It has been another busy week. Our disaster loan is in the final stages of approval by the government agency handling the paperwork. Our building plans are in the hands of the county building department and should be approved sometime in the next week or so. Our contractor is preparing the area where the house will sit. Our wellhead and all its electronics survived; the cistern only needs minor repairs. Our home has a place to land when the factory moves it off their lot. First Reader and I have been cutting grass and clearing dead trees as time and weather allow.

After 602 days, we finally feel like life is moving forward.

Last year, we were still reeling from the blow of losing our home and everything in it. Getting up to the property to begin caring for acres of damaged trees was overwhelming. We made it up there once or twice to trim a patch of the meadow, but not enough to make much of an impact. And, of course, we picked through the debris to find anything that survived. But this year is different.

This year we have more motivation to begin restoring the land. We will concentrate on trimming the surviving pines and removing the dead wood. While First Reader scares the bejeezus out of herself on the riding mower, I turn into Lumber Jae and bring down whatever I can handle without hurting myself. I also run the weed whacker, and I’m wiped out by the end of the day. I spend a lot of time sitting and staring at the computer most days, so outdoor activity is good for me.

We welcome the change of pace. It sure beats the hell out of wondering if we’ll ever have a place of our own again. And that prospect is looking better every day.