My view

I have the greatest view from my front windows. I look out onto a beautiful village green and straight across to the North End Cemetery, with its rows and rows of ancient headstones neatly enclosed by a naturally aged picket fence. Because the ground slopes from the Hook Mill to the green, I can see most of the cemetery as it undulates from one end to the other. A huge evergreen borders the north end and the mill stands solidly at the south. It's a great place to wander around on a nice spring or fall day, reading the wonderful sentiments on those stones and noting the dates and names that are carved there. Since its winter now I'm able to see the entire mill, unobstructed by the leaves that fill out the huge trees around it in the summer. I love watching cars pass by on North Main, Methodist, and Accabonac - it's constant motion - except when a big snowstorm has passed, and then its eerily still. Also when it snows the headstones stand out in stark relief against the white ground like sentinels at attention, reminding me that for over 360 years people have lived right here, walking where I walk and watching the same sky as it clues us in to the days promise. It's so gray today in it's dark winter hue.

I think being surrounded as I am by such an historic area makes me especially appreciative of our past. I can't help but think about the people who came here, worked this land and now are buried in that cemetery. What were they like? Did they love East Hampton as much as I do? I know my ancestors did because we're still here. I'm the fifth generation to be living on this corner. It's that knowledge that keeps me grounded and helps me appreciate where I've come from.

I'm grateful for the ancestors who built my house because they left me with the most beautiful big windows to look out of. It really gives me a chance to keep my fingers on the pulse of the community. I know people who would hate living this close to the road - and right here in the busy village, but for me its the only place to be. I love the hustle and bustle of village life and I love watching my fellow community members as they drive to and from work and make their daily trips to the post office. I even love the fact that people often comment on whatever we're doing at our house, as in "I see you're putting a new roof on" or "Love the tree you decorated for Christmas!". It makes me feel connected - part of the whole.

I have the greatest view from my front windows.