Oh, my. My husband and I have just recently made the decision that you have made - so bravely and (I'm sure) correctly. We have a house in Denver that is too big for just the two of us and my husband (who I believe has OCD - not confirmed) goes out every morning and picks-up by hand everything that fell on the front, back and side lawns overnight. And waters (yes, we have irrigation) because he "does it better". And then comes in after 3 hours bent over and complaining about his back. It's time. I know you're making the right decision because of how thoughtfully you speak about it. Good luck! Congratulations! And have fun.
"I know once I leave here I won’t come back. They’ll want me to see what they’ve done to the place, but I hope I can convince them not to send pictures. I want my memories to be mine."
All the very best to you, Ramona! I don't log on to Substack enough, but when I do, I always enjoy catching up on your life's journey. I remember selling my family house and moving my mom to an apartment after my dad died. "Bittersweet" doesn't even begin to describe the experience. But it was time. Enjoy your new home, make it your own, and keep writing! And by the way, I understood the troll reference right away. My dad read "Three Billy Goats Gruff" to my siblings and me when we were young. That troll scared the heck out of me!
Wishing you all the happiness with your move. Pack those memories carefully and unpack them as part of rusticating your new space. Love the idea of your ‘do not disturb’ sign ... I wonder if there is an amusing ‘ Beware of the’ ... Sharp Quilled Writer / Mysterious Neighbour / ... (maybe a competition for your readers!).
You have chosen the absolute perfect place for the next chapter……cheers to everything going as planned…. Ed is ALWAYS with you . I love trolls but didn’t know it was used like that in Michigan…..I thought I saved my little original small troll doll from the 60’s but I can’t place it
A new adventure, Ramona! Looks like a beautiful place you are settling in, new vistas to explore too. And Ed and your memories go with you too….I know from my own experience.
Offering an idea for something to take with you as you switch locations. Somewhere in your cottage is a light-switch and cover you know to have been touched more often by your husband than any other. Take it with you (because it’s going to be replaced anyway), have it reinstalled, perhaps in your new office or bedroom. If his spirit lingers in the walls, he’ll know what you’re up to and likely hitch a ride. Sometimes it’s the silly little simple to-do things that add just the right touch to new. 😇
I Hope you get a good balance of space and time to yourself for your writing mixed with interaction on cool things. I support thé ‘ leave me alone’ signage, at least until you warm up to being in a populated space again
Best wishes as you make this big move. I understand the dilemma. I had to move just before Dan died - I tried to take him along as best I could - pictures, furniture, etc. It's the best I could do - and it was the right thing to do. You will still be near the water - a plus in my book.
Wishing you all the best with your move, Ramona. I'm glad you get to stay "up north" and near the water.
I support the rustifying of that new office, Ramona! And Ed is in your pocket, wherever you go. :)
I think the statue with the suitcase is a nod to that famous suitcase of his that went missing.
Oh, my. My husband and I have just recently made the decision that you have made - so bravely and (I'm sure) correctly. We have a house in Denver that is too big for just the two of us and my husband (who I believe has OCD - not confirmed) goes out every morning and picks-up by hand everything that fell on the front, back and side lawns overnight. And waters (yes, we have irrigation) because he "does it better". And then comes in after 3 hours bent over and complaining about his back. It's time. I know you're making the right decision because of how thoughtfully you speak about it. Good luck! Congratulations! And have fun.
"I know once I leave here I won’t come back. They’ll want me to see what they’ve done to the place, but I hope I can convince them not to send pictures. I want my memories to be mine."
This is beautiful and so true.
All the very best to you, Ramona! I don't log on to Substack enough, but when I do, I always enjoy catching up on your life's journey. I remember selling my family house and moving my mom to an apartment after my dad died. "Bittersweet" doesn't even begin to describe the experience. But it was time. Enjoy your new home, make it your own, and keep writing! And by the way, I understood the troll reference right away. My dad read "Three Billy Goats Gruff" to my siblings and me when we were young. That troll scared the heck out of me!
💚💚💚💚💚
Wishing you all the happiness with your move. Pack those memories carefully and unpack them as part of rusticating your new space. Love the idea of your ‘do not disturb’ sign ... I wonder if there is an amusing ‘ Beware of the’ ... Sharp Quilled Writer / Mysterious Neighbour / ... (maybe a competition for your readers!).
You have chosen the absolute perfect place for the next chapter……cheers to everything going as planned…. Ed is ALWAYS with you . I love trolls but didn’t know it was used like that in Michigan…..I thought I saved my little original small troll doll from the 60’s but I can’t place it
It sounds like a great place for this next chapter in your life. I hope they respect your wishes to not send photos!
Petoskey is beautiful. The other month I had an appointment, and afterwards, hubby and I wandered around and explored.
A new adventure, Ramona! Looks like a beautiful place you are settling in, new vistas to explore too. And Ed and your memories go with you too….I know from my own experience.
Wishing you the best.
Wishing you well in this transition/adventure.
Offering an idea for something to take with you as you switch locations. Somewhere in your cottage is a light-switch and cover you know to have been touched more often by your husband than any other. Take it with you (because it’s going to be replaced anyway), have it reinstalled, perhaps in your new office or bedroom. If his spirit lingers in the walls, he’ll know what you’re up to and likely hitch a ride. Sometimes it’s the silly little simple to-do things that add just the right touch to new. 😇
I Hope you get a good balance of space and time to yourself for your writing mixed with interaction on cool things. I support thé ‘ leave me alone’ signage, at least until you warm up to being in a populated space again
Hi Ramona,
Best wishes as you make this big move. I understand the dilemma. I had to move just before Dan died - I tried to take him along as best I could - pictures, furniture, etc. It's the best I could do - and it was the right thing to do. You will still be near the water - a plus in my book.