How could I live anywhere else?

During the past seven years, we have continued to be pleasantly surprised with the great things to do/see/eat in the Cleveland area. But it took the possibility of moving again (after I posted for a job opening in the Home Office) to realize how much we had grown to love this area, and how many great friends we would miss. During the past three weeks, our lives seemed to be on hold, held hostage to the corporate application process. And no matter where I went, around the house or around the area, I realized how deep our roots were. We thought that it might be harder to leave Cleveland than it was to leave Chicago. I started planning one last run to Newell WV to stock up on Fiestaware, and tried to figure out how to dig up and move cuttings from all that hosta and ligularia. When the word finally came that I did not make the next cut, I was a little disappointed. After all, no one likes to hear: sorry, you’re not a good fit for us. But truth be told, I could barely contain my glee when I finally hung up the phone! I could plan which room to repaint next, put my rabbit collection out in the garden, we could go ahead and install the rain barrels, and yes, order those 3 yards of Sweet Peet!

So, could I live anywhere else and be happy? Probably. But not for a long while. I love our house and garden, and yes, I love Cleveland.