It's been a while since I've updated the blog. I have found a home for Saphira, and she is getting picked up on the 30th of this month. It will be nice to not have the stress of trying to take care of her. Its sad, but at least I know that she's going to a good place, and will have someone working with her at least 5 days a week. Someday Dustin and I will get another horse, preferably one he can ride as well, which will be more enjoyable.
Once Saphira is gone, we are going to look at getting two kittens, as I do want to have some sort of animal around, and a dog is still just a bit too much work at this point, so we will see what the local shelters have, and what the requirements are for adopting cats. It will be nice to have animals I can actually spend some time with, and get more enjoyment out of being around.
It is definitely starting to cool off here. At night the temperature has ranged from low 40's, to upper 50's. So far I don't think we've had any nights in the 30's yet, but its coming. We have salt in the trunk, and we've gotten the necessary anti freeze and stuff to put in the car before the first freeze. We are also going to get a new battery for the car, just to be on the safe side. But it did pass the Maryland Inspection so we could register it. The only thing wrong was one of the back license plate lights was out, so they replaced it, and said we were good to go. So the car is now registered and we have Maryland plates. We are official Marylanders now.
I am very excited about having my parents come visit at the end of November. Dustin and I really enjoyed having his parents out here for a week, and now its my parents' turn. We can go out and explore together, and see some of the interesting historical things that are located around Knoxville. It will be so nice to have them here for my birthday and Thanksgiving. Hopefully it won't be freezing while they are here. In a few days I'll post some pictures of the hill in front of us, its starting to turn orange and yellow, so hopefully in a few more days it will be even more so, so you can see the amazing color changes we are seeing with fall.
Halloween is coming soon, we don't have any plans, but I am curious to see how the whole trick or treating thing works out here. There are no sidewalks, and the houses are so far apart, most with fairly long driveways. I wonder if families go to friend's houses that maybe live closer to towns, or in tract houses, or if they drive their kids from door to door, or if they just let them walk around the neighborhood. It will be interesting especially it being a Monday night.
It is truly beautiful here watching the season's change, and smelling the crisp morning air every day. I am very glad that we came out here, I am really loving this part of the country, though who knows where life is going to continue to take us.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Lovely East Coast Weather
So, since we've been in Maryland, we've survived several severe thunderstorms with power outages, (Mom, I can I borrow the bear light lol), an earthquake from a obscure not well known fault line, and now we've got hurricane Irene scheduled to hit Maryland Saturday afternoon through Sunday afternoon. The general consensus is that by the time it hits us further inland, its more of a tropical storm, but still 60 mile and hour winds, lots of rain, probable power outages, and earlier they said that the storm had shifted more towards the left, so its going to be even closer. They predict that its going to be hitting east of Washington DC, so we're definitely going to be getting something here. When you look at wunderground.com for Knoxville MD, for Saturday and Sunday there's bold red print saying Hurricane Irene. So we'll see how we survive our first hurricane.
On a different note, I found someone to lease Saphira two days a week, which is awesome. She came out and rode this morning, and is coming back out on Saturday as long as the weather holds in the morning. A lot of stress is now relieved having someone to work Saphira, and I get a little extra cash as well.
Still don't have a job, but still looking. Lori asked us if we wanted another table and 4 chairs to which I said yes, and when I went to look at them the other day, she also gave us a nice couch as well. Its very nice to have something with lots of space to sit on to watch tv, and hang out. It also smells nice too. No musty weird smells to try and get out of the fabric. The table is going to be my puzzle table for the moment, and the chairs will be probably be put in my office for now, though I will probably use one for my computer chair until we have money to get a better one for me. Excited that we were able to get all this free furniture though. We now just need a bed and dresser for the guest bedroom. We will keep you updated on the latest weather information as we hear it.
On a different note, I found someone to lease Saphira two days a week, which is awesome. She came out and rode this morning, and is coming back out on Saturday as long as the weather holds in the morning. A lot of stress is now relieved having someone to work Saphira, and I get a little extra cash as well.
Still don't have a job, but still looking. Lori asked us if we wanted another table and 4 chairs to which I said yes, and when I went to look at them the other day, she also gave us a nice couch as well. Its very nice to have something with lots of space to sit on to watch tv, and hang out. It also smells nice too. No musty weird smells to try and get out of the fabric. The table is going to be my puzzle table for the moment, and the chairs will be probably be put in my office for now, though I will probably use one for my computer chair until we have money to get a better one for me. Excited that we were able to get all this free furniture though. We now just need a bed and dresser for the guest bedroom. We will keep you updated on the latest weather information as we hear it.
