ROCKWALL COUNTY, TX (Sept. 19, 2025) It’s a pleasant September morning as I write to you, heralded by the rooster crowing at the appropriate sunrise hour today (sometimes he gets confused on timing.) The garden is amazing in its beauty, and I am thankful for the spectacular season we have had. Blooming is still abundant. We have enjoyed the most beautiful spring, summer and early fall in The Mildscape in 2025.
It’s been hectic and stressful for a bit around here; tumult generated by positive events, culminating into what we have desired since spring. Mildred is under contract, and we have found and contracted for our next home (yet unnamed.) If we thought being on the market and house shopping was unsettling, try negotiating two home deals at the exact same time, and add in a side of two home inspections within three days, both scheduled with lightning speed and both of which brought good result. I know many of y’all have done the same. It reminds me of giving birth, where every woman has a story to tell. Most everyone has a tale of selling or buying a home, the chaos and unexpected difficulties. One way or another, we all seem to end up settled in somewhere.
A month from now, the new mistress of Mildred and The Mildscape will be settling in here, and I will be passing the snippers and spades to her capable hands. I believe she is the perfect person to live here. And we should be in our new place, a comfy and sweet home, set on a curving street under umbrellas of green, mature trees. We are moving back across the lake to our old hometown, Rowlett. Neither Chris nor I were born there, but living in our home there was the longest either of us had lived in one place; and involvement in the community created ties that were stronger than we realized. It is our hometown.
Meantime – packing has begun! The task feels enormous and is physically more wearing than it was five years ago. It will be accomplished; though the last few days have shown that I must have serious intention about taking an hour of snooze in the afternoon, particularly as my brain is causing me to be wide awake at 5 a.m. sometimes 4:00, these last days.
The garden is brimming this morning with bumblebees bumbling, and dragonflies on sky patrol. The birds delight us with their song, and the hummingbird circus of migration is ongoing. We never tire of watching the silly things battle it out, laying down arms and sup at the feeder together, after which the skirmishes begin again.
I am reminded of how things should be in the big picture. Opposing viewpoints aside, we live side by side, share fellowship with our neighbors, seeking to live harmoniously, helping each other.
A most incredible moment took place here in the Mildscape, just moments ago. As I was writing, I paused and looked up from my words to dwell in the stillness, when a moment of magic, a gift of providence took place. I’ve been listening to much Cardinal conversation all around me this early morning. As I paused and looked up, the sound of a sudden flurry of wings came in, and seven – SEVEN Cardinals flew into The Mildscape, perching in tree branches, on the wall, atop the arch of the hummingbird feeder. Some flew back out over the wall, some have concealed themselves in the thick umbrella of the Crape Myrtle, another in an Eagleston Holly. I can still hear the cheeps and chirps of their voices. I’ve not seen such a phenomenon with Cardinals before. In this small garden – seven Cardinals at one time! My heart is leaping, and my eyes are weeping. Surely an affirmation of the moves we are making, a moment of magic to take with me, a blessing.
I hope such magic occurs in your life this week, as just happened in mine.
What a remarkable season this has been!
I’ll be back to fill you in on the new surrounds, once we transport back over, have unpacked our life again, and are settling in to another season of our pilgrimage.
By special contributor Sally Kilgore. She is married to her long-time flame, Judge Chris Kilgore. Sally’s work has been published in The Dallas Morning News, Blue Ribbon News, Persimmon Tree, and Orchards Poetry. She writes a blog on her website, SallyAKilgore.com. Contact her by email via her website.
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