We’re officially all in the new home, well, except for the Bravada, packed to the ceiling with last-minute things. I had to decide what went to the dump (Well that was easy–cracked bed frame, anyone?), what went to the Good Will store, and what childhood memories could and should be salvaged. In short, aside from the closet full of tools, and the drawer full of knives–happy Halloween!–that I had forgotten, last minute clean-up day of the old abode in Norry saw me exit with light sabers, Matchbox cars, Legos, and Lord of the Rings action figures. Oh, and an arsenal of high-powered squirt guns. The boys may be men now, but some treasures must not be lost.

Mailbox from Blues Clues started singing “Mail time! Maaaaiil time” from the bottom of the box as I handed it to the cute young man, who smiled and said, “Nice!” at the receiving deck.  Thank you, cute young man; that helped release that feeling of wanting to hold onto every last bit concrete evidence of my sons’ childhood. Well, it helped a little. And some kid is gonna enjoy a couple of remote-control toys still in their boxes (Sometimes I over-did Christmas, I couldn’t help it).

But the family vehicle remains in the driveway for now. Thing is, after the big move last weekend, living like a gypsy for two weeks before that, the travelling for two months before that, the house-hunting, the interviews, the training, and now as of yesterday, the final clean-up at the old place (I could only do it on the weekends), I needed just a little something chocolaty and rummy in my coffee this morning. Yum! Not doing anything important until after my nap today.

Before leaving the place on Front Street I did a bit of a ritual that fits with what I like to do when important events transpire. It was suggested by a dear friend, so I made it a little more purposeful. I walked into each empty room and blessed the house (well, I’m an unbeliever, but still), and wished well for those who would come and make their home in the future. I thanked the walls for the life they had surrounded there, the good, the dark, the happy, the sad. It was a rough year, to be sure, but it had it’s bright spots, and its guiding stars.

And now, I am here, the old place swept (mostly) clean. No urgent need to go back, except to visit dear friends. And this place already feels like home. The top photo was from last Saturday night, after the truck was completely unloaded, and beer and pizza were being greedily and gratefully consumed. The next photo was a “before” snap of our kitchen, for Brian’s benefit before he saw it in person. And the rest are from Monday. I’ll have more when we actually have the place more sorted, and things are hanging on the walls properly.

Now, back to writing!

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