Christmas morning in the forest

Its Christmas morning and its snowing!  Oh what a lovely gift - a white Christmas.

The final moving trek was uneventful.  Albeit tiring for poor Oliver who sat the whole trip but then crashed on his couch when we got home.

Upon arrival we had no heat because we had no propane.  Who knew!  I was on the delivery list with the gas company but they never filled the tank.  Well they filled it Monday to the tune of $724!  Merry Christmas from Al's Gas. lol.  I have heat downstairs but not upstairs.  Don't know why and we'll suffer through until the end of the week when I can get some help.

Went to Austin's house yesterday morning with Max and Oliver for cinnamon rolls.  It was a fun time.  Max and Ollie ran in the forest by Austin's house and made us both smile.  Austin's house looks so nice!

Christmas eve was wonderful.  We were invited to Marilyn, Sue and Deb's house.  Marilyn had come up with the idea to cook Italian so that I wouldn't miss having my traditional Italian Christmas dinner.  She and her sister, Tammy, along with the rest helped and it was a lovely dinner.  Not only yummy but so thoughtful.  I am blessed to have such good friends.

Today Austin and I are going to Francie's house in town for dinner.  Its still snowing so not sure how comfortable I am leaving the dogs.  I need to make sure we can get back home!  I guess this is one of those "living in the forest" situations.

Well I'm off to make Christmas breakfast casserole as Austin is coming over for mimosas and breakfast.  From my house to yours may you have a very Merry Christmas.

Love and a snowflake,
Lanae

One week yes only 7 days, but who's counting...

This time next week we will be on the road.  Ollie in the passenger seat, sitting (he never lays down the whole 10 1/2 hours!) and Max in the back seat.  Austin in his jeep either in front of us or in the rear view mirror.  The house here in Scottsdale will be as clean as its going to be and the gift bottle of wine for the renters on the kitchen counter welcoming them to their new home and I will be filled with a multitude of emotions.

Leaving behind sister Deb, if only for a few months and sister Linda who will still be happily living in Prescott.  The friends I've had for years but will continue to have because that is how it is with lifelong friends, it doesn't matter where you live, you'll always stay in touch and you'll always be friends.  I know I'll be returning soon for a visit but it will be hard to drive away. Lots and lots of memories here. But, then there is that other side of the gamut, the happy and excited side (deep sigh).  A new adventure about to begin.  The forest awaits ...

Yup, its only 7 days and this time next week we'll be on the road.  Stay tuned.....

Love and a tear

Lanae

The Countdown Begins - 14 Days

So I bought my house in Colorado a couple of years ago having visited and worked in Trinidad on a project and planned to move there permanently when I retired.  I fell in love with the people and the community. Yes I found my forever house but I'd have to wait some 10+ years to get there.  Located on 35 acres, my two bedroom, two bath with an office house is just perfect for me and in a location surrounded by forest, loaded with deer, elk, bears and the cleanest air I've ever breathed.

Having grown up and lived in Scottsdale/Phoenix Arizona, the city has become so big, polluted, and crowded.  With my job pairing down this year, it seemed time for a change.  Having cared for elderly parents and stayed due to health issues (I am a cancer survivor) and family dynamics the decision came easily yet had its challenges.

I have worked for the same man for 23 years.  We have become a team, a partnership and friends.  I will miss the daily interaction but am lucky enough to continue to work from a distance for him and who knows what the future will bring.  I may be back in Arizona for work more than I think.  Which, by the way, is ok with me.  I need to make a living and retirement is a few years away.

On top of being blessed with the opportunity and the planets aligning is the gift of my dearest friend deciding to move to the same community.  Austin also found a home like it was meant to be.  Also on 35 acres he is moving with me.  I am tickled to have him with me on this new adventure. You can share his journey at - www.thatcabinguy.blogspot.com

We have already moved our belongings and are on the downhill slide with the move date of 12/22 looming.  We will load up our respective vehicles, mine with my 2 dogs, Max and Oliver, and Austin with much of my stuff that won't fit in my car because of the dogs. (giggle).  Our adventure will begin - Christmas in the pines and a New Year filled with the unknown and great expectations.

So thats it in a nutshell.  Now about this blog - I plan to share this lovely, exciting, amazing experience with anyone who wants to be a part of the journey.  Through my eyes you will see the life in pines, the animals, the fun of cooking for friends and the blessing of working.

I hope you will enjoy the adventure and look forward to sharing it with you.

Love and a pinecone!
Lanae