Janie and kat- Thanks for your posts, too. I suspect we're not quite so young as some may be thinking; chronologically, anyway! Certainly there are those here who have life experiences that allow them a clear understanding of some of the challenges. I am happy for friends to be excited on our behalf. I trust that our response can and will be different, though still joyful.

Some friends and friendly strangers in realtime life are disappointed to find that with this beautiful start of a yurt in place we can't now sweep in to finish and furnish it right away. Thus I try to remember to offer a gentle warning that won't be quite such a fairytale...

Nor do we want it to be.

Remember please, y'all: we are hopeful, joyful, and grateful for all kindnesses and thoughtful messages, even when my posts reflect some of the other emotions and challenges. This kind of thread is very difficult for us. We are private people who are long accustomed to being mostly on our own. Growth opportunity here, so sometimes we have growing pains, while other times we will establish healthy boundaries. Thanks for walking alongside!