By Bruce Stambaugh
Moving is said to be one of life’s most stressful events. It hasn’t turned out to be that way for my wife and me. Taking a year and a half to make the transition from Ohio to Virginia likely took some of the pressure off of us. We are so glad we took our time.
We love everything about our new home, our new setting, and our situation so far. Please don’t misunderstand. It wasn’t easy leaving home, community, church, relatives, and friends that we were so attached to for all of our adult lives. Tears were shed to be sure.
For now, Neva and I have been busy arranging our new household inside and out. It’s been both a chore and a joy. Others who had experience moving advised us to take our time.
Our daughter’s family visited us a lot, helping us to unpack and put things away. Our IT son-in-law got us up and running with the internet, email, and the new smart TV he so kindly purchased for us with our money of course. I’m sure he’ll be over often to ensure that it’s working.
Most of our close neighbors introduced themselves, too. They all are as friendly as can be. One even brought homemade rolls and the best strawberry jam I ever tasted. That alone almost made the move worthwhile.
Of course, we moved to be near our grandchildren. Besides visiting us several times already, we’ve jumped right into their activities, too, sometimes simultaneously. Like when we attended our granddaughter’s violin recital. Her big brother was playing baseball two hours away. We covertly watched the action in animation on a smartphone.
We arrived in time to help our daughter celebrate another birthday. That’s something we haven’t had a chance to do in a long, long time.
We kept the unpacked boxes in the garage so as not to clutter the house. And did I mention that we love our downsized, one-story retirement home? We do, very much.
Most importantly, our new house feels like home. I didn’t think I would say that this soon after the move. But I did, and it does.
The day after we moved in we took a break to attend a May Day event at the elementary school where the two younger grandkids are students. It was a fun time even if it was a bit chilly.
Our creative daughter helped arrange a design for our new landscaping. We had the old, overgrown shrubs pulled for more palatable, harmonious plants. Spring rains made them easier to plant in the thick, sticky Virginia clay they call topsoil.
After the house was nearly put together, I set up my bird feeders. It didn’t take long for the usual suspects to find the free food. Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Northern Cardinals, House Finches, Mourning Doves, and the ubiquitous House Sparrows are some of the species so far.
Our feathered friends appear to be settling in much the way we are. It’s good to be at home this far away from home.
© Bruce Stambaugh 2017
Roadkill Crossing 
I like your new cover picture for this blog. And the “Lehman’s Hardware” bags in the landscaping picture. Brought a bit (a big bit, likely) of Ohio with you!
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Thanks, Melodie. Indeed we did, but not too much. We took the downsizing seriously and we are certainly glad we did. Still, we brought too much.
Bruce
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Glad your move is going so well. It sounds like we share your view – when you move you look mostly forward, not back. Our house is now sold, and purging is well underway. The new place is being built. We’re taking 6 months, which is not as long as you, but will help. Of course we’re only moving 25 minutes away, and already know the community well. Hope you find roles in your new community that you’re comfortable with.
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Thanks. Glad to know that your house sold. I figured it wouldn’t take long in that market. I wish you the best in your transition, too. For now, my roles will be to continue to assist in arranging the house and yard the way we want it; being Poppy; getting to know the back roads; getting to know the main roads to where we need to go and back, and writing and photography.
All the best,
Bruce
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Glad you’re settling in without a hitch. Looks like you traded one great view for another 😉
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Thanks, Jarret. Our view here is nice, even better if we walk to higher elevations in the development.
Bruce
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Bruce, thanks for sharing photo’s. Love your house and what a beautiful street you live on. So glad that you are already feeling at home. That’s so important! You sound so happy and excited about your new life in Virginia. Looking forward to future blogs as you continue to connect with your new home and community.
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Thanks, Pamela. We do have a lovely neighborhood. It’s quiet, and everyone has been very friendly so far. Thanks for following along on our journey.
Bruce
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Please keep posting and send more pictures of your new home. Great picture of the beautiful grosbeak. You surely are the efficient ones when it comes to moving. We’ve been in our home over fifty years and I cannot imagine heading to a new address.
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Thanks, Trudy. I appreciate your kind words and following along.
All the best,
Bruce
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Wonderful! I love hearing your positive, optimistic words about transitioning to live closer to grandchildren. That change is probably in my future and I love to hear encouraging stories about it! Love your photos, too!
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Thanks so much. I wish you the best in your transitional adventure, too.
Bruce
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