Continued from Season 10 – The Letter – Part 1 and Season 10 – The Letter – Part 2
Ahhh the liquor boxes. 😉
Still convinced the whole thing wasn’t going to work out, we didn’t even bother to start packing until about 8 days before we were supposed to sign off on the house. Because seriously, what were the odds it was all going to work out smoothly? I think the HH and I were totally convinced we weren’t really moving, until we picked up the U-Haul and actually started loading it up with what was left of our belongings.
We got rid of SO MUCH stuff!
That gorgeous dining room and hutch set? GONE. Our extra freezer? GONE. Our 12 year old {and insanely heavy} bed set? GONE. The sideboard we’ve had since the house where this whole blog started and hasn’t really fit in any house we’ve had since, GONE. The log splitter, the firewood, and so many other things… GONE.
It was like a HUGE weight had been lifted off our shoulders.
Poor Lucy. I think she thought she was next because Lucy started laying in one of our suitcases about 2 days before the big move.
I think what I’m going to miss most about that house, besides the back patio area, the privacy and quiet setting, is my craft room. My beautiful big craft room.
If I told you that I filled 4 rolling carts full wool and it STILL wasn’t enough to hold it all, you’d probably think I was just making it up. But SERIOUSLY, I could have used another 4 carts because organizing and packing up all that wool was probably the hardest part of the whole moving process.
The chickens…. They stayed. The peeps who bought our house wanted them {and the coop} and c’mon now, who wouldn’t want to wake up to fresh eggs everyday and an instant petting zoo in their backyard? 🙂 We will all miss Lucy’s babies {especially Black Fatty} but we also know they will be well taken care of and loved.
Life. It’s meant to be lived. 😉 And I’m so lucky to have found someone who enjoys the ride as much as I do.
Have a great weekend everyone, I’ll see you back here on Sunday.
~Mavis
Cathy says
Whoa, that was fast
I just saw the letter yesterday and now your moved . Wow
You go girlfriend
Kim says
Mavis,
I’ve been reading this blog for years, almost since the very beginning. I’ve never left a message, but I have to say…you’ve really gotten my attention now. What an amazing ‘turn of events’. I LOVE it. Can’t wait to find out where you are!!!!!
Tracey says
Hope you’re still on the left coast- and just so so, so curious about where you’re going to that may be garden friendly, mosquito free, and sunnier than the PNW.
Kari says
I admire your adventurous spirit. I’m so glad you had the opportunity to try your “dream” house so that you don’t have to live with the “what-ifs.” I truly feel that things work out how they are supposed to, and God has a plan and a purpose for everything.
I’m so glad Lucy’s babies will have a family that loves them. You were so sweet to plant the pumpkins for those kiddos. That was very touching.
I wish you all the best in your new home, and I cannot wait to continue to follow along on the next adventure.
Gerri says
I love your adventurous spirit!!!
rgcblackie says
Good luck on your newest adventure! By the way, I love that you took your citrus tree with you!!!!
Sharon says
Mavis: Have you considered an RV? And by that, I mean the kind typically owed by Taylor Swift, etc? Some of those cost as much as a nice house, but without the hassle of house maintenance (lawns,etc). Above all, when a location “bugs” you, you just move …
Eileen says
WOW, its all I can say!
Julie says
Is your daughter moving with you? Wishing you much happiness. You have been very inspiring….actually a good kick in my backside to try new things and expand my horizons. Thank you!
Nan says
That was my first thought and wow- it seemed like you loved that house and area!
Beth says
Might I suggest the Midwest? You’ve lived on both coasts…now it is time to try the middle. We haven’t got black flies…there are still mosquito…but they aren’t bad…plus our land is great for growing food!!
chickengrandma says
I kind of feel deceived. As you were posting about saving seeds for next year and what to put on your front door, you were actually packing and selling so many things. Do you have a destination ? It is sad because you put so much work into that place.
As a 67 year old, I can’t even fathom moving at this age. We are de cluttering but not selling it all to move. I don’t know your age but settling into a property and getting it just the way you want is best done before getting too old. We have decreased the size of our garden, cutting down on the amount of grass we cut.
You are certainly living the life you want. Best to you and your family.
Laura L. says
I have to agree since Mavis always raved about how much she and her husband loved their forever home and have worked so hard from day one to make it the way they wanted it to be. One thing’s for sure and that is, just when I think that nothing else can surprise or shock me, guess what…..Mavis blows my mind.
As you mentioned, when one gets a bit older, it’s not the same ballgame when it comes to picking up stakes and moving, so I guess if you’re up for it, as Mavis and her HH are, then that’s all that counts in the end. Best of luck to both of you!
Jessica says
I was feeling the same way too! I kinda wish she would’ve said, look I got this crazy letter and I have no idea what’s going to happen.
It kinda feels like I’ve been reading someone else’s blog all summer. Sad.
Don’t get me wrong, I love this blog and wish Mavis the best. Sometimes I just get too attached to the people I follow online!! Lol
Staci says
Yes, I feel like I’m mourning a little bit for some reason, but also agree that I love Mavis, her family and the blog. Now to rearrange my brain to get prepared for whichever direction “we’re” all headed next! 😀
Nancy says
Ha! Good on you! It takes courage to seize the day and I wish you much joy in your new adventure!!!
