We made it. After logging about 2200 miles, the kid and I finally arrived in Albuquerque a few days ago. We killed a couple of nights in a cheap motel, did some touristy things, and got into the rental house late Saturday evening. Now we wait.
Tom’s still in Massachusetts, though not for long. The house closed today; the truck left with our belongings. Tom and the dog will head to my parents’ in Connecticut tonight, then begin their own long journey out here tomorrow. I bid them good weather and no traffic jams. Really, I can’t wait to see them.
As much as we’ve wished for these days to arrive (especially during last year’s endless winter), it’s been a tough couple of weeks: saying goodbye to family and friends; leaving everything we know, including the house; living out of suitcases; days in the car (particularly those few hundred miles slogging through the flat-lands of Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas on a two-lane road); throwing out my back once we arrived…
But I knew these would be trying times, no matter how much we wanted them. Until we find a house to make into our new home, until we make friends and integrate onto communities out here, we’ll be on edge. Change is good — we want to challenge ourselves to grow — but it’s stressful too. Do you realize that the cable TV in this house doesn’t include HGTV, the Food Network, or the Travel Channel? What will I do without House Hunters and the Property Brothers?!!? I suppose I’ll thank goodness for the things that don’t change: hooking; reading and writing; family; and even social media that keeps me in touch with all of you.
Stay tuned for more of the adventure…
Sounds like one heck of a road trip. The rented house looks lovely, although here’s to finding your own perfect home x
Thanks, Suzie. Have to reset my mind now from selling to buying.
This is a great adventure for all of you. Enjoy life everyday even when it is scary!
Thanks, Gerry! We are. Tom and Tynan are on the road right now; just left my parents’ house this morning. It’ll be better when we can share all this. The spiders too!
Hang in there, the rug that the owners left behind is a good omen! I am sure when your belongings arrive along with husband and dog, things will get better. Prayers of safe travel are with them. A new adventure for sure! All will be well!
Thanks, Edlyn. We’re slowly becoming acclimated. It’s gorgeous out here. Perfect walking in the mornings and evenings. A bit warm during the middle of the day, but that’s better than Mass winters when it’s just too darn cold to go out anytime during the day. 🙂
I admire you for doing what we all wish to do, escaping to a warmer climate and getting away from the wicked winters. Keep plugging…..I am sure you will be connecting up with someone from our large “hooking” family soon too!
Well, it wasn’t the winters alone that called us. The big sky, outdoor lifestyle, arts, and so on. There is winter here; it just isn’t nearly as long as we have in Mass. 🙂
Glad to hear you made it. I can’t even imagine driving 2200 miles so you can imagine how in awe I am of such feats. Albuquerque is one of those American place names I love and, from your house, it looks as romantic as I’ve always imagined it to be – well, except for those 8-legged house guests. They bite, I’m told. Though, as my mother used to say, “So do I when I’m in the mood!” 🙂
Anyway, best of luck and looking forward to hearing the next leg of your adventure.
Thanks, Tom. Not sure about the romance given my bored 18-year old, but it’s beautiful here. As soon as Tom gets here, we’ll start house-hunting in earnest. More fun times ahead. Despite the creepy-crawlies!
Welcome to your new hometown! Take a deep breath and enjoy the sunflowers (and chips and salsa and margaritas and art everywhere). I’m jealous – Santa Fe is so gorgeous this time of year. We have black widows too and lots of poisonous snakes…you learn to look where you’re walking!
I’m excited for you and you’ll be bale to take that deep breath when husband and dog arrive.
;-D
I will relax a little more then, Den, you’re right. And he is my margarita maker. They’re on the road, in Ohio for tonight. And I will look where I’m walking. But, you know, in all the times we’ve been out here, we’ve never seen anything bigger than some giant beetles. 🙂
So glad to hear you have made it safely from Massachusetts to New Mexico!! I was wondering how your trip was working out!
Here is to your new beginnings! Missing you and hooking together at the Charles River rug Hooking Guild meetings! Let us know when you start a Hooking Guild in NM and we’ll plan a road trip to visit!! xo
Oh, please do come, Ania! There could be very good field trips to Santa Fe and Taos. And I am missing the guild. But there may be one here in Albuquerque. I just joined ATHA Region 12, and there’s an Albuquerque contact. I’ll let you know.