Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

We have lived many places since I married my husband in 2000. First it was Nebraska, then on to Okinawa, Japan, then Texas and now we find ourselves living in the English countryside. I do get lonesome out here at times. It is very, very, quiet during the day and this is the first time we have opted not to live in base housing. When we first saw this house we knew we wanted it. Not quite sure why, just felt a pull towards it. It would mean a 45 minute commute for my husband every day but he didn't seem phased by that at all. Since I home school I wouldn't have to drive the kids to and from the base everyday so that wouldn't be a problem. We moved in September and set about trying to get used to the fact that we had so much space all to ourselves. One thing I know I will not get used to is walking out on a clear night, looking up, and seeing thousands of points of light. As simple as stars are to most people we really have not been able to view them this clearly in years. Most of the places we have lived were very crowded and the lights from homes and businesses would drown out any light we might have seen from the sky. Not here! You walk out, look up, and have your own planetarium. Crystal clear views of every constellation available this time of year in this region. I still remember the first time the kids realized they were able to see them. They really had not seen stars from their own yard ever and never so clear and bright. They stared for as long as their necks could tolerate it, astounded by their beauty. It brought back so many memories for me. Growing up on our farm in Maryland, stars were there just like that every night. Reliable friends that came out when the sun went down without fail. I used to lay down in my Dad's pick-up seat and look out the back window while he drove. My own private sparkly theater. Though I am older now and have children of my own the wonder of those little, twinkling lights in the sky has not faded for me. And, tonight I am grateful for those stars. I am thankful that we live somewhere where I can see them clearly. How wonderful it is to be able to see the beauty of the universe in your own backyard. What a gift!