Continued from Season 10 – The Letter – Part 1 and Season 10 – The Letter – Part 2 and Season 10 – The Letter – Part 3
Normally on Sundays I do my goal post. But, in an effort to wrap up this little mini series, I thought I would finish the story today, and then on Monday share the goal post and on Tuesday talk about what we ate this past week. After that, we’ll be back to our regular scheduled programming. 😉
So. Where did we leave off?
Oh, that’s right, Lucy and I were following the HH in the moving truck. So. We DID find a house. Quite unexpectedly I might add. And just like every other house we’ve bought over the past 25 years, we only had to look at ONE home to know it was the right one for this stage in our lives. Yep, we bought the first house we stepped foot in. How crazy is that?
Some people have to look at dozens of houses before they find the right home, but for us, one seems to be the lucky number.
Winter rentals are pretty plentiful around coastal New England, and so we had assumed that’s where we would rent while we took our time to search for just the right house. We knew finding something to rent wouldn’t be much of an issue, and because we still didn’t really believe that we were actually going to move, we basically put off looking for a place to rent until the last minute.
About a week after we signed around on an offer {on what didn’t turn out to be the forever home but I’m still glad we had the opportunity to live there and would probably do it all over again because I absolutely loved that house} I was online at 6 am one morning when I noticed a listing within the 30 mile radius we were looking in.
At 8 am I called the listing agent, and by 11:30 we were in the house looking around. By 12:15 we were sitting down at the kitchen table writing up an offer.
The HH was hesitant about the house because of it’s age and a few other minor details {translation: future house projects that he would have to participate in}, but I knew it was the one almost immediately. And here’s where it gets a little hippy dippy … if you’ve been reading this blog for a long time, or know me in real life, what I’m about to say won’t even phase you.
Are you ready for this?
When we walked up to look at the attic, I turned to the left and saw a white chicken sitting on a stack of boxes. It was VERY similar to the chicken I bought as a gift for Mrs. Hillbilly at the New Hampshire Craftsman’s Fair. That was the first sign.
The second sign was a little Shaker sewing box with some old bobbins in it {something I have always wanted to buy myself}. And the third sign was a nightstand in the living room that was being used as a little side table. It was the exact same nightstand that was part of my furniture set I had as a child in my bedroom with the green shag carpet, pink walls and Holly Hobbie bedding.
Those three things. That’s how I knew.
Some people need a sure thing, a plan, something more concrete. All I needed was a chicken, a sewing box and a nightstand. Plus, having a husband who is pretty much up for anything as long as I’m 100% sure of it myself, was pretty helpful too.
Do I know how long we’ll be here? Nope. Was this house a better option for us than renting? Yes. Is this a chance to live in a type of setting we’ve never lived in before? Yep. Is this a great opportunity to have some fun and create a kick arse garden and make all sorts of unique artwork to put on the walls? YES, YES IT IS.
Plans? We don’t need no stinkin’ plans!
Maine! The way life should be. 🙂 🙂 🙂
Have an awesome Sunday everyone, I’ll be sharing more about our new place next week. But for now, I’ve still got a boatload of boxes to unpack.
Have a wonderful day,
~Mavis
lynne says
you never cease to amaze! Maine!!!! Yay for you guys!!!! we are tentatively planning a vaca to that state next year – have always wanted to see Maine. living life by the seat of your pants – you’ve got that nailed. congrats! lynneinMN
Caitlin says
Love. It. Can’t wait to enjoy this new adventure with you!
Jane Adkins says
Love your adventures! ♥️
Maritza says
Congrats!!! And thank you for including us in your adventures. I wish you and HH the best!
Lori says
Oh, dear, hope you are prepared for the sand flies!
Joely says
That’s awesome! I love it…( and totally get the green shag carpet and nightstand thing as a child of the 70s!)
Joanna says
My least favorite color is orange, because of the rug and curtains and couch and everything in our house in the 70’s being or having that slighty-dark orange color.
Lilypad says
I hear you! In 1969 when I was two, we moved into a house with dark orange countertops and dark brown cabinets, just like the Brady Bunch kitchen. Even the floor was that orange/red fake brick looking linoleum. The bathroom had avocado green toilet, tub, and sink with matching countertops. And yes, my parents chose all of those colors when the house was built LOL. The 70’s were so groovy.
Joanna says
My husband and I moved in with his father after college in ’92. The kitchen was STILL dark wood cabinets and orange “marble” laminate countertop, and the living room had orange/brown/olive green shag! 😀
Thank goodness he never really did much with the bathrooms, one was in the ’50s yellow and black tiles, the other in grey and pink!
