March 29, 2024

Column: Home sweet home

Sometimes you just need some time at home to recharge your batteries.

Not home where laundry, dishes, cleaning and other projects await — your parents’ home where they are elated with your company and feed you. (I just told my mom I need something to snack on and she responded “sugar, salt or vegetables?” She’s now getting me some celery. She’s also baking a cherry pie for President’s Day. My mom is kind of the best.)

When my son and I found ourselves without plans on a beautiful Saturday afternoon I knew we were bound for the farm. My parents have lived on their acreage in Greene County ever since I graduated from high school. Formerly the home of my grandparents, it’s been a longtime refuge with unmatched peace and quiet. It’s also pretty nifty to have a lot of ground for a young boy with lots of energy to blow off some steam. When I was a kid, we had a go-cart, but these days kids tear around in a golf cart. It’s probably much safer.

Saturday night I found myself gazing at a sky full of stars and feeling entirely grateful for unseasonably warm weather and a clear sky. I spent the night visiting with my parents and catching up on my life (work, parenting) and their lives (retirement, doctor’s appointments).

There are two places I almost always have to visit when I’m home. One is Spring Lake, a 50-acre lake with plentiful trails and wooded areas for hiking. Again thanks to spring-like temperatures I was able to enjoy a jog and take in the pleasant atmosphere. Also thanks to it not being official camping season, nobody was there to see me gasping for breath and nearly dying at times.

During the summer, Spring Lake is ideal for swimming and laying out — and if you’re a little boy collecting tadpoles and turtles. This is probably my son’s favorite place aside from the creek (pronounced crick around these parts) that is within golf cart-driving distance from my parents’ house.

The other place I visit when I’m home is the casino, which is kind of funny because I’ve never gambled in my life. When the Wild Rose Casino opened a couple of years ago in Jefferson, I discovered its gift shop has cute Iowa-themed items. I grew sort of addicted to this candle that’s supposed to smell like Grey’s Lake and reminds me of when I spent lots of time there in my 20s. They also have cute baby stuff for my niece and nephew. I struck out on the candles and cute stuff this trip to the casino but had a good chat with the clerk who promised to step it up.

Another favorite at the farm is gravel travel and country music. When I’m at the farm I listen to a station called “True Country” that plays the really stuff like Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson and Tammy Wynette. While I typically listen today’s hits, this small indulgence in classic country makes me truly happy. Having the sunroof open this weekend made it all the better.

So after a few decent meals I didn’t have to create, some quality time with my folks, a cruise around the acreage on the golf cart and my two usual stops I’m feeling whole again. Dorothy was right — there’s no place like home.

Contact Abigail Pelzer
at apelzer@newtondailynews.com