You Find Many Unexpected Things When You Move

Almost done unpacking all the boxes, and I've been lifting, pulling, pushing, you name it, and I pulled a muscle while doing so.  It's not a bad one, but had to rest for a day.  There are so many interesting things that you come across when you have a move.  You find many items and notes and keepsakes that you forgot about.

Remember the book you made for your brother, Jess?  It's called The Hungry Eagle, and it is the cutest thing ever.  There are pop-outs, and pulls, and she even used cellophane for the windows.  Such a clever book, and I can see why I never gave it away.

I cleaned my vanity where I keep all my jewelry, and came across this note from my mother-in-law that I kept safely hidden inside.

Just a dusting of snow one day, but this week we are supposed to get much more!  When I went to the grocery store early Sunday morning, it was in the 20's brrrrrr.

I  got one package after another in the mail, and I wondered who they were from.  Nel bought her mama some lotion and cream and soft pajamas and warm furry slippers.  She thought I could use them in this cold weather.  I loved them all.....and needed them.

Just put out a couple Valentines so far.

There are two windows on each side of the wall in my living room.  They have moulding, and are so pretty.  When I look out these windows, it's like looking at a post card.  Nature is incredible.

When my brother searched for this home, he wasn't sure if I'd like living in the mountains, as it's definitely a different way of life, but it is just what my heart was calling for, and

Even though I don't live near the granddaughters any more, I will still share an occasional picture, just because they're so sweet.  Francesca's other grandma found some Disney princess dresses for her to play dress up.  She always finds the cutest things.

Mia's face expression in this picture makes me laugh.  I want to kiss those cheeks.

Have a wonderful week.

~Sheri

It's The Little Things

I'm getting settled in my new surroundings in the mountains, and with the workers coming and going and unpacking, it's been hectic, to say the least.  But I'm loving it just the same.  Here's a few pictures of this and that, and it's the little things that have made this journey a pleasant one.

I thought this was a wolf at first, but I think it's just my neighbor's dog.  Look at those eyes!

 

This reminded me of the Charlie Brown Christmas tree.

It's been cloudy lately, but one day the sun came out and warmed my face as I looked to the sky.

 

There is a trail right next to my house, and my son goes on it every other day.  So peaceful he says.

We had a foggy morning one day.  Foggy days are beautiful to me.

My boots bring in the dirt with this mountain living, and I have to mop every day!  My brother is going to order some sand and gravel for the front yard that will help with that.

With all the unpacking and organizing, I don't know how I found the time to cook.  But it sure was good.

Remember my beautiful bedroom dresser?  It didn't fit in this house, so I asked my neighbor, Lisa, if she wanted it.  She thought it was gorgeous, and said, "Yes!"  She came right over after that and brought me some homemade tamales.

Have you ever had mountain water?  Oh, it's amazing.  The first day I got here, I was dehydrated, and all the glasses were still packed up, so I cupped my hands and took a drink.  I couldn't stop drinking, it was so good.  And it's strange.....I have been finding pennies outside here and there in the most random places.

     It's the little things that keep us going these days, and I hope you find some surprises of your own this week that lift your hearts. I saw this photo on my friend's blog, and it really spoke to me.  It reminded me of me, and I can't believe I'm a mountain girl now.

Laurie, where the spruce trees grow

Although, will I ever get used to these?....I don't think so.   I guess as long as they don't come in the house.  (this rascal was right in my front yard, eeeeek).  ; )

~Sheri

A Family Affair

Get a cup of coffee, my friends, and you can read about my journey to northern Calif. and up the mountain to my new home.  I have to mention the people who helped along the way because they were a big part in making this transition possible, so I am grateful beyond words.  

My daughters live in So Cal, but most of my family live in northern Cal...my brothers, sister, nephews, and nieces.  However, I moved farther up north than all of them.  My son came along with me, and my cousin lives pretty close as well.  I don't drive on the freeways any more,  but nobody else wanted to drive and take this long journey, especially with the heavy So Cal traffic and the virus going on right now.  And who can blame them, it's an awful time to travel.  So, I had to do it myself, and let me tell you, I was scared, truly scared.  But I knew that the Holy Spirit would be with me and guide me the whole way. 

Thank you to my nephews, D and T and sister.    Moving is expensive, and they helped pitch in.   I'm so grateful for that.

Thank you to my niece, A, who checked out several houses for me while she was on her travels to different places.

Thank you to my sister, who listened to my concerns and anxious thoughts.  She was always there to talk with me on the phone.  I think I talked her ear off at times, but she never complained.

Thank you to my son, who guided me here.  He has his Dad's incredible sense of direction, and told me where to go and when to switch lanes early enough so I wouldn't freak out. haha

Thank you to M, for the sleeping bags and blankets and heaters.  They came in handy while we were waiting on the movers to bring our beds and essentials.  He knows mountain living all too well, as his parents lived in the mountains for many years.  Also for the extra money for the road, and especially for the Starbucks breakfast before driving that long way.

Thank you to my sister-in-law, L, who searched for months with me and my brother for a place to call my home.  She never said anything, she just helped, and to me, that is the best kind of help you can receive.

