The Agony of Moving, Part 2

It's been two weeks since those two dreadful days of moving into our new home ended. Nerves have settled and we're going about unpacking and sorting fairly calmly. But let me tell you about the day after our move in.

The house was full of boxes, as I'm sure each one of you have experienced before. My writing room was so full I couldn't unpack anything because there was no place to put anything. I couldn't even walk into the closet.

The only boxes I could start unpacking were for the kitchen. I knew my dream of having everything upstairs so I wouldn't have to go downstairs was not to be.

Late afternoon Jerry got a call from one of his friends asking what he could do to help. In less than an hour, Jacob brought three others with him and they very quickly took 40 some boxes downstairs. There were those tears of joy again.

After that day, little by little, the living room and writing room started to take shape.



But not without injury.



It was a happy day when the Comcast technician knocked on our door and brought Internet and cable back into our lives. He put new wire both inside and outside down to the road. It felt so good to log on once again.

Abby and Jo are enjoying their new yard.

Only found one thing broken so far, and one of Jerry's airplanes had a crash landing.

The other day we went to get our driver's license and were rejected. The identification we brought wasn't good enough for them and we had to send away for just the right certificates and cards. Once the new ones are received, hopefully they'll grant us driving privileges in the state of PA.

We have another resident living in our home, and it loves the girls treats! I hear it in the middle of the night, and this morning I actually saw it walk across the stove. Jerry promises me that he will give it a good home. We can't afford to feed another resident with the girls treats! They don't like to share.

Christmas found one scene of decorations this year. I was way too tired to even think about putting out decorations. But this small poinsettia and candle, and the snowman and deer scene kept me smiling on Christmas day! Couldn't get the light to work right for the picture. I enjoyed the scene all Christmas Day!

The new year will be here soon. We'll be starting a whole new life in the country. I'll be on the lookout for new beginnings! The agony of moving has ended! (Well, that is when Jerry finally gets that mouse!)

The Agony of Moving

                                                 A joyful beginning to a frustrating day.

Wouldn't it sound better if I titled this post: "The Joy of a Move"? All the decisions, planning, packing, settlement and moving the contents out of our house fell into place just about perfectly. But what an adventure its been when we arrived in Brookville!

An unexpected snow storm had passed through Brookville dumping 7 inches of snow on the land. Flurries were still floating around and did all afternoon the day we arrived by noon.

The mover's tractor trailer arrived soon after we did, and a plow truck was called to clear the way up to the house. There was 2 inches of ice under the freshly, fallen snow.

The tractor trailer started in and got stuck, so a big tow truck was called to pull them out. It was a little hairy there for awhile.

When the tractor trailer was pulled free it parked on the other side of the road, and Jerry went to rent a large U-Haul truck. The shuttle began.

Then, to our wondering eyes, a couple Jerry is friends with arrived with this delicious New England Stew and homemade apple pie! There were tears of joy!

The movers moved our load from the tractor trailer to the U-Haul to the house and back again to load up. Night fell quickly, and they wanted to go home. Their office wanted them to stay overnight, and we offered to put them up at the Quality Inn, but they refused. So back they went to Maryland with all our things. They did bring in our bed. The house was empty otherwise.

So Jerry, me and the girls went to bed together, all in one bed, all night. I wish I'd had my camera so I could have gotten a snap of us!

After a good, but tight sleep we awoke to our winter wonderland. I decided it was a new day. Our belongings would be here in the afternoon.

The seller said the house would be clean and empty (it wasn't when we settled the week before). So I was not pleased when I opened the refrigerator door and saw this"

And we soon discovered there were a lot of little things that needed repair and cleaning. If you've read earlier posts you know I'd never seen the house in person, only pictures. Jerry beware!

The movers arrived early afternoon and started bringing our items into the house. It was a long day.

But to brighten our day a lovely bouquet of flowers was delivered! Our friends, Barry and Kim sent them. They couldn't have arrived at a more perfect time.

And just when we thought the last load would be unloaded, the driver decided to come up thru the grass and got the U-Haul stuck. It was a very long day.



When all was said and done that night, we both agreed the house had potential and we love the extra land, not being as close to neighbors and the house farther from the road.

The moving in was done. The unpacking begun.

Stay tune for part 2!

Traveling Along

Later this morning we'll be driving the road to our new home. I can't believe it's really happening. And God has been with us every step of the way.

Tomorrow morning I'll walk into my new home and see it for the very first time. I've seen pictures and a pencil layout, but I haven't put my foot through the front door to see it in person.

