After putting almost 2400 miles in our rearview, Glenna Rose & I arrived at our new home (pic above) in the beautiful bluegrass on Saturday evening.
Some of you followed our progress on Facebook and we sincerely appreciate the amazing support we received through texts, calls & messages. We received morning car trip songs and magic fairy wands of love, the best tourist information, offers of dinner and layovers and more! I've posted some pics and written long blog post below for those who are interested in our journey thus far.
The Society has the best members ever and we love you all!
As of today, I'm in my new office and have my nose back to the grindstone. Your patience during the transition is truly appreciated. Please feel free to call if I can assist you in any way. You can reach me directly at 270.597.2132.
Adieu until it be April….
On Wednesday the 23rd, my darling Shivas family held a special lunch to bid me adieu until I return for Spring break. How blessed am I?
Thank you to Steve & Barbara, Bryan & Donna, Dave & Konny, Bucky & Jan for your love & support and coming out to wish us well on our journey.
Cross Country in 2 days or less…
We had planned to make it a 4 day journey with a visit to Vegas, the Grand Canyon, and other stops along the way. However, after the disappointment of icky Canyon roads & poor visibility, we just wanted to get home. So kid, cat, sacks and all we drove…. And drove…. And drove some more. I documented our progress on Facebook and was so humbled by the outpouring of love we received. Thank you so much!
Luckily, the trip was uneventful, so I’ll just share some photos of our wonderful country.
My new digs…
You see, my darling brother has opened his beautiful home to Glenna Rose & I, giving us the upstairs mother-in-law unit to call home for now. The last time I saw it almost 2 years ago, it wasn’t complete but I remembered the spacious warmth and the beautiful wood. As you can see, he does gorgeous work.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words but “they” haven’t experienced walking into my new office space for the first time.
I did not expect my new office “staff” of 39 deer, a bobcat, a turkey, a goose, and a pheasant. I simply do not have words, so I will borrow Glenna’s, “Mommy, it’s creepy the way their eyes follow me.”
Culture Shock…
Without a doubt, I have it! I grew up here and I have visited throughout the years, finding the charm and southern hospitality such a comfort. I was so excited to hit the Kentucky state line… home! My troubles would melt away, my burdens be lifted and great joy would be mine! Right?
It was at Sunday dinner (which is actually lunch) that I began to question my sanity in thinking moving “home” was a good idea.
It was Monday morning, when my need for espresso took over my psyche after only having a small Mr. Coffee pot and generic coffee all week, that I realized I may in fact have moved directly into one of the layers of hell.
No problem! I turned to Facebook and my wonderfully supportive friends & family. “Where is the coffee shop?” I asked all perkily.
I can still hear the laughter in my head.
Here is a list of the things not available in the entire county where I now live.
- No city blocks… no city!
- No coffee shop
- No alcohol (well, the legal kind)
- No cable internet, only DSL (I’m the turtle in the commercial)
- No voicemail on my new phone line (Recommendation by the customer service rep, purchase an answering machine at the local Walmart.)
- No Walmart
- No cell service (Set your phone to roam, which means no voicemail there either!)
- No access to my bank (only small town banks)
You can’t make this stuff up…
It took me 2 years in Cali to stop ordering “sweet tea” and Monday I discovered that in the South “iced tea” still comes syrupy sweet. Perhaps, in 2 years, I’ll be able to drink “sweet tea” once again AND there will be a coffee shop in town.
Tuesday found Glenna Rose & I in Bowling Green (home of the Corvette) and our first stop was Starbucks! A big shout out to the wonderfully perky & sympathetic chickies who felt my pain about not having a coffee shop in Brownsville… my venti, non-fat, quad, caramel macchiato was delish!
That night we went to support one of my beautiful nieces at the high school basketball game. The half-time show may not have Beyonce, but the band can sure rock Toby Keith’s Red Solo Cup. The show stealer was the awesome drummer in the Loyal Order of Water Buffaloes hat.
By Wednesday, when I had to get up at 6 to get Glenna Rose ready for school that starts at 7:45, I was quite sure I was truly in Hell. Homeschooling was seriously considered for the space of about ten minutes, especially as there isn’t a coffee shop on the way to or from school!
By now, you’ve joined me in saying “WTF have you done, Jo?”
Because it’s home…
On Tuesday afternoon, we stopped by the elementary school to register Glenna Rose. The staff & children are so sweet, kind and helpful. We toured the school and met the librarian who stated quite firmly that we must be moving from Indiana because I have a Northern accent. I smiled and Glenna informed her quickly that she was as Californian. “Why would you move here, honey?” Ms. Doris asked.
“Because it’s home.” Glenna replied smiling up at me.
Each and every step…
While I feel as if I am wilting, I have watched my daughter meet her new class and teacher, get stolen by her aunts, uncles & cousins who adore her, choose to ride the bus home from school so she can meet new friends, jump up and down in joy screaming how she loves her new school and simply blossom here in the bluegrass.
Every step of my journey of the last 15 months has taught me something new. Every decision, every choice has led here, to this place… to this time. Is it exactly as I hoped, wanted and expected? For Glenna Rose, who watched snow fall for the first time last night... it is. And wasn't that the point of everything?
Now for my biggest lesson of all… learning to enjoy each and every step.
Coffee & wine would help… just sayin’! ;)
~Blessings to all,
