Our move was not ordinary. I will not diss any move. None
is ordinary; each is unnerving--I’ve moved enough to know. But this one is
particularly blog worthy: Moving from Houston, Texas to St. John’s
Newfoundland, Canada in the dead of winter between snow storms, with two dogs,
one which once had her own blog.
Despite shaking heads and warnings from friends in Texas
and Canada not to move Annie and Layla until Spring, we decided that our furry
girls’ rescue-dog spirit would guide them through the ordeal. We are a pack
after all. Besides, from what I’ve heard, Spring is pretty much the twin sister
of Winter in NL. I will let you know.
Anyhoo, the process began long ago. The first flutters of
My Hero’s possible transfer to the St. John’s office came in April (2013.) The Boston
Marathon tragedy happened. My mom’s health took a dive. I was packing for our
trip to see Utah—Bryce and Zion Canyons—via Phoenix, a visit with our amazing AZ
relatives, the drive past Hoover Dam, and a night in Las Vegas. Our first
childless vacation in 30 years. Our boy, youngest of four, was away at college.
The trip to AZ/Utah required packing winter and summer
wear in one suitcase, and quickly I remembered that winter wear takes up a whole lotta room in a closet (or suitcase.)
Move to Newfoundland, and I’d deal with this on a regular basis. Oh, well. No
worries (yet.) Moving to St. John’s, NL? Merely a whisper on a breeze.
While I can only speak for myself, it appears most Americans know nothing
about Newfoundland. I, for one, knew nothing. Of course I had to do the
research. I’m a writer. After searching the Internet, I’ve decided more people
need to write about Newfoundland. Pinterest provided brilliant photographs.
A few years ago (several fews,) my sixth grade social
studies teacher Miss Sims asked us to write a report about a European country. More proof that I have
selective hearing, I picked Nova Scotia. Nova Scotia is neither in Europe nor a
country. It is a Canadian province. So I wound up writing about France, I
think. Nevertheless, my pre-assignment research led me to fall in love with
Nova Scotia. I’ve always told My Hero I’d move to Nova Scotia in a heartbeat
(if The Company wanted to send us there.)
Newfoundland is closer to Nova Scotia than I’ve ever
been. A friend who knows told me that Newfoundland is better than Nova Scotia. I trust her.
Move to Newfoundland? Let’s go!
Stay tuned. Next… Our house packed professionally—it only
took six days.
8 comments:
Oh, I'm SO following your blog! As a previous Ex-Pat, I've been in your shoes. Almost. I did everything you're doing now, but in the heat of summer and to the desert sands of Saudi Arabia. Neither temperature extreme is easily borne, and I know winter quite well. Having lived in the mountains of Wyoming and the windy prairies of South Dakota, the move to Texas was quite the adjustment. Then came Dear Hubby's announcement we've be going overseas. [[shakes head]] The only move I plan to make again is to downsize, hopefully to a cabin overlooking a lake, and still within driving distance to my grandbabies! Post often, Pretty Lady. Miss you already!
Thanks, Jaye! We did a lot of downsizing (that needed to be done) and still probably didn't do enough. New House is not as large as Old House in many ways. But there is a basement (which is really not below the entire house like Americans think of basements.) It's really a storage room which could be stuffed by the time we're done. If we can keep this address the whole time we're here (unlike our adventure in England 20+ years ago) I will be thrilled--and we will figure it out. We moved from England back to Houston in the middle of summer and just about died (from the heat and humidity.)
I'm looking for a Follow button... Where it be? :)
Jaye, I do not know. I will try to figure this out and let you know.
It's there now. Subscribed! :)
Well, I feel like I lived most of that with you! I'm so happy you're off on this very cool (literally) adventure. What a great time in your lives...and I will be round this year for a visit. And you're off!!!
PS. It's saying I'm anonymous- don't know why...but this is STACEY. :-)
Hey, Stacey! Thank you!!! And FYI, you weren't anonymous at my end. Maybe you've made yourself anonymous to others and I'm special. :) I can't wait til you visit, but I will definitely have to do more exploring before then! Right now I'm happily allowing myself a restful writing retreat with no travel. One of this mornings I will drive Phil to work and start exploring the exits on the way home. We already have plans to go round the bay this weekend if we don't get the call that our furniture is in! Walking conditions are challenging. Will face driving conditions soon enough.
Hey! I didn't shake my head and warn you. I just said if Layla and Annie needed a place to stay until you could sort out arrangements, I had room. Glad all four of you made it safely to your new home!
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