Sharon, I get a little thrill of anticipation every time that I come to ATP and see that you have a new article or blog post. It is always a pleasure.
I often think of you in your teacher role, and how many people you have come to know over the years of being involved and influential in their lives. The wonderful thing about small home towns is that the majority of the people grow up, raise families of their own, and grow old there. It is a "community" in the best sense of everything that word conjures up. I grew up in the suburbs of D.C., and the block was our community, but it was always transient. Families come and go in a suburb like that, and there is never a feeling of it being a "home town". Also, I never had a teacher like you clearly were. I've been living in a small rural town for 20 years now, and love how the neighbors will jump in and lend a hand whenever and wherever it is needed. There are many multi-generations of families that reside here - to me, it is the epitome of a "home town", and I am glad every day to be a part of it, even if in a small way. I know you miss your mountains, but I know that you also love the place and the people that you have been a part of for all these years - lucky you, two "home towns"!
P.S. I'm glad your daylilies survived the assault - I like the color combo...
