...but first, the aroma of bacon frying and warm apple cinnamon muffins rises up the curved oak staircase. The slight rumble from within reminds you that it's been hours since you've eaten.
But... the magical out-of-doors awaits. Maybe you can have both ~ breakfast on the veranda surrounded by this lovely placid garden... food for the body and the soul ~ just the thing!
Look at that precious little basket hanging from the gate. Could it be that in years past a mail man dropped the postal greetings into its open mouth to be eagerly retrieved by someone from within?
Can you picture the elegant three-story Victorian house made a home by the joyous laughter of children and the love shared by a 1900's family that must be on this side of the pristine fence?
A large porch with a comfortable padded swing just outside the front door ~ a wicker table laden with a pitcher of freshly made lemonade and warm, just-baked cookies. An ornate, heavy door, decorated by an oval etched glass, the smooth walnut finish hand-carved to perfection with pride by some ninteenth century craftsman.
Centering it are the stately lace-draped windows filling the front rooms with sunlight. Two grand windows on either side of the door give us a peek at the tranquil life lived within them. From one such light-drenched pane may be heard the gently welcoming sounds of Beethoven being played on ivory keys encased in polished wood, beautifully displaying framed likenesses of generations gone before mingled with the present occupants in their "Sunday best."
The house, as well as her magnificent grounds speak out: "Welcome!�
Jeannie, ptl
by
Bruce Deboer
