Buying a home is a huge step--for normal people. For someone like me whose only roots are those bits that show between hair colors, making the decision to settle, put down real roots and purchase a house was a step of astronomical proportions. There was a permanence about it. An end to my nomad days. And acceptance of the fact that this is now where I'm to be "from". I now live here. Here takes my taxes. Here is where my children will be educated.

We found this house in the winter. Crunching over left over snow to explore the back yard. Jumping up and down on the floorboards to see just how badly they squeak upstairs. Expressing horror at the last owner's choice in colors and light fixtures. All the while feeling like we had come home.

Then came spring and the yard exploded in colorful surprises. Azaleas blooming. Lilies popping up everywhere. Dandelions. Hostas. Roses--that would have made Gramps smile.

Then, then, came the summer...

And I discovered a couple of Hibiscus plants in the back yard. I had no idea the plant could survive in this climate. Did not know it was perennial. The discovery was like a gift. An affirmation. If one tropical native could survive--and thrive--here, well then, so could I.