Tomaso and I lived in our 1792 Lancaster County Farm house along the Conestoga River for 28 years. Pearl was raised there. We were raised there with her.

We threw elaborate parties, danced long into the night, drank homemade beer and told stories around our woodstove. Sometimes a campfire, too.

Tomaso had his first heart attack there, but lifestyle changes enabled us to stay there for more than perhaps we should have. But timing is everything.

Health challenges eventually made it clear it was time to move on. And when we did, it was apparent that selling the property would be challenging. I remember hearing that one in 1 million people would want to buy a property like the farmhouse, even though it was minutes away from Lancaster City Square. The natural surroundings, the deer herds, red fox, bald eagles, bird life, bullfrogs and blue herons created the feel of a wild nature preserve.

The overwhelming amount of upkeep became a burden, especially for Tomaso. We found our present house, and moved in three years ago. It was miraculous, but that is a story for another time.

Karmic bonds led us to a beautiful family. Their dream was to create food and beauty in a rarefied environment. Hard work was not threatening to them. In fact, they thrive on it.

We’ve signed a lease purchase agreement and soon the property will be theirs.

Every time I go visit my new family, a major transformation greets me: Rock walls, flowerbeds, a Moroccan patio, and most recently, a Moroccan kitchen newly constructed in the old basement. The health department just approved it, and a catering business has risen from the ashes of divine possibility. A dream realized. Food nourishing the soul. Lively conversations.

Tomaso nods approvingly.

Here’s a video of the newly constructed kitchen in all of its splendor and all of its grand potential. OM