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| Picturesque little gate at Sandburg Home |
It's been too long since I've last posted, the reason being that we decided to sell our house and downsize. Things progressed at lightning speed, and in a day, we'd sold our home and needed to start looking for a smaller one! Lord willing, we'll be in our new home soon. In the meantime, we've been in a transition home, wonderfully situated in quiet Flat Rock, a short walk from the Carl Sandburg Home.
We have been overcome by the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Kendall Bryan of Jacksonville, and their adult children, in allowing us to rest here for a few weeks while we bridge the gap between houses. What a treat it's been to get to know the grounds where the author and poet Sandburg lived the last thirty-plus years of his life. We've made the most of our short stay here, taking frequent walks to the Sandburg Home, as well as enjoying the yard, and walking also to the post office (to check where our mail now goes!), and to the quaint restaurants and gift shop of Flat Rock.
We've managed to stay in a school routine, as I brought all of the books were reading. I wasn't sure how school would look, but quickly decided we needed the routine. It has been a wonderful learning experience for us in many ways. I picked up two books in the Sandburg gift shop: Rootabaga Stories, from which the girls and I read several nights a week, and Mary Lincoln, Wife and Widow, a thoroughly interesting and captivating biography. How extraordinary to spend time in these works, as well as at the author's home!
Here are some shots I've taken while exploring:
This breathtaking view is part of the street where we're staying. We walk past it to get to Sandburg's home.
On Sunday I explored a new trail on the Sandburg property. I stopped at a bench here, and enjoyed the tranquility for a few moments.
Lots of water on the property means lots of rhododendron!
The tail end of the trail that leads to the back side of the Sandburg Home...
...and this is where I ended up. There is something breathtaking about emerging out of the woods and seeing the Sandburg house; it's so serene and storybook, like a child allowed to play on the kind author's property!
I had been to the Sandburg Home before, but living within walking distance and experiencing it like we have over the past few weeks have made it special for us. This goes right along with a Charlotte Mason life: living books, nature study, fresh air, ideas...we never get tired of it!
I love the green of the farm manager's house, which now houses employees.
My children's favorite part of the property is visiting the goats. A main reason for moving to Flat Rock was the climate, in which Mrs. Sandburg could breed and raise her prize-winning goats. The goats here today are descendants of hers'. They roam freely, and are friendly with visitors.
Pop John visited and also enjoyed the goats!
Interesting bits of nature that my girls discovered
The charming Sandburg home
The Lord has blessed us richly during our moving transition time. Many thanks again to the Bryan family! What sweet memories we will have!
The back yard at the house where we're temporarily staying. Flat Rock yards are largely covered with moss. This yard is peaceful and safe.
He looks at us through the back windows!
Until next time; hopefully not too long!
