Tsuga Moves In
"Some day I want a house-- an two-story old house, with double porches, a walnut staircase just inside the front door, and a creek out back. And I've seen a name I want for our place. We'll call it 'HeresHome' -- all one word."
A. First 1975
When we found this place of Ann's dreams, even though naming little hobby farms seemed silly and too-cute to me, I had the sign made and gave it to her the month we finally grew grass in the front yard. Buster was there for the ceremony. This is Buster's place. We grew to know it as he grew from a tiny pup to a sturdy gentle giant of a dog. He was with us from the month after we signed the papers. He and I drove over here from the cabin on Walnut Knob every day for six months while the construction guys were working on the place and he and I did what we could to help. As Ann and I moved our lives into this house and these hills, Buster was as big a part of HeresHome as the valley itself. Now he is gone, but the sign still stands out front.
Tsuga is growing into his role around here. For a comparison of his first picture by the HeresHome sign, take a look here. As much as we miss Buster, I'll have to say, I can see his successor moving into the original owner's paws rather nicely.
Comments
Wonderful post, Fred. I know Buster is looking on approvingly and enjoys watching the new "Guardian of the Estate"!
Posted by: Gretchen | December 30, 2003 7:06 AM
That is so sweet Fred...it brought tears to my eyes.
When we newly married and very young we passed through Hong Kong...too poor to do much more than window shop. As we waited for the ferry, I longingly looked at pearls in a window display. The SU apologised that we didn't have money to spare. I laughed and hugged him and said "Nevermind, someday" and told him a story about the Vanderbilt women...who were always given a 60" string of pearls upon marrying into the family (my paternal family is Dutch). I never spoke of pearls again.
Twenty-five years later I picked him up at the airport from a business trip to Japan. As I slid over to the passenger seat he tossed a velvet bag into my lap...60" pearls.
Posted by: feste | December 30, 2003 6:07 PM
Wow, feste, what a marvelous story! You and SU must be a great "fit". (60" of pearls is nearly enough to rope cattle with!)
Posted by: Cop Car | December 31, 2003 6:24 AM
See. We troglodytes have our tender moments. Right guys?
Posted by: fredf | December 31, 2003 6:32 AM
Yes, you do...Ann's a lucky woman.
One of the best things about fragments is that you touch upon common memories. I haven't thought about Hong Kong for ages.
Posted by: feste | December 31, 2003 11:48 AM