Friday, August 19, 2011
More Antibiotics
I woke up at the beginning of the week not feeling so well, then was feeling pretty good by Wednesday, woke up Thursday feeling sick, and woke up today feeling even worse. Not a good week, and then to top it off went to the dentist again, and he prescribed penicillin antibiotics because I still have some sort of infection going on, as my tooth still does hurt on and off, and is still sore when he cleans it out. So hopefully this new antibiotic will kill whatever the other antibiotic didn't, and I can finally get it filled in next Friday. I really am going to be their permanent Friday patient and the rate I'm going lol. At least they aren't charging me for the visits.
Dustin was awesome, and let me get red velvet cake mix, and cream cheese frosting, so I can have a treat myself, since I'm not as big a fan of chocolate chip cookies as he is. So in the next few days I'm going to have fun and make myself a cake.
I am still on the hunt for a job, haven't had any call backs or offers yet, so this next week I'm going to head out to the race track, and see if they need help there. I'm just trying to let people know I'm looking for a job, when I got places, like the feed store, so that maybe if they hear of something, either I will hear about it from them when I go in next, or I will get a call from the person looking, since word of mouth is so big around here. First of course I need to get better again, since going in sick somewhere asking for a job is not the type of impression I want to leave on someone.
On a different note, Dustin's parents booked their flights to come out and visit at the end of September, so that makes us excited. Hopefully we'll both be able to go up and see Ryan, Jennifer, and JJ with them as well. So happy end of the day news.
Dustin was awesome, and let me get red velvet cake mix, and cream cheese frosting, so I can have a treat myself, since I'm not as big a fan of chocolate chip cookies as he is. So in the next few days I'm going to have fun and make myself a cake.
I am still on the hunt for a job, haven't had any call backs or offers yet, so this next week I'm going to head out to the race track, and see if they need help there. I'm just trying to let people know I'm looking for a job, when I got places, like the feed store, so that maybe if they hear of something, either I will hear about it from them when I go in next, or I will get a call from the person looking, since word of mouth is so big around here. First of course I need to get better again, since going in sick somewhere asking for a job is not the type of impression I want to leave on someone.
On a different note, Dustin's parents booked their flights to come out and visit at the end of September, so that makes us excited. Hopefully we'll both be able to go up and see Ryan, Jennifer, and JJ with them as well. So happy end of the day news.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Friday Night Fun
Dustin and I had our weekly date night last night. Every week generally on Sundays we try to do something either at night, or during the day, so last night we watched Remember The Titans, and had pizza. Its nice to have a day set aside where we do something together, spice things up a little bit outside of the norm so that we don't end up getting in a rut where we don't do much together outside of work and the house.
I've rented a couple movies from the library so far, and even though they don't have the biggest selection, its nice and convenient, and they do have a few good movies I like watching. And here you can actually renew them, as well as check out magazines.
We went to the dentist in the afternoon, and then Wal-Mart for our weekly shopping trip. The dentist didn't fill in my tooth this time, he just cleaned it out and put more medicine in it again. So I have an appointment next Friday, where hopefully he'll finally fill it in. Though I do prefer that he be absolutely confident that the infection is all gone before closing it up, as I don't want any more issues down the road. It doesn't hurt at all anymore, and it only hurt a little bit as he was cleaning it out yesterday. So there is hope that its finally healing.
We went to the Wal-Mart in Frederick this time, instead of Charles Town, and they actually have a better selection of food, and a bigger store. I found the Red Mill cereal and baking mixes which the Charles Town store doesn't have.
I got Febreeze to hopefully make the chair smell better, since it does smell musty from being in the cellar. The Febreeze seems to be working relatively well, but I think it will take a few treatments before the smell is completely gone. We are also working on getting the smell out of the wood dressers and desk, since they too smell pretty musty. Any suggestions on how to do that would be wonderful, as we are tired of the room smelling.
A happy ending note, it sounds like Dustin's parents are going to come visit from September 21st to the 27th, and I'm happy that we can see some family before my birthday. And then of course we have my parents looking to come out for thanksgiving and my birthday, which will make my birthday even more special. Of course at some point we do want to get together with Ryan, Jennifer, and JJ, and do something fun and exciting. Maybe they can show us some of the awesome things New York has to offer.
I've rented a couple movies from the library so far, and even though they don't have the biggest selection, its nice and convenient, and they do have a few good movies I like watching. And here you can actually renew them, as well as check out magazines.
