Total lunar eclipse...of the heart...

It's bitter cold tonight; midnight has yet to come and go and already frost slicks my back walkway. Still, Sammy and I were just outside braving the dropping temperature: He was answering nature's call and I was gazing up at the moon as it was swallowed whole by Rahu.

I thought to shoot an arrow at the giant snake, but then realized that I don't have my bow here at the homestead yet.

I started to run inside to grab some pots and pans to bang together, then decided that might only be good enough to frighten a dragon away.

Then I thought, what if it's not Rahu but just the Great Bear fighting with the moon again. They've worked things out in the past so they probably would again.

So I stood there shivering and continued watching as the moon slowly darkened to a thinner and thinner crescent...until I remembered that some cultures believe that an eclipse happens when the moon makes love with another heavenly body...

Not wanting to intrude, I led Sammy back inside and let them have their privacy.

The River Rose House...

I took this photo of my parents once we went back to my house after the Closing (they're standing at the head of the hallway that connects the main house to the apartment):


Like most families, ours have had their share of ups and downs and, looking back, I think my younger brother and I had a pretty typical childhood...anything that may have differed from how our peers were raised stemming mainly from the fact that our parents emigrated from the Philippines to the US and, therefore, had the culture they grew up with influencing the decisions they made regarding our upbringing.

But for all the times in the past (and in the present!) that I've disagreed with my parents' opinions and the choices that they've made, I've always known that their intent comes from a place of unconditional love (and unfortunately I've known a lot of 'kids' who can't say the same about their parents).

I've seen the myriad expressions that have crossed their faces during the entire purchase process (excitement, disapproval, approval, worry) but, in the end, there they are in the photo above, smiling happily at me!

So I just wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you to my dad and mom for the lifetime of support, especially most recently with my purchase of the Riverstone House.

I had wanted to do one other thing to thank them, most especially my mom...I had thought to change the name of the house to the River Rose House since my mom's name is Rosario which, when broken down, means Rose (rosa) and River (rio). Unfortunately I don't think that this can easily be done since the home's name is recorded in so many places.

Still, they say that it's the thought that counts and, knowing my mom, I'm sure that that is enough...

New chapter...

The Riverstone House is now officially mine and Sammy's new home!

My parents came to the Closing yesterday, which went smoothly, and afterwards we ran some errands in the area, moved a few things in, met with the home security system guys, and one of the neighbors. The Closing on my condominium isn't happening for another several weeks though so I'll be going back and forth and taking my time moving all of my things in.

Here are a few photos I took of the interior of my house:

Exposed stone wall in the common room

Enclosed front porch (and Sammy!)

Kitchen fireplace (one of four)

River view from my kitchen

It's been a hectic two days and I can't wait until I'm finally settled in. And then it will be more hectic times, I'm sure, what with the restorations and renovations I'll be starting. It's exciting and a bit intimidating when I think about the new chapter I'll be writing, not only in the story of my life, but also in the long history of the homestead, on my stewardship of the land...