Jeanine says
No wonder you never put much on the walls. I just loved your house…too bad you couldn’t have moved it to your new destination. Guts! You have lots of guts! We will all be anxiously awaiting your next move to spot.
Katie says
I guess this explains the week of fast food and eating out! I’m really excited to see where you end up!
JulieP says
Well when the decision is made you don’t hang about! I’m super impressed and wish ‘things’ didn’t hold me back but there we are they do. Go girl! Looking forward now to your plans if any for the future!
Jeanine says
Ps….did you take the smoker barbecue….?
Brianna says
If they did, I certainly hope they wrapped it well so it will not permeate everything. We moved our ‘clean’ smoker on out last move and I had to let things air out in the garage as our couch, boxes, and everything smelled like smoked applewood. Two years later and I still get a whiff of it on something in my house, drives me crazy.
Tracey says
Always open the door… you never know if it’s opportunity knocking. Good luck! Thanks for sharing your adventure!
Tammy says
How exciting! Sunday is too far away!!! I need to know everything now. 😉
Robyn says
Wowza Mabel! You go girl! Can’t wait to hear where you end up!! I totally get the bug thing. I live in the gulf islands and the winter rains can be weary but love that there are no bugs! I garden year round here.
jilly says
My guess is you are somewhere closer to the water based on the header photo. Any chance you will get that ‘island’ out there, lol.
blessings, jilly
Dale Ann says
I wonder…
are you heading back to the west coast? I know there is no perfect place, but you seemed quite happy in the west.
HollyG says
I’m so glad I clicked on the ‘blog started’ link. I forgot about the gnomes – – then I remembered the flamingos. It made me smile. Good luck with your move and when you find the promised land or snowy winters, beautiful autumns, wonderful open air markets, quaint grocers, lobster rolls and nor bugs (or snakes if possible), PLEASE share. It’s exactly what I’m looking for – Have you checked out Lunenberg, NS? it’s lovely
April says
I’ve not been on the blog for six months and WOW so WOW and BIG time happy for you. I born and stayed in the east for 43 years now, BUGS are not fun in the east. Now I’m in the PNW and LOVE it! But we are going to the other border in 3 weeks……..ENJOY the journey!! Each day is a gift.
Teri says
You are AWESOME and so is your HH!!! Can’t wait to hear where your next stay is!!!
Alice says
How about the tractor?
Lissa says
So the new people wanted the chickens but not the wood? hahaha. Nice to feel foot loose and fancy free without all the possessions.
Gina says
“And I’m so lucky to have found someone who enjoys the ride as much as I do.”
Nothing has changed since the moment you two got together and you took a chance on him over leaving for college! Adventurous life in all the best most meaningful ways. Godspeed. Chills! Admire the trust you have in eachother.
Christa H says
I’m in shock!!! Ahh loved that hutch and your chickens…can’t wait to find out where the next place will be.
Hope you go to pick more of your spinner gourds to decorate
Mary Ellen says
Mavis – So all this time that you professed your love for your “dream home” it wasn’t true – I have so admired your energy and really thought you and your husband were so happy there and had a lot of plans for the future – You did SO much work and then a short time later to walk away from all of it is shocking to say the least. I wish you well and look forward to seeing where you go…Mary Ellen
Joely says
Holy @#$%. Mavis you are an adventurous force to be reckoned with. God Bless and I know you will land with both feet on the ground. I can’t wait to read the next chapter!
Laura Z says
Wow! Congratulations to you. Can’t wait to hear what you’ll be up to next. I hope y’all can put your feet up for a few days. Moving is exhausting!!
LaToya says
I’ve almost commented no less than 10 times asking if you had any thoughts of bailing on the property because of THE BUGS. They sure seemed to have you enjoying your gardening less than before – though you always put a positive face on it.
I cannot wait to hear about what comes next for you! – – good luck, and keep enjoying the ride.
Teresa says
Well, on to bigger berries and brighter pastures! May your pilgrim soul be blessed on the journey!
Jennifer says
There are good things and bad things in all things – including dream homes. Plus, if the offer is good enough…..why turn it away? I would love to be this carefree but we still have kids at home and I want them to graduate here. Also, dh is a teacher and there is the pension and salary scale to think about. Moving somewhere else would mean his pay would be cut in half. Plus, out of state would mean giving up the pension. So we are here and trying to make the most of it. I think in 3 years when the kids are all out we will likely move, but not switch jobs. I love how adventurous you are and hope to be that way in my future.
Lynda says
I hope you made s huge profit on the sale for all that hassle!!
Hopefully you’ll stay on the east coast in NE….
Teresa Young says
This was NOT on your goal list for this year, Mavis!
What a plot twist – I can’t wait for Part 4.
Karen says
I ‘m thinking Florida or California or maybe Canada or Mexico. Where will you land?
Ann says
Catherine says
New Mexico! Come to New Mexico! No bugs here, and sunny nearly everyday!
Lilypad says
Mazel Tov! I’m super jealous. I love moving. I’m a Seattle native and have only lived here (well, about 20 different houses/apartments in the area in my 52 years) and in Austria. We’ve been in our current home 4 years and I’m ready to start somewhere fresh. I find it energizing. My husband HATES moving but has done it many times in our 26 years together…