Julie P says
So looking forward to seeing your new home it’s been a great week living life vicariously through your blog! The bravest we got this week was spending a long weekend in Lincoln UK in the RV at a motorhome show, but back to the homestead tomorrow
Mel says
I’m so glad you’re still on the East Coast! When you left the PNW, you moved to the same time zone as us, and I loved that new posts went up earlier in my day. These are my selfish reasons for embracing your life choices, but I’m so happy for you to be on another adventure. 🙂
The bugs at your old place might have been due to the pond on the property—stagnant water is where mosquitoes breed. You might have better luck on the coast, but it might also depend on the season or the day. We’re coastal too, and breezy days help, but summer can still get a little buggy. The sound of the water and the hunt for sea glass make up for many things.
I’m moving offices for work this week (after two months of poorly justified construction delays), and I can barely handle that, so I hope all goes smoothly with your move. It’s nice to think you’re settling in somewhere new this week as well.
chickengrandma says
One good thing about moving often is that it helps you get rid of clutter and unnecessary stuff. After living in our house for 30 years , we are looking at our “stuff” in a different way–out with it.!
Lilypad says
I wish my parents would think like you do. They have lived in their house since 1987 (when my sister and I were already in college) and it feels like they’ve kept everything they’ve bought since they got married in 1956! My mom flat out admitted to my sister that she has no intention of getting rid of anything and expects that my sister and I will have to deal with it all some day!! That’s so mean. Best of luck to you in your de-cluttering.
Patti says
I feel your pain Lilypad, my mom has said the same to my sister and I. My parents built their home when I was 3 years old, almost 56 years ago. The 3000 square foot home is full from attic to basement. My sister and she are in PA and I am in Florida. It will be a nightmare. Sadly, she has many old family pieces that we don’t know the history of. My father’s paternal side was from Scotland and we inherited old photos, etc. My husband and I have moved a lot over the past 36 years, so We have purged many times. Some things I regret getting rid of. We have far less stuff than most, but probably still too much.
Teresa Young says
After cleaning out my in-laws house I refuse to do this to my kids. We moved over the summer and I was brutal in what I disposed of. My mantra, repeated over & over to my husband, was ‘Our kids don’t want our sh$&’ !
Nekey Shirley says
Same here. Ever since my mother passed away and I had to deal with all of her stuff, I get rid of as much as I can! It is so hard in grief to go through even a few things, let alone a mountain of things.
Sandy says
My mother has told me the same thing: “I cleaned out your grandparent’s house. You will clean out mine.” No amount of pleading will change her mind. I’ve already told her I will hire a service to clean it out. She won’t budge. It is extremely frustrating. Get rid of your stuff, people. Better yet, stop buying so much! Nobody wants it but you! 🙂
Heather says
We loved Maine when we lived there and by the ocean is pure bliss!
Congratulations and I so get the three things…and we have always picked our first home we’ve walked into too! This last house I saw on vacation and we got back on Monday at 830 to see it and by 11 we were writing up offer. When it’s supposed to be, it happens quickly!
Robyn says
I love Maine! And hey! Now that you’ve had your forever house, if this place doesn’t work you can sell it and start a new adventure! You and HH are up for anything and remember- you can always change your mind when you can’t change your socksCongrats on your move and here’s to a new adventure!
LaToya says
Oh, Miss Mavis, I just love you and the way you just dive in and eat. life. up.
Closer to water? No bugs to worry about? No parkas to garden?
Samantha says
Yay! I am a believer of those little signs life gives us! Congratulations on this next adventure!!!!
Mel says
So excited for you Mavis! What an amazing adventure! One week from tomorrow we close on the sale of our house in Southern Illinois and then we’re heading for South Dakota! We are so pumped for the new adventure and to be leaving the humidity and crazy amount of bugs as well! Good luck and CONGRATULATIONS!
Sara L says
Mel – this commercial for south dakota has always cracked me up – a unique marketing strategy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrX8OTFSFZI
Teri says
Way to Go Mavis!! Everything happens for a reason!
Pj says
Hippie Dippie signs… it’s the only way to go! Follow your gut and enjoy the adventure!
Terena says
Totally agree! We only get one ‘go around’, why live it by other people’s rules?!
Christa H. says
Congrats- can’t wait to her more.
I also had mint green shag carpet, pink walls, and Holly Hobbie bedding when I was a child.
Karen M says
Ha! You are amazing! I hope the bugs are better where you are now! I figured you weren’t coming back to the PNW! I’ll keep following all your adventures! Hugs to you both!
Jane Hebert says
Best of luck!!! Maine, I’m in Mass and hope to maybe someday retire to the coast of Maine!!
