The typical response we get from anyone we tell about The Move is,
“Scotland! Really?!! Can I have your dog?”
To which we answer, yes really and no, he’s going with us.
We’ve been getting ready for THE Move for months now. The only places we go are to work, to church, to the dump, (they know us well there), to drop off at the Goodwill and the hardware store. Our mud room the last few weeks gives you some idea of our life.
There was enough on THE List to pick the ‘bits’ we wanted to work on until we started getting down to the end. No one wanted to paint all 4 porches spindles and I mean no one.
“I know, let’s get Mikey to do it!”
Our very own Angel Mikey. He didn’t really want to paint the spindles either, but he did it for two very good reasons.
- He knew we really needed the help.
- We paid him really well.
No one wanted to wash the windows either, but we could NOT find anyone who was available. It was clear, that I would have to do it. I’ve never been very successful with this task, so I watched a video from This Old House, numerous times and ordered my tools. Right before the tools came, a friend rescued me with her window washer! YES!
The night before my favorite new window washer was set to come, he tore his Achilles tendon. I went back to watching my video and unpacking my tools. I did a very impressive job, if I do say so myself. My Loving Spouse kept saying that they were looking great, but I’m pretty sure he just didn’t want to do them himself and Mikey said, ‘no’. I can also vouch for the child protective window locks, yes I got locked out and stuck on one roof.
We originally told our Realtor we’d put the house on the market when the Iris bloom. There’s one thing that blooms before Iris….dandelions.
My Loving Spouse has sprayed and eradicated millions of the darn weeds, while I have dug up the other hundreds he missed.
The iris are getting ready to bloom and the house will be on the market this week. We’ve got to keep everything tidy. We’re at that stage where everything looks great, but we can’t find a thing. We’re not sure if we kept ‘it’ or if we just can’t remember where we stashed ‘it’.
Time for our first goodbye.
My Buddy Beau is about 32 years old. He’s losing his teeth and has arthritis in his hip. He is a lovely old gentleman. Finding a home for him was realistically going to be very challenging. Our fear was that no one would really take good care of him, so did we need to put him down (the last resort)?
The alpacas know something is going on.
We couldn’t have imagined a better situation for Beau. When his original Ellensburg owner heard of our situation. They jumped at the chance to take him back home. They love this old boy and he will live out his life with the care and nurture he deserves.
…and we are blessed.
Hi Ellen!
What an adventure! I thought moving to Ellensburg and restoring Glory Farm was an adventure….but Scotland? That takes the cake! So happy for you and Pat. Thank you for sharing both the joy of your move, and the tender losses of your beloved animals. I wish you well, and many many blessings!
xo-Mady
Thank you sweet Mady,
I appreciate your words and your friendship, so many years!
What a wonderful adventure! God bless you both as you explore and settle in. Who knows how many SoCal friends might show up some day?!?
Exactly! Thank you sweet friend, we hope to open the possibilities to many who might not otherwise travel there.
xo
You are truly blessed and also a great blessing to many. It is evident that God’s hand is upon all you do!
Thank you sweet friend. Pat said, “If God took such care to give Beau a good home, he will do the same for us”.
Ellen:
Where are you moving in Scotland?
XOXOX
Stacy
Hi Stacy,
The Eastern side of Scotland. Currently thinking the Fife coast or the Moray coast. We have a few other places to check out. We will be living Arbnb for a while as we get to know each area and see what is the right fit. We want to know the villages before we buy a home.
xo
E.
Happy for Beau. Happy for you and Pat. Sad for us because you will be missed.
Thank you Carole, you are saving your money for your trip to Scotland? Right?
What do the logistics look like when moving so far afield? Are you shipping any furniture for example, or will you have a total fresh start? I’m so pleased to read that you’ll continue this blog. It’s so much fun to follow your adventures. Take good care and best of luck with the sale of your magical farm.
We will ship very, very little as it costs more than anything is worth. We’ll take family treasures, sewing machines and a few goofy things that make us, us.
Thank you, so much Leslie.
So grateful Ellen that I got to spend time at your beautiful farm when we had our reunion. I look back with such fondness at the fun of that weekend and yours and Pat’s generosity. Xxoo
What a great memory we have of that fun and crazy weekend.
XO
I’ve been thinking about you two a LOT, knowing how long the list has to be getting ready for an international move. We’re going to miss you!
Oh, John…you know indeed! We’ll have to get rid of almost everything!
Thanks Dear John!