It's been warm and sunny for the past two days. Yesterday we did some stuff, which you can read about on Allan's blog. This afternoon we also went out, on foot this time.
First we walked down to Common Grounds and had coffee. We sat out on their back patio area and enjoyed the mild breeze. Charbucks is much closer, but we prefer the ambiance (and the coffee!) at Common Grounds. When the sun was no longer shining on my face, I suggested that we start walking back. We had plenty of time before dark, but I wanted to make a stop on the way home. And we still had to go to Kroger for some things for dinner.
Next we stopped in The Black Market (no website for this eclectic little shop). I love the different kinds of items, jewelry, and clothing here. We spotted a clock we have been wanting to get, and I found just the thing I've been looking for to hold my rings. Bonus!
Feeling good, we left The Black Market and headed for Kroger to get some cheese. We're making pizza for dinner.
The entire time we were out, I just had this grateful feeling. I'm so glad we live in a neighborhood that has access to such local treasures. I'm so glad the weather is beautiful (and as I write this, the sun is just beginning to set). But mostly, I'm grateful to be where I am today. One year ago, I was in Lexington, but it was a week-long visit. Two days later I had to go back to Small Town, France, to my life that didn't have much purpose. Once I realized that I wasn't going to find work besides going back into teaching, I mostly just stayed in my apartment all day long. I did see my kids on the weekends (29 hours straight with them; I calculated). It wasn't all that great. So here I am. I miss my kids like crazy, but I'm happy to be where I am. In a year's time, I hope my kids will live here with us.
Boy, that got all long and rambling, didn't it? All I thought I wanted to say was how much I love living here.
I've been meaning to tell you, I've enjoyed our relationship a lot more since you moved here than when you were in France too. I am sooooo glad you moved here. It's worked out really well for me, I'm glad it's worked out well for you too!
Posted by: The CEO | November 26, 2006 at 17:52
We had our first snow today. I love living here too. It's nice to like where you live isn't it?
Posted by: Karan | November 26, 2006 at 20:27
Cool clock.
I hope your kids are here soon, Ali.
Posted by: David | November 26, 2006 at 20:34
I love living in my place too, although I could use some warm and sunny. And we got the same snow as Karan, which was nice to wake up to on a Sunday morning where I didn't have to do anything except make myself a cup of coffee and read the paper. Tomorrow will be different though. And as for S... Coffee, B...Airplane company and M computer company, they run my state and fund part of my salary, so I guess I have to be grateful.
Posted by: Margaret | November 26, 2006 at 20:47
I hate Charbucks. I didn't know anyone else called it that. I met an old lady who runs a coffee shop/tea salon. She's the person that made me start using that name.
Posted by: Mist 1 | November 26, 2006 at 22:16
Sounds like you made a good decision. I hope you will have your kids next year. What could be better?
Posted by: kristy | November 26, 2006 at 22:58
It's great to feel thankful for where you live and the people and things around you. You are one lucky gal!
Posted by: Jacynth | November 27, 2006 at 00:41
You've captured in words that "everything is just right" feeling.
Posted by: meredith | November 27, 2006 at 04:51
Ali, that was a beautiful post, and I'm happy you're happy.
Posted by: samantha | November 27, 2006 at 05:17
yayyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!! yay for you.
Posted by: cmhl | November 27, 2006 at 07:18
What a lovely neighbourhood, and I'm glad you're happy there.
Posted by: Katherine | November 27, 2006 at 07:45
hank has spoken so highly of lexington...and i hope one day to visit! it just sounds incredibly charming. and a lot like the town i grew up in. :)
Posted by: rebecca | November 27, 2006 at 13:06
Sounds like a great day. Thanks for visiting my blog as you followed the infamous mist1. Thanks so much for the compliment on Little Man!
Posted by: fringes | November 27, 2006 at 13:06
so kids soon!? that is great news. I know that it must be hard being seperated from them for so long.
lexington is a nice town!
Posted by: melanie | November 27, 2006 at 15:19
Hi Alison,
thanks for stopping by my site. I adore the clock you'll be getting. I'm especially impressed if it'll be the only clock in the house. Love your post and wish I could stop by Common Grounds...place looks perfect for writing.
Posted by: Kathie | November 27, 2006 at 19:37
A beautiful post Ali. My bitter half and our offspring refer to Charbucks as 'the Evil Empire.' Of course, many non-NYers think he sometimes means the other one owned by Steinbrenner.
Posted by: Ms. George | November 27, 2006 at 21:25
lovely ;)
Posted by: misschrisc | November 28, 2006 at 04:25
I think I read this right -- you're in Lexington, KY, right? When I read Common Grounds, I thought maybe Cleveland?
It's a coffee shop that I spent a large amount of my adolesence hiding in...
Posted by: Jonathon | November 28, 2006 at 11:44
The black Market
I love the name.
Posted by: Jack | November 28, 2006 at 12:08
It's so nice to be happy where you are. I've lived in lots of interesting places, and I must say that living here in Bucks County, PA with Don is the nicest place I've ever been.
Posted by: cassie-b | November 28, 2006 at 20:03
What a lovely post. It has CONTENTMENT written all over it. (I'm not a big fan of Starbucks' coffee either. Too strong for me!)
Posted by: panthergirl | November 30, 2006 at 05:52
Ohhhh, I just love days like the one you described. There is a sense of calmness, being, and wonderment. It's a great feeling to be appreciative of your surroundings.
Posted by: Stephanie Quilao | December 01, 2006 at 12:37
Hi Ali. Glad to find another blogger who loves Lexington like I do. I love Common Grounds as well but have not heard of The Black Market. Can you tell me more about it and where exactly it's located?
Looking forward to reading more on your blog. Hope things are well in your life.
Christian
Posted by: Christian | January 14, 2007 at 23:20