I'll enjoy its presence for about an hour and then we leave again to come home. Our home for the last 31 years. Our only home as a married couple.

December 14th is our 31st anniversary and we'll celebrate it in our new home. Starting a new life in a new area during this season of years.

Please pray for us these next few weeks. We're not young chickens anymore. But our batteries are still going and we'll do our best while making this move.

 In Sunday School this past Sunday we were led to Malachi 4, verse 2: "But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves." I don't think we'll be frolicking like calves, but we'll give it our best try!

Here we go!

Choices

I'm going to miss our little home all decorated for Christmas. We started putting lights and garland around the ceiling many years ago. I saw it in a house I passed going to and from work and just loved it. In earlier years I'd hang ornaments from the garland, but that got a little difficult as we aged. There's the little ceramic tree on the dining room table that Mom made. The snowmen on the mantle that we love. Our new home doesn't have a fireplace. I'll miss our woodstove and watching the fire burn. A soothing and cozy environment. But Abby and Jo will be with us! I'm not leaving them behind.

We all have to make choices in our life. Some choices will be joyful and happy. Some choices will be sad and heartbreaking. Nevertheless, we do what we have to do.

I had to make a choice to move. I didn't need to move. Didn't really want to move. But I finally said yes when God gave me peace about moving.

      I'll miss my gardens where I walk with God each morning in the spring, summer, and fall.

We're moving to another state, another town, another house. Usually when seniors move they downsize to a smaller home or a senior adult community. We're upsizing by 400 square feet!

Our lovely home which we've lived in for 31 years is small. Little kitchen, little dining room and living room combined. Little rooms. Half basement.

I'll miss the deer that come to our back gate. I loved seeing fawn! It was a thrill to have them come up and eat.

Once a woman told me they wouldn't hold a meeting in their home because it was too small. It just so happened that the meeting was going to be in our home that month so I told her to make sure she came.

The next month the meeting was held in her home which turned out to be 3 times bigger than ours. It's amazing what some people think. Yes, our home is small.

400 square feet is not a lot more room, but enough to make a difference! My writing room is bigger!!!! A regular size kitchen. A separate dining room. A full basement. Isn't it wonderful what a little can do!

I'll miss driving by Wilson's Farm and seeing the calves in springtime, and all seasons of the year as his cows graze.

Jerry's dream is coming true. He moved to Maryland with his family when he was 6. He's been trying to get back to Brookville ever since. It's been an emotional experience for him as he sees his dream coming true.

Me? I have peace about moving. It's been a difficult month seeing my friends and saying, "until we meet again." I'm going to find a half way point where we can meet once a year to enjoy each other.


            I'll miss my favorite field where I've taken hundreds of snaps of sheep and lamb.

I don't know anyone in Brookville. I've been in Maryland all my life so far. All my friends are here, with the exception of a few that have moved to other states. A whole bouquet of beautiful flowers. I'm trusting that God will bring new flowers into my life to add joy and love.

There will always be choices. We make the best choice we can and live with it. December 12 is moving day. I think I'll be ready. After all, I have a new land to experience and snap!

The Wind Blew

The strong winds brought down most of the fall leaves over the weekend, but not before  I was able to get a few more snaps of fall!

                             I found this lovely scene on my way to the dentist one morning.

               This scene beckoned me on the way to a friend's for a "until we meet again" date.

                                                The sun was bright and the color was alive!

                                              Our Japanese Maple always brings a smile.

My neighbor's Red Maple was striking!

I love when the red and yellow are intertwined.

Well, back to packing! We have a contract on our house! Time marches on.

Moving Along

“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop away from you like the leaves of Autumn.” ― John M.

     Driving to the dentist last week I had to turn around and go back for this lovely scene of color.

Changes are coming! Jerry and I are moving to the small town of Brookville in the hills of northwestern Pennsylvania. In less than four weeks the moving company will take all of our belongings and settle us in our new home. Whew. What a month!

Although the decision  seems quick, the idea has moved around in our heads for years. Brookville is Jerry's hometown, and although none of his family is there now, he's always wanted to move back. Me, on the other hand, was not interested.

But God finally gave me peace about it after all these years and we found a home and we're packing up to be ready for the big move. Did I say we were packing. That's about all I've been doing the last three weeks.

