four years before we had moved to Mississippi and now, with plans changed once more, we were back in town searching for another home. It didn't take long for the search to begin trying my limited patience. I wanted my "stuff". If you've ever moved and had things in storage, you know what I mean.
One humorous friend suggested that we name our abode "Snowstorm" and pretend we were just vacationing, caught up in a snowstorm.
As fall seemed to fade with each painted leaf and the winds of winter whistled across the door of the northeast basement apartment we were renting I began to feel as if we might be there through the long dark, and cold, winter.
Perhaps my friend was right, so I got out my calligraphy pen, leftover from yet another attempt to learn something new, and wrote the name on a piece of white cardboard, from the laundry, which had been folded up in my husband's white shirt. I dutifully taped the newly made sign onto the door, knowing it would delight my clever friend, and resigned myself to the long cold winter at Snowstorm apartment.
One humorous friend suggested that we name our abode "Snowstorm" and pretend we were just vacationing, caught up in a snowstorm.
As fall seemed to fade with each painted leaf and the winds of winter whistled across the door of the northeast basement apartment we were renting I began to feel as if we might be there through the long dark, and cold, winter.
Perhaps my friend was right, so I got out my calligraphy pen, leftover from yet another attempt to learn something new, and wrote the name on a piece of white cardboard, from the laundry, which had been folded up in my husband's white shirt. I dutifully taped the newly made sign onto the door, knowing it would delight my clever friend, and resigned myself to the long cold winter at Snowstorm apartment.
Each time an acquaintance or friend learned of something available we would be informed that it was on the market. We settled in and things looked more and more like we would be waiting until spring time when children would be finishing up their school years and folks might be planning moves.
One of my very dearest friends who was on into her eighties, and well-connected in our town, belonging to almost every notable organization, had continued to be very diligent about keeping up with availabilities, always on the alert to find a house for us not too far from her.
Then early one morning, just as I poured my first cup of coffee, the wall phone by the pantry in the kitchen jangled me to attention
Known for her direct and somewhat curt, greetings, she did not disappoint me that morning with her familiar straightforward approach, as she launched right into her reason for calling.
Then early one morning, just as I poured my first cup of coffee, the wall phone by the pantry in the kitchen jangled me to attention
Known for her direct and somewhat curt, greetings, she did not disappoint me that morning with her familiar straightforward approach, as she launched right into her reason for calling.
She excitedly proclaimed "Joy, Mary Lee just called. The hearse just came for Miriam. I know you will like her house. You should get over there and see it!"
-Joy S. Barefoot