Thank you to my brother, J, who.did.it.all.   Tears are falling from my face right now because he did so much that there is just not enough room to write it all.  He found the house, he had the whole house painted, he dealt with the plumber, getting me a new water heater, refrigerator, light fixtures, faucets, blinds, garden tools, and so much more.  He dealt with the electrician to make sure everything was wired properly.  And he was always there to take my calls and e-mails when I needed my questions answered.   He is going to have the exterior painted in the Spring also, which will be so nice.  My mother and father raised a wonderful, no an excellent son, and I will forever be thankful to him and his family.

Thank you to the Holy Family, because nothing is impossible with God.

So, as I told you before, it was a looong drive and I didn't know what to expect going up the mountains, but I kept on remembering some of the quotes that I got from all of you and it helped comfort me.

I was expecting cliffs and curves and winding roads, but the drive up to the mountains was like a country road.  Yes, there were some twists and turns, but it was the most beautiful mountain drive I've been on.

I didn't have my washer/dryer for a week, and Oh, that really was a bummer washing and ringing out clothes all week.  But my furniture has arrived from the moving company, and one of the first things I put out was Francesca's carousel and Mia's picture.  ; )

While the electrician was here, I didn't want to be in the house while he was working, so I took a drive and I came across the Catholic Church in town.  It's down the main street and really easy to get to.  There was a statue of my beloved Saint Francis and roses next to the statues of Mary.

There are pine trees in my front yard, and they keep falling, so I collected a couple and brought them in.  It's been pretty cold, in the 30's, and looking out my window one morning, I saw this.....

The first day I got here, my neighbor, Lisa, came over and brought me some almond vanilla biscotti.  I enjoyed them with my coffee.  I've met many of the neighbors, and they are friendly and helpful, and the mailbox is right in front of my house, so they seem to gather there and chat with each other.  

My brother knows me all too well.  He hired a professional cleaner, but he knew that I'd also want to clean as soon as I got here and he stocked the cupboards with cleaning supplies.  I couldn't believe it when I went inside the grocery store, and the shelves were stocked with dozens of Lysol sprays and cleaning products.  I could never find them anywhere else, but for some reason, this mountain town has it all.

Sorry this was such a long post, but I had much to say.  I think I'm going to like this mountain life.  There is a peace that nature gives us, and I am surrounded by it in every direction I go.  I will show more of the house and my town soon.  Thanks for sharing this journey with me, dear friends.

~Sheri   

Last Move

I've always dreamed of living the later part of my years in the mountains, and this last weekend, my dream came true.  Me and my brother and sister-in-law searched for months, and my brother finally found a cute mountain home up north.  I loved being close to the girls in So Cal, and I got very close to the grandchildren, but the flight from north to south is only an hour, and I will make it a point to come see them.   I will let you know all about my trip and more about the house, but I'm still moving in and very tired.  But here is a glimpse of what I see out my front window.  I have been longing for the outdoors lately, and I don't have to hike on the trails to see nature because nature is my front yard!  The neighbor told me that deer come around from time to time right by my house.

I've always wanted to live in the woods, and this painting is dear to me.  It's a Thomas Kinkade, and I have kept it all these years to remind me that someday I will live surrounded by peace and tranquility.  It's supposed to snow in a few days, so I'll be sure to take lots of pictures of that.

Happy New Year 

from the Red Rose Alley women,

and little women.  ; )

These will be my words to live by this year.

Thank you for your blog friendship.  I get inspiration from you like no other.  You're always there with a listening ear and kind words when I'm having a hard time, and uplifting words when joy comes my way.  I hope you have peace and happiness and love in the new year, and I hope this year is a good one for all of us.

love you,

~Sheri, Jess, Nel

 

Keeping The Traditions Alive

We had a wonderful Christmas.  It was at Nel's house, and everything was so nice.  Lots of good food, and Nel worked very hard to make everything just right for her family.  She set a lovely table with red and gold.

And what is nicer than having a lovely table to sit at?  Having a precious elf in red plaid pj's sitting next to you.

Nel's holiday chalkboard art.

We always have a cheese ball and crackers before dinner.

Ever since I can remember, we have enjoyed a hot bowl of French onion soup on Christmas Eve.  Nel also made grandma's enchiladas.  There was tamales and potato salad too.

Jess did all the Christmas baking, making her Russian tea cookies, peanut butter drops, and fudge.  I didn't get a  picture of it, because they always seem to disappear quickly.  There was treats in every corner.

Here is Nel on her baking day with Mia.  They both made gingerbread cake, and it was so moist and Yummy.

Jess has always made an effort to keep my Christmas traditions alive.  She filled my stocking with so many goodies.....my favorite English Breakfast tea, See's candies, candy canes, chocolate, and always puts a couple oranges at the bottom of my stocking.  I don't know if she knows how much that means to me.  My heart sings when I see them every year.  ; )

She found the most beautiful carousel that plays music, a gift from Francesca.

And Nel gave me a sweet framed picture of Mia.  She knows how much I love dandelions, and Mia is holding one.

  

The next morning when I had my cup of coffee, I had so many goodies to choose from, but I went straight for Brian's homemade banana chocolate chip bread.   You would not believe how good this is.  Even the ends are moist.  This has been his gift to the family every year, and we all love it.

                           

I think it's sweet when the Dad's take an interest in the kids' toys.

  Oh, how I cherish these special moments.

Nel didn't stop from the time she woke up until she went to bed.  Thank you for a wonderful Christmas Day Nel.