9/19/14

Apologies and Summer Recap

 

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Although shame would run through me when I realized how long it had been since I posted, the guilt was not great enough to get me to write.   At times I would think of my loyal readers and try to heap coals upon my head, but it did not work!

For my lack of discipline….I am sorry!  I am vowing to do better in the future.

My last post, the end of July, praised the campground at Mt Pisgah on the Blue Ridge Parkway.  We returned home with good spirits ready to tackle more painting of the paneling.  (For those not following our adventure…..after touring Alaska and the West last summer, 2013, we decided to sell the house and move into something smaller.  This summer has been about downsizing and getting the house ready to sell.)

IMG_0475(Hubby working.)

IMG_0477(Done….photo makes it look more narrow than reality.)

After completing the painting, our house took on a new energy!  Our de-cluttering and lightening the dark walls made the space so much more enjoyable.  I could sit in the kitchen and watch the morning light move across the walls.

IMG_0476(Photo taken before clutter removed.)

David’s grandson arrived around this time with a U haul trailer, taking away many of the old family heirlooms and almost all of hubby’s woodshop!  Between the new energy of our home and absence of old family pieces, I began to feel happy!   Have not been very happy since we came off the road in March.

We managed to attend a brief fiberglass rally at Fall Creek Falls State Park.  It was great to see old friends but constant thunderstorms got in the way of photography.  We were there less than 48 hours!

About this time we started reevaluating our plans to sell.  It’s so important for us to spend the winter in the southwest…more a priority than selling the house!  It was decided to put our home on the market next spring after returning from the winter trip.  What a relief!!!

Since that decision was made, we have been enjoying ourselves!  The photo of the water and crepe myrtle is at Chester Frost Park where we spent several days last week.  Our kayaks have been neglected this summer….now we can justify keeping them!

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IMG_0491This is Chickamauga Lake with Signal Mountain in the background.  We are in the middle of the Tennessee River during this photo.  (We are 12 miles from home!)

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DSC_7269Neighboring site.

DSC_7282Setting sun.

DSC_7277My attempt of the super moon...

It has taken 6 months but we have learned (or relearned) how to enjoy life at home!  We are biking and hiking….not much, just  a little, spending time with friends, listening to bluegrass on Thursdays, going to movies and I have seen Seasons 2, 3, and 4 of Downton Abbey, DVD’s from our public library!

In two weeks we will be heading to another fiberglass rally at Land Between the Lakes….after that comes the Cherokee Rally, one of my favorite events!   And we may squeeze in a trip to the panhandle of Florida before Christmas!

And we are still downsizing……I have never been so sure of something.  For everything there is a season….and this is my season to let go of all things without purpose or beauty. 

One of my inspirations is a blog that was mentioned by my blogging friend, Kim.    I found the Be More With Less blog from her….thank you!

And thanks to you readers who have not abandoned me. Love!

19 comments:

  1. The house project is looking really good. Glad you've taken a bit of the pressure off and like the progress you're making.

    On a selfish note, I'm so glad you're coming this way again. Look forward to seeing you!

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    1. John, we are looking forward to visiting with you and BJ! Can't wait to see "my" mountain at Lost Dutchman.
      Looks like you have found enough projects to keep you busy til winter.

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  2. Good for you guys!!!! Your house looks great and you are making great progress but more importantly you are living life on your terms....good for you guys!!

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    1. We are getting too old to postpone good times! Trying to find a balance between the necessary and pleasure....

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  3. Happytrails has said it good. It's amazing when we make a change in thought (and where was it when we started?) how much better we feel. Your Soul got thru to you as it knew what would make you happy. Have a good fall and winter.

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    1. We are on the same page about listening to find what is needed. Every time a pile of clutter disappears, I feel better.
      Hope all is well in NM!
      Take care of yourself...

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  4. There you are...just as I remembered. Tough part almost over and to be able to sit back and "breath!" Sounds and looks like some awesome traveling!

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  5. Agree that the really tough part is behind us. Still have a way to go and must do it all over again whenever the house sells. But we can enjoy the moment.
    So you are not going to be down on the panhandle if we visit this fall? Bummer!

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  6. Good to see you Guys up and running again....Terrific photo's of your trip...and the first one is made for a calendar! Looks like you got the "house stuff" behind you and now it time for some relaxation and FUN....and it looks like you got a good start on it with your trip...take care...Horst sends

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    1. Great to hear from you....I have been loving your photos from Utah/and West.
      Our house stuff is not over...just slowed down and postponing the next steps.
      We are excited about getting on the road again and viewing your lovely western scenery motivates me even more.

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  7. Glad you're finding a balance of work & play. Gorgeous photos as usual. We're also looking forward to heading west in a month or two. Been a long boring & too hot (or humid) for me summer around Branson. Gotta get some blog posts & photos posted shortly. I seem to have lost my balance between lazy & productive.

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    1. Since we quit painting, I have had little balance. We are getting out and doing stuff but I feel like my brain has turned to mush. No activity in months in the critical thinking lobes!

      Very good to hear from you! Give our best to Jeff!

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  8. So happy you're happy, again.:-) Love the pictures, both of the house and your fun times. Looking forward to seeing your smiling face in three weeks, or so.

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    1. Loved that picture of you and Wanda on the boat....one of the best!

      Hope I will be smiling at Cherokee....no.....I will be smiling at Cherokee!

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  9. I completely lucked out by finding some friends of the family who wanted to rent my house this Winter, as I too came to the realization by late July that I was either going to need more time to finish getting the house ready to sell this year, or would just postpone it until next Spring and go some winter snowbirding. Hope to cross paths with you guys in the SW this winter!

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  10. Hi Lynne! Just love your name :) !! It would be fun to cross paths....are you not going to Mexico? We will be hanging in the warm parts of AZ and a lower CA.

    We have a lot still to do with the house but the overwhelming (whole elephant) part appears to be complete.

    Sorry to hear of your fur baby's ca recurrence. Enjoy the moments!

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  11. Lynne, I am so glad you are putting off worrying about selling the house until spring. It is so good to see you out enjoying yourself again. And I hope your trip this winter will be the best ever!

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  12. Yes, putting it off felt so right! Hope you are doing ok and will be ready to camp before winter gets in the way.

    We just keep our fingers crossed, as always, that we can get back on the road before it gets cold and miserable.

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  13. Nothing like a BIG sigh of relief! You know you made the right decision when that happens. So glad you like that Simplicity blog.

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