A Weekend in the Country

We had the opportunity to spend time with friends in their country home in upstate NY. It is a challenge for me to be a house guest anywhere. I feel like I have to be on perfect behavior. Be a good guest, help, don't be a sloth and a pig in someone else's haven. This time was very different. We all belonged, no one was dragged. The home was beautiful, comfortable, and peaceful.  At night it was so, so quiet. No sounds at all. No sirens. No people. No dogs. No howling hyenas or coyotes.  Just perfectly quiet and still.  The darkness was the definition of dark.  Night time is pitch black.  

Maybe that's why I am hesitant to live in the country. I believe all those ghost and horror stories told to me when I was young and slumber parties. Darkness is scary. No good comes in the pitch blackness of night. Our friends don't lock the doors at night. Are you kidding me?  It makes my mind work overtime. It's a perfectly safe neighborhood, until it's not. I don't want to be there when it's not. There are no street lamps. The roads are all blind curves to drive on in the night. It reminded me of the darkness of Tuscany of night.  I really think it's part of the fear I have of country life. I never really got that until this weekend.  Though, the weekend in no way was scary. Our hosts were flawless, but the darkness became the 9th character when the sun went down. 

Sleeping was a challenge for a city girl, but the peaceful calm overtook the darkness of the night and slumber came. Ultimately, it was perfectly relaxing, but in the back of my mind was the undercurrent of horror story after horror story. I survived and flourished. Hopefully, it's the first of many adventures that will open up to me even at my advanced age.

Thank you to great and easy hosts.

Sidebars:  Oy, The Bachelor. Pushing me beyond all reason. I wish that I had a fast forward button and can confirm what all the rumors on the internet are saying.  Ben sent home Kacie B. last night and she was in the sad limo ride to the airport crying and asking why didn't he like me, why did he let me go.  Kacie B., if I could reach you, it's because you are too good for him. 

The Voice is by far the most interesting, satisfying, and entertaining singing competition show. If you aren't watching, give it a try. 

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