I can’t wait to see pictures!! Enjoy your new adventure and best wishes, Janie
Laura Z. says
Congratulations! How exciting!
Julia Park Tracey says
I had the Hollie Hobbie curtains (yellow) myself…Snoopy bedding. I am so excited to learn about Maine through you. I don’t understand why anyone would want a “house chicken” unless it’s a pillow. It’s not for dusting, is it? As a chicken-mama, I have enough chickens in my life. Congratulations and have a great time getting settled. I’ll bet you can see Canada from your house!
Sandra G. says
okay here you go gardening in Maine love your newest endeavor
https://extension.umaine.edu/gardening/maine-home-garden-news/
https://www.ufseeds.com/learning/planting-schedules/Maine-Vegetable-Planting-Calendar
https://www.gardenguides.com/93855-plants-garden-maine.html
https://downeast.com/maine-gardening-tips/
Rita says
Can’t wait to hear more about your new digs! Will you still have your rug hooking/wool/ceramics business? Wishing you loads of happiness!
Mary3M says
I think we need to nickname the HH ‘Saint HH’. Nothing you seem to do appears to phase him. And he seems up to all of your adventures. My suggestion for gardening apparel: a bee-keeprs hat, long sleeve white turtleneck (cotton – LLBean or Lands ENd). Long pants and the white socks like you had to make sure no ticks. And surgical gloves work great. Not sure you aren’t trading bugs for more bugs and sand flies/fleas. Wondered why you hadn’t canned more – now I get it. Did you move the kiln? What about The Girl – did she move with you too? You have inspired me to start looking at what i can get rid of, recycle, and re-home. Do you think you will have chickens again at this place? It sounds like it has land so you could have them again. I love your adventures though I couldn’t do it myself. (I stayed at the same job 27 years and moved back into my parents house when my mom died buying it back from the estate-good karma – but still have things of my mothers that I have to get rid of. Inquiring minds are looking forward to answers!!!!!
Laura says
Wow! This whole story definitely surprised me.
Maine sounds lovely, but does it get humid and have mosquitos like your last house?
The cold, snowy winters really must not bother you.
I hope you love your new house.
Gina says
Congratulations on your new home. Love the photo you shared of Winter Harbor. Looking forward to hearing about a part of the U.S. I know nothing about. Being by the coast is EVERYTHING. Have a WHALE of a good time!
Ellen Maarshall says
Maine- hooray! it is the best. I was going to suggest it earlier, but you found it anyway! I have lived in many places around the country- from Texas to Ohio to upstate NY, VT, NJ…but Maine- this is home. Congratulations! I hope you love it.
Deb K says
Maine,,,hmmm, thought you were already there. Glad you didn’t leave NE….Autumn is natures reward for putting up with the bugs/critters of Spring and Summer! Can’t wait to hear the rest of the adventure!!
Lisa says
Welcome to my state! You know we still have black flies, right? May the ocean breeze blow them away! I’m so excited for your future posts because you’ll show me things in my own area I didn’t know about, and I can follow your garden advice to the T. Congratulations! And Hollie Hobbie Forever.
Vivian says
So glad you could stay in the other place long enough to see to it that the turtle babies got to the right place! If you are really by the water you are SO lucky! We lived right on the water for 23 years and it was heaven! Well, except for the one storm when the ocean decided to come in the house during a storm and high tide but oh well, we survived!
Teresa Young says
I feel like HH said he’d go anywhere with you as long as there was a clam shack nearby 🙂
Congrats on finding a new home, forever or for-as-long-as-you-want.
Debbie in Alaska says
Woo hoo for Maine. If it’s Camden I’ll be over the moon for you but all of coastal Maine is amazing. The only other place in the US I’d want to live if I wasn’t living in scenic Juneau Alaska.
Kate says
Congratulations! Can’t wait to hear how Lucy took the move and her adventures in exploring her new home!!
Alison says
After vacationing in Maine this year – I can see why you’ve settled there. What an absolutely beautiful place it is! Congratulations!
Staci says
🙂 I’m glad you seem to be sticking to the East Coast – at least for now ;).
Sarah says
Having moved twice in my life I can honestly say you’re brave… or possibly crazy. 😀
Lisa L says
This will sound strange but. Me , a stranger (born raised still live in new england] I was shocked that you sold the house so soon. I loved the blog with the updates and photos. And i felt disappointed But after hearing about the signs in the new place and it is still new england like you planned (hopefully near maine ocean which is awesome) i felt at ease and cant wait to read all the new adventures. Funny how people can feel connected to a blog or is it just me?♀️Congrats and good luck