Husband and I have spent the past several days in Florida, packing up the house and getting it sent off to Virginia. We took advantage of the beautiful resort spa-like pool in our neighborhood – spent lots of hours in the water, surrounded by palm trees and tropical plants.
Cleaned the house, touched up the paint, saw friends for dinner and breakfast. Stayed with a good friend once our beds were gone, enjoyed some delicious pizza and live music downtown.
It was a wonderful trip, though incredibly bittersweet. We have loved our house, have great neighbors, and did I mention the pool?! It’s hard to leave.
Moving is difficult- such a major transition. For me, it takes a year before I can even begin to call the new place “home,” and a second year before I really feel settled and at peace. That’s a long time, and I was just getting there in FL before we had to move again.
So I’m accepting the fact that I will feel unsettled for awhile. It’s ok. I’ll come to love our new house. I’ll find friends at church and work. We’ll develop a routine. We’ll get used to the new empty-nest (Florida was our first one) and I’ll do what I can to make it our home. Lord willing, we’ll enjoy entertaining family- and friend-guests.
I suppose I’d better get busy learning my way around town!
Sunny with a Chance of Clouds 
Hi, I read your latest post (Settling in), then did not find it here to make a comment lol… oh well, who says the rules are that I have to post on that one?
I wish my place felt like home, I think the pix on the wall ARE what will make the difference! I have not done that except for 2 very small ones. My one year anniversary of moving to FL is on the 28th so I really ought to get cracking!
so happy you are feeling settled – SO sorry about your back! Good to hear from you!
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I hit “post” too soon, so I went back in and made it a draft, which is why you couldn’t find it. I’ve since finished and published it.
Good to hear from you, too! Even without pictures, are you feeling settled?
Did you have to evacuate? Any damage? I was praying for you over there!
I’m just amazed at how long this process takes, to really feel settled. I think the hardest part for me right now is that I just did this in FL, and now have to start all over here in VA. It’s hard to not get frustrated. But God is good, and will get me where He wants me. I just have to be patient!
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I was just fine! The storm turned at just the right moment so all we had was a tropical storm. Thank You God!
Yeah I’m settled fine 😀 I COULD hang those pictures, though!!
Hope things go well!
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Peggy! I have been out of the loop! You are moving to Virginia? I used to live there while in the Navy. Where will you be? I’m sure you will miss the Sunshine State, but you can always come back for a visit! 🙂
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Hi. We’re living near the south end of the Shenandoah National Park. It’s beautiful here. But you can bet we’ll be back to FL!
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That sounds lovely! I am praying that you are able to get settled quickly and call that place “home” faster than expected! 😉 ❤
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My mother said she “feathered nests” in 9 cities — each time was bittersweet, but she always made good friends and ended up with friends all over the country!
Good luck feathering! I know it will be beautiful and warm and welcoming, and you can bet we will use your guest room some time soon!
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Glad you added some fun and friends to the task. Onward….
Is there a bsf class nearby in Virginia? We’re studying John this year.
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Ooo, I’ll need to look. I’d love to study John with BSF!
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Sad for you and hoping your nest becomes a happy one! Do you have any idea how long you get to stay in your new place? Or is it theoretically permanent?
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Theoretically permanent. But so was Florida! I’m planning to do what I can to treat it as such, instead of my inclination to hold back.
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and if all else fails there’s retirement!
xoxo
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