We went to the dentist in the afternoon, and then Wal-Mart for our weekly shopping trip. The dentist didn't fill in my tooth this time, he just cleaned it out and put more medicine in it again. So I have an appointment next Friday, where hopefully he'll finally fill it in. Though I do prefer that he be absolutely confident that the infection is all gone before closing it up, as I don't want any more issues down the road. It doesn't hurt at all anymore, and it only hurt a little bit as he was cleaning it out yesterday. So there is hope that its finally healing.
We went to the Wal-Mart in Frederick this time, instead of Charles Town, and they actually have a better selection of food, and a bigger store. I found the Red Mill cereal and baking mixes which the Charles Town store doesn't have.
I got Febreeze to hopefully make the chair smell better, since it does smell musty from being in the cellar. The Febreeze seems to be working relatively well, but I think it will take a few treatments before the smell is completely gone. We are also working on getting the smell out of the wood dressers and desk, since they too smell pretty musty. Any suggestions on how to do that would be wonderful, as we are tired of the room smelling.
A happy ending note, it sounds like Dustin's parents are going to come visit from September 21st to the 27th, and I'm happy that we can see some family before my birthday. And then of course we have my parents looking to come out for thanksgiving and my birthday, which will make my birthday even more special. Of course at some point we do want to get together with Ryan, Jennifer, and JJ, and do something fun and exciting. Maybe they can show us some of the awesome things New York has to offer.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Finding Jobs
So the search is still on, I still haven't managed to get much of anywhere with the job search which is frustrating. Dustin encouraged me to sign up for oDesk, which is what he has, and where he got his work. Its geared a bit more towards programming and web design, but they do have sections for office management, and support and stuff like that. Its all online, but if I can get at least a few hours, that will help. So I've been taking a few tests here and there since I don't have any work history on oDesk, and have proven to be very efficient in several different areas that I had no idea I was that good at. Makes me feel better, and hopefully I will be able to get something soon. And if I do that, it gives me more time to go out and find clients who want horse help, and go looking around at the barns in the area, and keep working at finding something horse related.
We went and got our licenses yesterday, so we are official Maryland residents now. I found a what looks like cute eclectic coffee shop in Brunswick, and at some point soon I would like to do with Dustin, see if we can meet a few people our age, and start getting out more. I love Dustin, but it does get a little lonely sometimes when its always just the two of us, so you guys all need to plan trips out here to come visit us lol. The coffee shop is in an old reformed church with lots of stained glass windows, very pretty looking on the outside. Its got several stories, lots of space, an area set aside just for internet, and they do offer for a price their own computers if you don't have one. They are kind of like a Panera and Starbucks, and Primo Cafe all rolled into one. And they have live bands come play several days a week, as well as a book shelf full of books, and lots of couches so you can just curl up and read if you want to. So we are going to have to check it out.
On a different note, I ended up having to go back into the dentist the other day, because my tooth was starting to hurt again after starting to feel better. He reopened it, and put more medicine in, and after about 10 minutes of really painful pressure building up, it just literally popped and disappeared. And so far has been doing great. So we all are thinking that we'll just be getting it filled today, and that will be the end of it. I am just glad to not be having any pain at all, and he didn't charge us for the appointment the other day, so hopefully we won't be spending any more money. Now if my other couple of teeth that are still sensitive would stop being sensitive I'd be happy, but we'll just have to see if the continued use of my sensodyne will help, as it has with some of the teeth already. So here's to hoping that its a quick fill today, and nothing else goes wrong.
I've been thinking about newspapers, and I think it would be a great way to get to know the area, and see whats going on, in addition to the classifieds which it seems like they definitely use here. I know that the house is one house, so I can't order a newspaper to be delivered to us, because the grandma already gets a newspaper, and they don't sent two to the same house, unless there's something I missed. So I'm thinking of going out on Sunday and getting the local paper somewhere, and seeing just how useful it is. The library has a lot of resources, but it would be nice to know even more about the area, and whats happening around town. Hopefully soon we can get out there and meet some people and start to have a social life. Everything else here is good, still love the area, I have several plants that are growing like weeds, and am slowly adding to my collection, and after the winter am hoping to be able to set up a raised garden bed outside so I can grow some fruits and vegetables, and start having some good home grown food.
We went and got our licenses yesterday, so we are official Maryland residents now. I found a what looks like cute eclectic coffee shop in Brunswick, and at some point soon I would like to do with Dustin, see if we can meet a few people our age, and start getting out more. I love Dustin, but it does get a little lonely sometimes when its always just the two of us, so you guys all need to plan trips out here to come visit us lol. The coffee shop is in an old reformed church with lots of stained glass windows, very pretty looking on the outside. Its got several stories, lots of space, an area set aside just for internet, and they do offer for a price their own computers if you don't have one. They are kind of like a Panera and Starbucks, and Primo Cafe all rolled into one. And they have live bands come play several days a week, as well as a book shelf full of books, and lots of couches so you can just curl up and read if you want to. So we are going to have to check it out.
