That turned out to be a cabin in West Virginia. Driving distance is relative, of course, in DC traffic - it still took me three hours to go 85 miles (about 130km). But once I arrived it was idyllic. I researched, but didn't plan anything, which meant I spent lots of time sitting around in the woods reading books and drinking coffee. I did manage to eat out a few times, but the best meal I had, I cooked myself using garden tomatoes and cheese my cousin AinA had brought from Europe.
I also thought carefully about whether I'd like to live in a place like this someday. When I retire, my current financial plan dictates that I can either stay in DC in my house while having a roommate,or move to a lower cost-of-living area and have my home to myself. I have sometimes considered that a college town in Pennsylvania, within driving distance of my parents, might bring the diversity and cultural aspects that would allow me to thrive in a small town. Spending the weekend in West Virginia added a few more qualifications: I don't want to have to drive everyday and I need to figure out exactly what I mean by diversity. I like my life now, where I'm in the car about twice a week. And I'm pretty sure that diversity means more than different skin colors: what I love is people with a variety of experiences, who haven't all lived in the same place their entire lives. I don't know if this wish list is even possible, but if I don't start creating it, I'll never know what to look for.
And finally, some hiking pictures.
The woods were very green for late summer, and exceptionally peaceful. I only saw four people in three hours, and luckily managed not to encounter any rattlesnakes (although I did see evidence of them).
Ada has no fear of heights, and walked right up to the edge of this cliff, which has a several-hundred foot drop. This is terrifying in a creature that is tied to you.
6 comments:
Super photos - you found an idyllic spot to relax. We love our holidays in West Wales, but we wouldn't contemplate retiring there - it is too isolated if you need modern help.
Yes, it would be interesting to hear what the fuller meaning of diversity would be.
It sounds like the days at the cabin were refreshing. I guess that is why people have cabins in the mountains.
I will have to share these pictures of Ada with the girls, they will be delighted! Last week we were at a wedding and Sausage was pretending again to be Molly. They were a bit shocked when I showed them a book on Ada Lovelace though - think they need to mull over how that person in the book is related to Ada the beloved dog.
I would also add that it is great to be quantifying what you want and what you think you want.
AinA, I love that you are trying to teach the girls about Ada Lovelace. Maybe it's time to show them the periodic table, so they can learn why Molly is really named Molybdenum? It's never to early for the periodic table :)
Dear Renee Michelle -
Thanks for the insight you have shared. I do question, too, what the diversity I am looking for as well. I am looking forward to a new adventure in central Florida that will be starting in only a few weeks!
Hope to see you before I depart Maryland.
Cheers,
-jg
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