My New (Old) Home!

Since returning from Cape Cod, I’ve packed all my belongings, sold my home in Baltimore, and moved to a precious little log cabin in an historic district in central PA! The days have been spent  unpacking, arranging, antiquing, gardening and finding professionals to  get my little home ready for fall!

Family and friends have made the move more delightful  than I could have imagined! We’ve shared many meals here already - mostly delivered by loved ones so I can  spend my time moving in - not cooking. Yesterday evening the troops showed up with hedge trimmers, clippers and a chain saw, to weed, trim bushes, and trees. Having help is  such a blessing and makes getting settled so much  more fun! I don’t think I’ve ever felt so welcome anywhere in my entire life! 

The former owners gave me a stack of papers at settlement with articles and information from people who have lived here over the span of more  than 200 years. It includes a map of all of the plants that surrounded the cabin. Lambs ears, day lilies and lilacs remain, and it includes a list of those that need to be replaced. Many of my favorites are on the map and will be added in time - bleeding hearts, rosemary, foxgloves and more.

Both of my daughters brought me herbs and vegetables they started growing months ago so I’d have a ready made garden when I arrived! I have four huge pots filled with 1. tomatoes and basil plants, 2. a pepper plant, 3. a cucumber (who has already given me 7 cucumbers) and 4. a container with sage, parsley and dill!  I’ve also planted a garden behind the house with my gifts of  tomatoes, basil, peppers, lavender, marigolds, zinnias, Brussel sprouts and broccoli.

I’ve spent  hours unpacking and arranging inside, but the herbs and plants outside are what make the cabin most dear to my heart. The surrounding area, with the the mill, stream and Cumberland County Rails to Trails, offers a wealth of outdoor activities! The fountain, lovely every day, has a Last Friday of the month event, featuring a live band!

One of the members of  the Historical Society, located next door, said they have a lot more information about  the cabin, the people who lived here, and the events that unfolded during its many years of existence. It’s humbling to live in this dear little cabin, and I’m looking forward to learning more about it!