“Gazing out from the mountains, the clouds are whiter, the sky is bluer, the air seeping into your lungs is as clear as the water roaring down from the snow, melting on the high peaks. A place where heaven is a little closer.”  Virginia Alison 

Just think of all the new territory I'll have to go out looking for pictures! I've always loved the mountains. As Jerry tells it: "They wrap me in their arms."

That trip I took in September through wild and wonderful West Virginia must have awaken a deep longing as I drove the country roads around the mountains. Every turn was a lovely scene waiting for my eyes.

"And if these mountains had eyes, they would wake to find two strangers in their fences, standing in admiration as a breathing red pours its tinge upon earth's shore. These mountains, which have seen untold sunrises, long to thunder praise but stand reverent, silent so that man's weak praise should be give God's attention." Donald Miller, Through Pained Deserts: Light, God, and Beauty on the Open Road

                                  I like these steps going up the tree trunk! A unique idea.

I had a delightful surprise when I told my favorite cousin, Rick, about the move. We had lost contact for many years, and came back together again about 10 years ago. He lives in Ocean City, with his wife, Jeri, and I hated telling him we were moving. But to my surprise he had his own news! "We're moving to Ohio." We both went to our computer to see how far away we'd be. As it turns out we'll be 3 1/2 hours away so our yearly lunch dates will continue! Thank you, Father!!!!!

“I like the mountains because they make me feel small,' Jeff says. 'They help me sort out what's important in life.” Mark Obmascik, Halfway to Heaven

So we'll be busy packing, giving away and throwing out over the next few weeks. Moving day will be here before we know it!

                                               I'll miss the color from our neighbor's yard.

High on a Mountain Top
      byLoretta Lynn

"High on a mountain top,We live, we love, and we laugh a lot
Folks up here know what they got, High on a mountain top
High on a mountain top

Where the rest of the world's, Like a little bitty spot
I ain't comin down no never I'm not, High on a mountain top
High on a mountain top

Where I come from the mountain flowers grow wild
The blue grass sways like it's goin out of style
God fearin' people simple and real, 'Cause up on the ridge folks that's the deal
Well my daddy worked down in the dark coal mine Shovelin' that coal one shovel at a time
Never made a lot money din't have much But we're high on life and rich in love

High on a mountain top"

Did I say I've been packing?

Autumn Finery Continues

Fall finally did come to Maryland! Following are some snaps from last week.

This pond is 5 minutes from home. I went by it the other day while out looking for fall color. Lovely!

This crooked tree had a lot of beauty around it.

I'm usually partial to red barns, but I love this one in the fall color.

A sunny, autumn morning and all is right.

This back road was exquisite in the sunshine.

Lovely grass with it's fluffy top against the yellow leaves.

Piney Run Park had it's share of fall scenery.

It's like driving through candy land.

The lane behind home was showing its stuff too!

I'd like to follow this lane to see what's around the corner.

A carpet of beauty!

Have a happy fall day!

"Falling" Around

" . . . and we all do fade as a leaf . . ." Isaiah 64:6

                                                                  I love the gold!

I borrowed a little time yesterday morning to drive around looking for fall color. It seemed to arrive overnight. I noticed a tree outside our back gate early in the morning and decided it was time!

From Mrs. Charles E. Cowman, Streams in the Desert 2

"We all do fade as a leaf . . . But how does the leaf in autumn fade? It is true that certain trees renew in their autumn foliage the same color that marked them in their budding time of spring, but with fuller, brighter hues. Nature does not die drably! She puts on her most gorgeous robes in autumn and dies gloriously. She goes down with her gay banners waving, smiles back to us as she leaves us. God speaks to His own comforting messages at all seasons and at all times.

"In Charles Kingsley's last hour he was heard to whisper, 'How beautiful is God.'

"If peace be in the heart The wildest winter storm is filled with beauty
The very trees and stones, all catch a ray of glory If peace be in the heart.

"He gave us the secret of victory. It is the peace of God, passing all understanding that makes all the way long a good journey. 'My peace I give to you.'"

Enjoy the fall scenes!

                               Just a country scene on a country road on a country morning.

This burning bush was quite attractive with the orange and gold behind it. A farm silo got in the snap too.

                                                                      Ah, fall color!

                                       Liked this low to the ground spread of red and orange.

                                         The horses in the far field were an added bonus.

                                                                   Just a nice scene.

 When I first saw this horse it was back in the trees under the color. Couldn't get a snap off quick enough to catch it there.

                                                           How do they do that?

I just might steal some time and go out again! Enjoy the fall beauty!