On a different note, I ended up having to go back into the dentist the other day, because my tooth was starting to hurt again after starting to feel better. He reopened it, and put more medicine in, and after about 10 minutes of really painful pressure building up, it just literally popped and disappeared. And so far has been doing great. So we all are thinking that we'll just be getting it filled today, and that will be the end of it. I am just glad to not be having any pain at all, and he didn't charge us for the appointment the other day, so hopefully we won't be spending any more money. Now if my other couple of teeth that are still sensitive would stop being sensitive I'd be happy, but we'll just have to see if the continued use of my sensodyne will help, as it has with some of the teeth already. So here's to hoping that its a quick fill today, and nothing else goes wrong.
I've been thinking about newspapers, and I think it would be a great way to get to know the area, and see whats going on, in addition to the classifieds which it seems like they definitely use here. I know that the house is one house, so I can't order a newspaper to be delivered to us, because the grandma already gets a newspaper, and they don't sent two to the same house, unless there's something I missed. So I'm thinking of going out on Sunday and getting the local paper somewhere, and seeing just how useful it is. The library has a lot of resources, but it would be nice to know even more about the area, and whats happening around town. Hopefully soon we can get out there and meet some people and start to have a social life. Everything else here is good, still love the area, I have several plants that are growing like weeds, and am slowly adding to my collection, and after the winter am hoping to be able to set up a raised garden bed outside so I can grow some fruits and vegetables, and start having some good home grown food.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Sunday Fun
So we opted not to go to Harpers Ferry today, as I am still not feeling totally up to par, and Dustin wanted to get some more work in today since he wasn't able to work much on Friday. But it all worked out, Lori from the barn called and said that they were cleaning out the basement under the farmhouse, and had some furniture they were just going to give us, and to come over and see what we wanted. We ended up getting a nice big computer desk, a nice size dresser, a nice lazy boy type chair that rocks as well, probably going to end up being my reading chair lol. We got a nice chest, a tv stand, a mirror that goes with the dresser, and another upright type of dresser with two drawers on the bottom, and then a cabinet with several small drawers inside of it. Greg, Lori's husband put it all in his trailer, and brought it over and helped Dustin move all the stuff into the house which was very nice. Oh, and we also got a small coffee table with a cabinet underneath. So half the battle of getting furniture is now done, and we are very pleased to have been able to get the stuff, and very happy that Lori and Greg were so willing to help us out. So we spent 10 dollars on one of the pieces as it was owned by someone else who wanted a little bit of money for it, and then we gave Lori and Greg another 10 dollars for loading and unloading everything, and driving it to the house. The only thing we need to do is a good cleaning job on everything since it was in the dampish basement, and hasn't been cleaned in quite a while. But for free furniture, its definitely worth the extra time having to clean it, and we just got a big thing of Pine Sol cleaner at Wal Mart last night, so we are putting it to good use. We are very happy that we've finally got some furniture, and can move our clothes off of the floor. It will make the bedroom look so much neater, and with the tv stand, I don't have to worry about the possibility of my tv falling through the box that it is currently sitting on top of, and it will be at a more normal angle for easier watching. I can't wait to try it out, and finally have a place to put my dvds.
Friday, August 5, 2011
Tooth Troubles
So, we ended up going through Boonsboro, and into Hagerstown today. Unfortunately I did not get to enjoy the sights. I went to the dentist because I was having severe tooth pain, and found out that I need a root canal done now. So for the next week I'm on antibiotics, and pain meds to try and control the pain, and then I have my next appointment Friday, and hopefully he'll be able to fill in the tooth, and I'll be done AGAIN with my teeth. Fortunately this place was recommended to me by Lori from the barn, and they stayed open late for me today so that I didn't have to go for the weekend with my tooth like that. I'm very appreciative, and am glad that they started work on it so that its not as painful while I'm taking the antibiotics. I definitely do not ever want to be in that much pain again.
On a different note, this Sunday, we are hoping to go spend the day walking around the town in Harpers Ferry, and see the sights, and have a picnic. We drove through it last Sunday, but had other things we wanted to do, so this Sunday will be our day to walk around, and that way when my parents come up for Thanksgiving we can take them there, and show them our favorite things. We will definitely take some pictures and post them for you all to see.
