Yet Another Chapter

Its hard to believe thats its been more than a year since I've posted here. A lot of that had to do with my computer battery crapping the bed, and not being replaced until a few weeks ago. More than that, however, is that life is just busy. I know, nothing I haven't complained of before. 

The main reason I decided it was time to share an update, is that we are facing a whole new chapter in our lives. Many of our family and friends are already aware, but for those of you who don't live close by, we thought you should know: there is a "For Sale By Owner" sign in front of our house! Yes its true, we're moving….. a half mile down the road! :) 

While the first four years of married life have been wonderful in this house and neighborhood, Adam and I are both feeling the strong desire to live a little farther off the road, have more land, and have a place that meets more of our desires. While looking at places, we happened to mention our plans to Adam's parents. Little did we know, they had an offer we couldn't resist. The next morning, Adam's Mom told us that we should sell our place and move into their house. We both laughed, thinking she might have lost her marbles. After thinking about it, I began to see the possibilities. Their house has many of the things we desire (off the road, more land, wood interior, gas, wood stove, etc.). Not to mention the shop Adam works at everyday is there. We both couldn't accept the idea, however, as it seemed to us that we would be kicking them out of their home. 

Some time went by, and I happened to mention that I really did liked the idea to Adam's mom, but I just didn't think Adam would go for it as he felt bad for them. She immediately informed me that they would LOVE it if we would want to live there, and that they had been wanting a smaller, more retirement-friendly place anyway. After a lot of talking, plotting, and planning, the three of us (Gail, Jim, and I), managed to convince Adam that it really was a great deal for all of us. 

The way it works out, we get to move into their house, and plan to put an addition on one side. Gail and Jim are building a log cabin in the front field. Because the house and property was put in our name a few years ago, we don't even have to subdivide! Its amazing how God keeps working out the details as we go. The plans are beginning to take shape. 

Meanwhile, we've been working hard on fixing the last few odds and ends on our house. We even finally finished flooring in the library and our bedroom! It just figures that all of that stuff does't get done until we're ready to move! Less than a week after we put the "For Sale By Owner" sign up, we had a couple come look at the house. They loved it! Not sure if it will work our for them, but it is a start. Looking forward to all that God has in store for us as we move forward with this. There certainly are a lot of new bends in the road to come. 

The garage begins

So much has been going on lately that a few things have fallen through the cracks, blogging and house cleaning included.

About 2 weeks ago, work on our garage (3 rooms downstairs, which at one point were a garage) commenced. The project has been looming over our heads since we moved in, but kept being put off by lack of time and effort. In my desire to not do the work alone, I kept waiting and asking for Adam's help in starting the project, but as he has been insanely busy lately with motorcycle business, repairing our own vehicles, and the car show, I decided the only way I was going to get my car in the garage this winter was if I started the project myself.

So that has taken the majority of my time the last couple weeks. I owe a huge thanks to my mom, Gail, and her friend Wanda for assisting in the moving/ripping and tearing process. We first had to clean the space out enough to work in it. Next we had to remove all the old wood paneling, trim, and take out several walls that blocked off the space that will be garage. Its amazing what women with motivation, hammers, and crow bars can do! Adam's grandpa came in the middle us working the first day and high-tailed it out of there as fast as he could. (He can't stand to see "good" wood thrown away. And by "good" I mean full of nails, and dings. Oh well. No more clutter in our basement!). Reduction in junk/clutter was made possible by 2 trips to the dump, costing $20 and $98! Oh well. Would have cost more for a dumpster.

We have gotten the majority of the clearing done. Adam's grandpa came over to remove some wiring for us, which Adam helped with, and Dad will be coming soon to take out the old heat so we can install a single blower unit for that space. After that we'll be able to take the last of the paneling and the last partition out to complete the shape of the garage. Adam can then work on the door part, and Mom and I can begin fixing the aesthetics, taping, binning, painting, etc. Finally, we have to have the majority of this all done before the end of October, at which time a few musicians from a group called Mosaic will be staying with us, as they are performing a concert at church. More about that in a later post.

Once again, I'm terrible about remembering to take before pictures. I really should have as that space looked atrocious before. But I'll definitely post some pics from now on.

Reasons For and Against Living in Florida

Being down here again has reminded me of a couple of things that I really like about here, and wish were different at home. One of the simplest things: clear and vast choices of radio stations. This feature is practically non-existant at home. The stations are never clear all the time, mostly because we live in the boonies, are there are no longer any choices for my favorite: contemporary christian. I love listening to the radio down here, because it fools be into thinking its XM, even though its only local. Another plus: pave roads without frost heaves and cracks. This is the first expanse of time I've been able to run on paved roads. It is quite different from what I'm used to. I want to actually say its less work, whether thats good or bad. My muscles probably get a better work out at home. Another plus: incredible selection of restaurants and places to shop, just down the road. Our family LOVES to eat, so close proximity to such places is both wonderful and dangerous, but I must also add, delicious! I've had more fish this week than I've had in the past couple of months. :) Oh, and my vegan diet has been the victim of a few delectable desserts, which I've paid for in gastrointestinal discomfort (could have been avoided if I remembered to keep Lactaid in my purse). Another plus: clean vehicles. I have next to no incentive to wash my car during certain times of the year due to living on dirt roads. It would be pointless. One more plus before I move on to the opposing side: cool indoors and hot outdoors. Yeah, most people complain about this, but at least when its hot, you can go inside where its cool. We don't have air conditioning at our house, so when its hot, its just plain hot.

On the flip side, there's traffic. At home we hardly know what this is. There's the endless increase of expenses from living down here: high electric bills, higher prices for food, etc, (the gas is currently cheaper though). Despite the wonderful entertainment of the nearby theme parks, there is a limited selection of outdoor activities, which is something I love about home, especially the close proximity, like outside our front door. Change of seasons; I love the cooler weather of fall, the colors, and even the snow, for a little bit anyway; Christmas just isn't the same without it. And even though Mom and I usually have to drive to Albany or nearby to get to the stores we like, its probably a good things, because it keeps me from spending money too often. I'm sure there are probably other downsides too, but they aren't coming to mind at the moment. I guess its easier to see the positives while on vacation than if we were living here. I do love where we living, but I am equally happy to vacation somewhere different from home. :)

What is your opinion? Is Florida a great place to live? What problems or benefits have you found, and where would your dream place be to live?