What is up, friends? I haven’t posted in months because I have been doing so many things—having Covid, teaching at the college, planting my garden, doing my directed readings for my masters portfolio, burying my last living grandmother. When I recovered from Covid I again felt grateful for my good health. I relished the feel of digging in the soil with my bare hands as I planted peas, onions, carrots, lettuce, tomatoes, and some flowers to attract the bees. I filled my mind until I thought it would explode as I studied this semester. I reflected on my mortality at my grandma’s passing, and I felt so much gratitude for reaching the age I have and getting to have her for so long. In short, it’s been a busy spring. 

Now I am getting ready to go help my brother move in Texas, go to girls camp with a bunch of 12-18 year old young ladies, and shuttle my kids to camps, pools, libraries, lakes, and anywhere the wind takes us this summer. 

I just interviewed a couple of caregivers, and I can’t wait to make time to honor their work. They have really contributed a lot to the local caregiver community in the Washington County area, and I’m excited to tell a little about them soon. 

One of the exciting things I’m working on is a podcast regarding attainable housing in our county. Housing costs have truly become a huge issue with the skyrocketing prices of homes. Just this week I have seen two of my favorite businesses, River Rock Roasting Company, and JoAnn, post notices on their doors that they will be closed some evenings. I’m sure there are complicated reasons, but we are seeing a lot of people in the service industry have to leave our area because they can’t afford to live and work here with rent the way it is. I attended a Housing Action sub-committee meeting today and heard that even the hospital is struggling to keep employees because the cost of housing in Washington County is pushing people away from our labor market. 

I guess what I’m saying with this post is, Hello Summer! I can’t wait to enjoy everything you have to offer. I hope I can offer something back.