Come on in

Some of the cousins, ages 15-35 (above), and a "grand-cousin"(Caroline) posed on our porch last evening at the end of this summer's reunion with two of Michael's brothers and their families. We were pleased to host the gathering this year at our new house. The weather was sparkling and cool, perfect for a backyard cookout. The butter-and-sugar corn from Morris's Farm a half-mile away, the beefsteak tomatoes, the homemade pies and lemon squares: trust me, it was all good.

One benefit of having company is that it provides a deadline for house-cleaning chores. Last week we scrambled to finish unpacking boxes from our move one month ago. Finally the house - save a few cluttered corners of my sunroom/office where I type this - is pretty much finished.

Take a look. Here's what our guests saw yesterday in our little house.


The living room, with Kevin manning the TV remote.


The dining area, which is on the left when you walk in the front door. The wooden rooster on the wall was the handmade weathervane on our Little Compton workshop/shed; it blew down in a storm and we've hung it in all of our kitchens since then.


Looking toward our front door.


The reading area near the front door, opposite the dining area. Michael and I love our leather recliners! (See Exhibit A, below.)


My sunroom/office is directly ahead.


Looking from front entry toward living room in back. Yes, that is Daisy's bed under the stairs.


From dining area into the kitchen: Melinda on duty.


The kitchen (with snacks ready for the reunion).


Michael walks in the front door.


From back of the living room, looking toward kitchen and front of house.


Part of our bedroom. We wake up to bay views out the front window by our bed.



View from the second-story deck.


Daisy and I walk the beach every morning. I collect litter; she collects fascinating smells....


... and we both collect the views. (This one is looking northwest at Brushneck Cove.)

Y'all come back soon!