Still more detachment, (less) anxiety and the joys of limbo

[Painter]

There's nothing more healing that physical work outside in nature. So glad you have this treasure. My own health makes me lean towards a managed living space, with no responsibility for outside maintenance (I lived in the South for 15 years and never adjusted to the climate) except some big flower pots, but 10 years ago, I would have loved what you describe. But it can also be difficult not being able to share the joy of it with someone.

I was a single mom to my son, and one of the hardest things was to not be able to share the joy and pride with someone equally invested.

Oh, I think telling H that you didn't want to talk to him when you were at the house there was brilliant from a DB angle, although I get that it was probably more about emotional survival from your side. Still a great decision.