In Conclusion

This is poem by the door at Val and Cliff's house and expresses how I felt when I lived in this special place.

If ever you lived on an island

If ever you lived by the sea;

You'll never return to the mainland

Once your spirit has been set free.

If you've ever smelled the ocean

Or tasted the salt in the air;

You know you discovered a haven

That is uncommon, precious and rare.

If you've ever seen the whales play

Or watch the eagles in flight;

You'll remember, again, why you like it here

And why it feels so right.

If you've ever seen the sunset

As the ferry passed the shore;

You've seen the beauty of the island

That will be with you forever more.

If you've ever seen the seagulls

The waves, a foghorn, the winds;

Then you've heard the song of the island

And the peaceful message it sends.

Indeed if you live on an island

If you're lucky to live by the sea;

You'll never return to the mainland

Once your spirit has been set free.

And then I did leave and found another heart home that I love.....no one has to have just one heart home.

So here are pictures of my home in Northern California, tucked among the redwoods and firs and above the Russian River.

I park up here and walk down to my home.

Down through the gate to my porch

Welcome all !!!

My view out across the river to hills beyond

Porch to my front door

My little living room and ....

my dining room and kitchen (all one room)

In my back yard looking up at my house 

Looking across the yard 

Entrance to the little apt. I built under my house

And so this journey is over AND.........

"The road goes ever on and on

down from the door where it began.

Now far ahead the road has gone,

And I must follow if I can.

Pursuing it with eager feet,

Until it joins some larger way

Where many paths and errands meet.

And whither then? I cannot say."

Bilbo Baggins