Tuesday, January 12, 2021

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   

30 comments:

Louca por porcelana said...

I am glad you are happy in your new home!Family is all and yours are precious. God bless. Love your Saint Francis( we say São Francisco de Assis here,I love his prayer).God bless you.Keep warm.Big hug!

The Joy of Home with Martha Ellen said...

I'm so happy for you, Sheri. I love that you have moved to the mountains. It sounds like you have a very supportive extended family that did so much to help you find just the right place. I'm looking forward to hearing more about it as time goes on. In the meantime, take your time and enjoy!

Holly said...

Wow, how exciting! Congratulations on your new home and surroundings.We actually had snow as well.

Chatty Crone said...

I am so excited for you. I am surprised I didn't know it was all taking place. I think it had to be hard to leave your daughters and granddaughters - but this sounds like something you have wanted for a long, long time. You have family there. And everyone was so wonderful and helpful. I hope you enjoy it forever. Love, sandie

CiNdEe's GaRdEn said...

Oh I know where this is. And don't worry you will be getting all the snow you ever wished for and more. This has been a dry year.(-: It is a great place and fun for out door adventures. Head up the highway and there is a lot more to see. Every summer there is a really nice county fair there too! You will have a great time!

Patricia said...

You post is wonderful, Sheri. You are so lovely, remembering and giving credit to each and every person who helped you along the way. Your destination looks and sounds absolutely lovely, and the thrill to see a little snowfall in the morning is magical. I love that you have the Church close by, I know that is as important to you as it is to me. The neighbours sounds perfect too, and I know you will have a lovely, safe life in your new mountains.

Linda O'Connell said...

So many who cared and helped this happen. Isn;t it nice to know you are loved and cared about? I think I would like to vacation in the mountains, but live near a beach. I don't like snow. In fact I have a plaque on my front door that reads: Let it snow...someplace else!

Nice to have good neighbors. Now you can get busy making new memories.

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

God is faithful. He allays our fears, He guides us with a strength to do what we think is impossible on for us to find out that all things are possible when we trust, get up and go out and do it.

Sheri, you are blessed to be surrounded by SO many people who are helpful. "What goes around, comes around" can be used in a positive light here because all the goodness, listening, understanding you've given to so many has now been returned to you, 100X more.

Martha said...

I am so happy for you Sheri! I'm so glad all went well and thankful that your family was such a huge help along the way. I can't wait to see more of your new home and your surroundings. Share more soon!

Pilar said...

It sounds like you're really enjoying your new home Sheri! How thoughtful of you thanking those who helped you along the way :)

Debbie Nolan said...

Dear Sheri I am just catching up on your last posts. I am so happy that you have a new place in the mountains. Your dear family sounds wonderful. I have a dear brother like yours so I know what a blessing they are. Looking forward to the tour of your new home. Hugs! P.S.I also trust the Holy Spirit's wisdom. We who believe in Him are never alone:)!

Salty Pumpkin Studio said...

Happy New Home!
You're your post makes moving sound even more wonderful adventure that it is.

Anne Hagman-Niilola said...

Good luck with your new house.

Susan said...

Oh Sheri, you brave woman! You drove all that way. Oh my goodness. You should be SO PROUD of yourself. The fact that so many people pitched in and helped you make the move proves it was the right thing to do. I am beyond thrilled for you. God is SO GOOD, all the time. May He shower you with blessings in your new home and fill your heart with unending love. Hugs. Susan

Sandi said...

"But I knew that the Holy Spirit would be with me and guide me the whole way."

😊

Lowcarb team member said...

You sound so happy.
Enjoy your new home.

All the best Jan

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

How exciting! I know it's a big step but it seems like it's in the right direction! What great friends and family to support you too. Enjoy this week...don't work too hard! Sweet hugs, Diane

Billie Jo said...

Oh my goodness!
How I loved this post.
So happy for you, my friend.
So exciting.
Looking forward to seeing more of your dream.
HUgs!

Carla from The River said...

Hello,
I am so excited and happy for you.
I enjoyed how you thanked everyone, that was so special of you Sheri to do post about it.
Praying for you as you learn more about your new surroundings. I am excited to hear more about your town and home.
Carla

Rose said...

I am glad the move is over for you...I am sorry to have been late visiting. My mind has been going a million different directions lately. And I knew I need to visit, just would try to start visiting, and could not get it done.

TARYTERRE said...

My health problems have kept me busy and i haven't kept up with my blog reading. i am so happy to hear you made it up the mountain and have a wonderful new home. your new neighbors sound sweet and your family was amazing helping you navigate it all. you are so lucky to have them . my family is at a distance and here, people seldom if ever talk. thats why i count on all my blog buddies to tell about their adventures. i enjoyed reading about yours. it is so great everything fell into place for you and you are settling in. My mom was raised in Northern California. i have quite alot of relatives there, like you. including my brother. It's a wonderful place. I used to live on top of a mountain in PA and being in tune to nature was awesome. I know you'll love it. Take care.

It's me said...

I am so happy for you!...🍀you now living in the mountains....I love to read your long post.....so nice everything goes well....I hope you will find a lucky life living there...I copy your quote...nice!!...stay safe and healthy darling love you ...Ria 🍀💕🍀

Marilyn Miller said...

How wonderful! I can read between the lines the joy in your heart. Being surrounded by trees and nature is so special. What wonderful help you received. Definitely something to be thankful for. Enjoy your new neighborhood and surroundings.

Carola Bartz said...

I was surprised to read that you moved up to Northern California since I remember that you moved to SoCal not that long ago. NorCal though is such a great place to live, so I can understand that you moved back. I can imagine that living in the mountains is really nice and it seems you have lovely neighbors. Have a wonderful time in your new home.

Jeanie said...

You feel back home and isn't that the best feeling? I read such joy and happiness in these words. And being in the mountains sounds close to heaven, as well as close to much of your family and now lovely new neighbors. I would have been edgy with that ride but you aced it! Well done. And thanks, all Sheri's friends and family, for helping her so very much!

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Oh Sheri, thank you for visiting my blog post! I would love for you to hear me read it on Soundcloud so if you get a chance, go there. I can't wait to hear from you about your new life!

Nellie said...

You have had a major move! What a long journey! Sending wishes for much contentment there!

Pam said...

Family and close friends are the BEST! Although, if I was to ever move, NOT HAPPENING, again I would sell my stuff and move just me!! haha....Course I had my daughter, son in law, friend, and BOYS move me and there is not a piece of furniture that don't have a scratch on it. KIDS! haha....Yay, for you again.

baili said...

i found this sharing HEARTWARMING precious Sheri !

this is much GRACE OF LORD that he has blessed you with such a loving and caring family ,and most above that they had enough resources to help you,specially the description of your brother's care brought tears in my eyes ,tears of gratitude that you have such kind brother ,i feel space in my heart for such relationship ,i lost one of my elder brother who was really caring and loving and one who is alive and well (may he will be always) has no such traits or warmth .

i am so excited for your new place which is my favorite "mountains " :)
images give good glimpse though i believe that once you are settled we will see heaven on earth around you through your special eyes :)
all will be fine and easy for you with the grace of LOrd dear friend!

Laurel Wood said...

Sheri, I am so proud of you for making the long and difficult drive during the pandemic. All things are possible with God. I too am thankful for each person who made this dream a reality for you. ❤️Mildred