Well, it has been a non-stop whirlwind! So much has happened that I don't know where to begin. After months of waiting for something to happen, I finally received a workable house offer. The buyers requested a relatively short closing date, which seemed workable then, but when the inspection bickering dragged on, it cut into my packing time. I had about 3 to 4 weeks to get it all together. I was packing, trying to sell some things, organizing an auction company to pick up some furniture, and ReStore (Habitat for Humanity) to pick up the rest, as well as a final crew to come in and take away anything that was left. My sincere gratitude to Maria and Mark, who did all of the heavy lifting for me. Maria came over for several hours every day until she had wrapped all of my wall art and fragile items - and I mean all of them! Mark came over on short notice to retrieve items for high places, help purchasers get items in their cars, and assist with any unexpected event. I could not have gotten it all done in time without them. They were amazing. In the rush of it all, I had to cancel several lunches with friends, which I really hated, but I just couldn't take an hour or so out of the middle of the day. I hope they understand. Chris was kind enough to bring lunch over one day, and that worked really well. It's something to keep in mind when friends are moving. On packing day, Ann kept Rosie, and when I went to pick her up, Ann fed me, too!! I really could not have done it without the care and assistance of friends. Thank you all!
Another thing Mark did was create a floor plan of my new place so I could have an idea of how furniture would fit, etc. I had contacted Liberty Auctions to pick up my bedroom furniture, dining room furniture, and a few individual items to be auctioned at a later date. Once he did it, we realized I would have room to use my bedroom furniture, so I called Liberty to let them know I would not be including it. They informed me that if it was not included, it would not be worth their time to take the dining room furniture (and I would be left with dealing with it all somehow!!). I was also surprised when they would not take any of my living room furniture, because the pristine sofa was white!! The leather recliner had cat pricks on the top pillow, etc!! I relate this story as a reminder to expect the unexpected. I was able to sell all of the living room furniture, but for pennies. You can imagine the difficulty of getting rid of things you've had for years, especially if they are still in good shape, but it gets easier as time goes on, and by the end, you just want it gone!! I was also reminded of how much money I had spent/wasted on frivolous items, things I never really used, and just things that took up space. In my next life, I'm going to know and do better!!
This was my last night with Drinking Liberally, a group for like-minded friends with whom I'd been affiliated for years. As you can imagine, leaving friends was the hardest part of it all. Even so, I was usually so brain-dead by the end of a day of packing, my energy waned and I felt like I was swimming in jello, mentally and physically! Even so, this was one group I really wanted to be with, and I know I'll be seeing them again.
The day after the POD was packed, I was given a wonderful going-away party by Chris, Tippy, Lynn, and Maria at the home of Maria and Mark. It really was a fun gathering, and I think my friends who didn't know each other enjoyed meeting new people. David summed it up when he said, "Boy, I loved your going-away party. The perfect mix of crazy!" That made me laugh!
On the 10th, Rosie and I departed mid-morning for Clinton. Maria and Mark had housed us for a few days, and I'm sure they were ready for a rest after devoting a month to helping me!! Since my POD would not arrive until the following Thursday ( I didn't know that they only deliver and pick up in that area once a week!! Originally, the first week was already full and I would have had to wait 2 weeks! Yikes! I kept checking, and an opening occurred so I could move it up a week.) Rosie and I were offered the guest accommodations, but since it was on the second floor, with a very high bed that Rosie should not jump off, etc. I decided to rough it for a week in the house. I ordered a large chair that could be used as a chaise lounge or a small bed for future guests. By the time we arrived, it had been delivered and assembled. I wouldn't want to sleep on it for a month, but it was good for a week. Once we got in, I realized there was no hot water. They didn't get it repaired on Friday, so we went four days without. The next issue was that the house had not been wired for cable TV. So, that had to happen. Throughout it all, I was complimented on my patience and good spirits. What else can you do?? Anyway, it has all come together, or more accurately, is a work in progress. I still have lots of boxes to unpack, but that will take a while. And we arrived at a lovely time of year! Azaleas, irises, and more were in bloom. It has since rained, and many of the blooms are gone. There are huge rosemary bushes, as well as a small vineyard right outside my front door. Rosie and I can walk the whole neighborhood on our morning walk. Everyone has been very friendly and welcoming. Miss Erna brought over blueberries and Tate's cookies. Catherine provided a strawberry loaf. Anna gave me a lovely plant, and the office sent a welcome mat, a lovely bouquet of flowers, and a huge welcome basket. I've also made some liberal connections. One neighbor has a "Resist" bumper sticker on his car, so I immediately struck up a conversation with him. There is a presence here, so I'll be on the lookout! That gives me hope that I'll find my people.
And, I've had company! I received a text from Rhonda saying they, who live in Missouri, would be in the area and would like to stop by. I hadn't seen them since 2018, so I was delighted, though I didn't even have a glass to offer them water!! The POD had just been unloaded the day before, so I was knee-deep in boxes. Even so, it was great to see them and to catch up. Brian managed the golf course at the Crescent, and Rhonda worked there. She would always stop for a chat and a play with Rosie. We have kept connected all these years via this blog, texts, emails, etc., and it was great to reconnect in person. I hope I can be more hospitable next time!
Just yesterday, Mark stopped by as he was on his way to a whitewater rafting trip with his brothers. I'm angry that I forgot to get a photo, but we were busy catching up AND putting up my decorative door. It doesn't have the display space here as it had in the other house, but I am so glad I can use it - it really is my treasure! During his visit, we made a trip to the hardware store and had lunch with four ladies, the oldest of whom was 101! We joined the table as they were finishing up, but not one person budged. There were lots of laughs, and I hope Mark enjoyed it. I'm sure the ladies did! It was a short visit, but both Rosie and I enjoyed it. I was instructed not to hang anything until they could come back up to help. I'm not sure what I've done to earn this generosity of spirit, but I am so thankful.
I've also been told that Tippy and Kieran will be passing by on their final trip up to her cabin, which she just recently sold. I'll be looking forward to seeing them.
It may be a while before you see photos of the house. I will take a while to get rid of all the boxes, pictures hung, etc....and I'm still going to have to get rid of a lot of stuff! As soon as it's ready, I'll share.
The last six weeks have been rough on Rosie, and I'm sure she misses her neighborhood buds. During the packing process, I was much more active than usual, and every day, something went missing from the house! Since being here, we've run into one other dog in the neighborhood. It was in an abusive situation and is very withdrawn. Just yesterday, another lady moved in with an adorable Jack Russell. We've run into them three times since then. Rosie snarled at her on their first meeting, but I hope they will warm up to each other. I'm also happy that there is a veterinarian practice with three female vets within a mile of us. We're already checked in with them and set! This is a cute presentation that Lynn did for Rosie's going away. How sweet! Thank you, Lynn.
Saudi friends were saddened to hear of the passing of our dear friend Lyn Thomas. He was a major player in many fond memories of my time in Saudi, and, oh, the stories we could tell! On my last trip to the UK (too many years ago), I was fortunate to touch base with many friends from those days, including Lyn and Jacqui. I'm thankful for that, and my thoughts are with Jacqui and the entire Thomas family.
I'm sorry this is so long, but there was a lot to cover. Even so, as soon as I publish it, I'm sure to think of something I forgot. I'm glad we are this far along in the process, and things are settling down each and every day. I hope this finds you healthy, happy, and enjoying life. Love to all.
