A beautiful morning in April; I stood outside my picturesque centuries old cabin made with strong hands using man-made materials, and materials from God’s earth. Horizontal logs that are notched into gable wall logs created the purlin roof. The site I saw before my hazel eyes brought me happiness and joy. “Thank you Lord”, I spoke out loud and looked up towards the heavens. Scenic blue sky filled with fluffy white clouds with the bright sun peeking through them. The birds- American goldfinch and American robins flew by creating a breathtaking skyscape.

 I strolled to my flower beds located in the front of the cabin carrying a plastic green watering can filled with water. The beds filled with flowers bloomed several varieties of colorful maternal generation irises, clementine roses, and Shasta daisies. A group of gnomes and angels played peek-a-boo through the curtain of flowers. A black metal mailbox atop a white post secured to the ground in a small hole filled with concrete was located at the intersection of weathered board boxes filled with gravel creating sidewalks. Circling the post are three eight-inch terra cotta pots nestled into matching saucers. A rainbow of blooming petunias overflowed their rims.

A single pathway, strip of concrete, parted the flower beds down the middle. It tucked into the base of seven long caramel brown wooden plank steps reminding me of the seven days of the week. Hand carved wood railings adorned each side of the steps as they lead to a rustic porch. From the base of the steps, I admired the handcrafted oak wooden door.  It stood proudly just across the porch showing off its oval glass window complete with a hand-etched rose. I could feel its hand waving me inside.

    To the left of the door, a large copper porch gas lamp glistened in the sunlight. Mounted on the house next to the right of the door is a tech savvy doorbell with a motion sensor camera.  Hmm, oddly out of place in this picturesque wonderment. On the west side of the house, a set of steps were removed to add another modern touch-a pine board handicap ramp. Now anyone could enter this magnificent home with ease.

     I strolled over to a  group of purple generation irises that were passed on from my maternal  grandmother.  I leaned over drawing in an aromatic sniff. Two black and yellow honey bees flew out of the petals and I quickly stood up; watching the bees as they flew away. I peered into each grouping of flowers, sniffing, and admiring the colors. Suddenly, I felt a sneeze coming; I covered my mouth and nose with my hands. I sneezed once-twice, silently I said”Bless me” then dropped my hands.