@kilh I never even thought about the middle section of the country! You sure make it sound appealing. I would not want to have to drive 30 miles to get breakfast or dinner on a regular basis but going to a place where everyone knows you is always special. When I was single and worked in Boston, many, many years ago, we often went to a place after work where everyone knew us.
My garden is just two plants, a tomato one and a lemon cucumber one. I have never been a gardener but my daughter started these for me so I feel as if I have an obligation to keep them healthy.

@gingerw We see so many deer here. Yesterday there was a doe on our front lawn in the middle of the day. She seemed to be alone which is unusual. She just stood there for a long time before meandering off. The deer here do not seem to have much fear of people.

@hearttoheart1 Have you always lived in Ireland? I wish I could get there someday. I am 100% Irish by heritage. My brother did some work to find out where our relatives were from. He passed away a few years ago but I imagine his widow still has it. They went a couple of times trying to find relatives. My mother's family must have been very early settlers in the United States, my grandfather was born here and since my mother would be 115 if she was still alive I can only imagine how old her father would be. I think he was one of the first Irish people to graduate from Harvard Medical. I think my father's father came here when he was very young.
I envy you being able to walk such a distance! I was able to walk a couple of miles but recently my legs have been hurting a lot, a possible side effect from a medication, and the most I have done at one time is 1.5 miles and that's pushing it.
JK