We are here: moved, settled (even most of the pictures have been hung), and thoroughly at home in the quiet village of Nashotah, Wisconsin.
I purposely never took snapshots of the towers of boxes in our rooms in northern Wisconsin as we were packing. And I purposely never photographed the same cardboard skyscrapers which were safely and efficiently transported 290 miles south to our new home. We’re thankful for that! I don’t want to ever see another cardboard box in my life, except when UPS delivers some neat thing that I’ve ordered online.
We’ve had many surprises since moving into our new home 15 days ago. Most of them have been wonderful. We were surprised to see how perfectly everything fits in. We were delighted to see how charming a condo can be, as soon as one puts a lifetime of collections, books, and family photos into it.
We are continually amazed at Dylan’s good behavior. (For those new to this page, Dylan is a Pembroke Welsh corgi.) He doesn’t bark anymore than any of the other dogs around here. He’s getting accustomed to people walking through the park, but still gets a bit ferocious when he spots another dog; that’s a corgi thing.
Dylan loves our walks, and enjoys exploring his new territory of 4 rooms, 2 bathrooms, and several closets. He’s already hidden his food everywhere. That’s a sign that he’s feeling at home.
The not-so-good surprise was Joe’s emergency trip at 3:00 a. m. on the Sunday of Labor Day weekend. But God’s grace prevailed. A fantastic surgeon was on call, and Joe received 6 stents–2 each in 3 clogged arteries. Now Joe is feeling fine, and we are wasting no time in creating new memories with family members and long-standing friends in the area. Life is good!
Although we haven’t seen any wolves, bears, or eagles down here, we constantly see plenty of nature. Chickory abounds at the roadsides, a poignantly blue and beautiful wildflower that I missed up north. The first of the southbound Canadas are beginning to fly overhead.
We have bird feeders galore around this condo community, and have stocked our feeder with sunflower seeds. Eventually the cardinals will find it. Two chipmunks skitter and scatter across our patio, encouraged no doubt by bits of chopped up apple and dry bread which I “plant” in the little garden spot.
On the far side of the pleasant park which forms our front yard, is a nature preserve with woods and a prairie. A path in the nature area leads to the quiet end of Lake Nagawicka, where one can fish or sketch.
There are deer, foxes, and coyotes in the neighborhood. I’ve seen circling hawks–not so common in the north as they are down here–and sandhill cranes.
Our little village is separated from other pleasant towns by cornfields and some horse farms. I’m reminded of Psalm 16:6. My lines have fallen in pleasant places.
Margaret L. Been–All Rights Reserved
Your condo looks beautiful and cozy!! I’m so glad you’re back to “blogging”-I read it often at the library especially in the microforms room where it’s usually quiet. Glad to hear Joe is doing better-you’ve had quite a summer-!! Happy Autumn!!
So glad you are settled in. Hope Joe stays healty. My Rose of Sharon has three flowers on it. I am so excited. Yes I am the lady from Waukesha. Very Grateful Jeanne B.
Welcome back! I was getting worried. As always, your wonderful spirit prevails Margaret. It looks like you are settling into your new life. Your new home looks as warm and inviting as I would expect it to be. I love the sun shining in thru the transom window with your tea bottles.
What a relief to be nearer to St. Lukes and it’s doctors. Glad to hear all went well with Joe.
Enjoy your extended fall, honking geese overhead and your family.
Hey, Julie and Linda! Great to hear from you both, and it’s so good to be settled and back to “normal” living–whatever that is! 🙂
Hi, Jeanne! I hope we can meet someday soon. I love the antique malls in Waukesha. There’s always room for more stuff! 🙂