downtime, lots of beach and swimming and farm markets and solo musical evenings on the deck. It was a time of much needed breathing space as I changed jobs unexpectedly. But I won't bore you with all that. Let's just get into the joy and happiness of sharing with blog friends.

It's become official: Fall is my favorite season! I love the cool mornings and evenings and the (still) comfortably short-sleeved daytimes. I know that will change soon; tomorrow I guess we'll be needing our galoshes and maybe even a row boat or two! Big rains coming! But for today, I'm still comfortably bare legged. The leaves have only just begun to change; so there's still the excitement of sharing that with my 2 international kids, as well as the anticipation of apples and pumpkins and Thanksgiving in October and all the change and beauty that autumn brings.

I have my returning Japanese student, Chihiro, and a new German girl, Annkatrin. Annkatrin is a bit of a challenge in a completely different way for me. She's no extra trouble; she appears for meals when I call her, she will help when I ask her. But she's so quiet and introverted that she's like a ghost child. She doesn't speak only in 1 or 2 word monotone answers to questions that she's asked; she doesn't seem to have an opinion; even Chihiro has a hard time getting her to talk on their walks to and from school. Usually after a month, most students will begin to feel comfortable and you see some of their personality. But this little one is a tough nut to crack.

I worry about my kids. Every Mom (home and abroad) wants them to enjoy themselves. Perhaps she's like this at home. I know she loved the few little excursions we've taken so far. So perhaps I'm worrying needlessly. Regardless, I shall love her and keep her safe and warm and hope that by the time she's ready to go home, this experience will have helped her to blossom into a new confidence.

She has a sweet tooth, so pumpkin pie and Halloween treats should make her smile.  And Autumn scarecrows, turkey 'n' gravy and colorful leaves are sure to win her over, huh?  

I know they have with me!

It's good to be back my friends.