On a different note, this Sunday, we are hoping to go spend the day walking around the town in Harpers Ferry, and see the sights, and have a picnic. We drove through it last Sunday, but had other things we wanted to do, so this Sunday will be our day to walk around, and that way when my parents come up for Thanksgiving we can take them there, and show them our favorite things. We will definitely take some pictures and post them for you all to see.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
The Lower Depths
Looking down the cobweb lined steps into the cellar reminded me of every horror movie I can think of. I certainly did not want to go down to the lower depths of our house. I was plenty happy staying out, but we were having heating oil delivered, so I figured I should take a look to see what the oil tank looked like before they arrived.
What a pleasant surprise. Once you make it down the four cobblestone steps that have just enough shape to be considered stairs, with cobwebs in every corner of every step, then duck down under the cobweb lined wooden support, unlock and throw all your weight into the door to push it open... it's like entering another world. Everything is so nice and clean, ground is swept up, wooden table with brand new looking wood, (mind you the table legs are brand new fresh wood, but the actual table part is one of the old doors from the house lol.) New looking water heater, new furnace, sure the oil tank looks a bit old, but everything was amazingly clean looking.
I was quite pleasantly surprised. The bill to fill the oil tank was quite another matter, but at least I got past that step. We were all a bit worried about venturing down into the cellar. It wasn't so bad after all.
What a pleasant surprise. Once you make it down the four cobblestone steps that have just enough shape to be considered stairs, with cobwebs in every corner of every step, then duck down under the cobweb lined wooden support, unlock and throw all your weight into the door to push it open... it's like entering another world. Everything is so nice and clean, ground is swept up, wooden table with brand new looking wood, (mind you the table legs are brand new fresh wood, but the actual table part is one of the old doors from the house lol.) New looking water heater, new furnace, sure the oil tank looks a bit old, but everything was amazingly clean looking.
I was quite pleasantly surprised. The bill to fill the oil tank was quite another matter, but at least I got past that step. We were all a bit worried about venturing down into the cellar. It wasn't so bad after all.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Washington D.C.
So I ended up going to Washington D.C. yesterday. I went to go meet a lady who had a bunch of horse tack she was giving away, and on the way home I managed to get thoroughly lost, so Dustin directed me (on the phone, as he was home) through D.C. since it would take a half hour off the time to get back home, and of course I ended up getting lost in D.C. as well, even with him on the phone trying to tell me where to go. I need to get a car charger for my phone as well, as by the time I finally got out of D.C. I only had one bar of battery left on my phone. I got to go down the Washington Memorial Parkway, but didn't get to enjoy any of the history because I was so worried about getting lost again. What should have been an hour drive ended up lasting about 5 hours.
So at some point Dustin and I want to go down to D.C. to actually see the sights, and take in some of the history when I'm not stressed about trying to get home. It really is an amazing place, and I would love to see everything when I'm actually wanting and planning on being in D.C.
I did finally talk to someone who knows where the local feed store is, and its in Brunswick near the library, so tomorrow when I return a few books I'm going to stop by and see what they have, and introduce myself, and see if they know of anyone who wants help. I also want to see if they know of a local tack consignment store so I can hopefully sell some of the extra tack that I have that I don't want sitting around.
I'm happy that I'm familiarizing myself with the area, and starting to get to know where things are, and who to talk to if I need help finding something. The people here are quite nice, and have been very helpful when I've asked about the area, and where to find things, and hopefully soon I'll know the local area well enough that I don't need to ask for help anymore.
So at some point Dustin and I want to go down to D.C. to actually see the sights, and take in some of the history when I'm not stressed about trying to get home. It really is an amazing place, and I would love to see everything when I'm actually wanting and planning on being in D.C.
I did finally talk to someone who knows where the local feed store is, and its in Brunswick near the library, so tomorrow when I return a few books I'm going to stop by and see what they have, and introduce myself, and see if they know of anyone who wants help. I also want to see if they know of a local tack consignment store so I can hopefully sell some of the extra tack that I have that I don't want sitting around.
I'm happy that I'm familiarizing myself with the area, and starting to get to know where things are, and who to talk to if I need help finding something. The people here are quite nice, and have been very helpful when I've asked about the area, and where to find things, and hopefully soon I'll know the local area well enough that I don't need to ask for help anymore.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Quick Note
Just want to say one thing.
Anyways, that is getting worked out. I just had no idea how complicated it was going to be. I figured a week or so after we got here we would just mosey on into the DMV, flash our California licenses, fill out some papers and presto, new Maryland licenses. Oh well.
On another note, we have some local deer that come by nearly every day. Pretty cool (until they start eating the garden.) Sometimes (like last night) when we leave from or return to the house after dark, they will even be in our front lawn, or by the mailbox.
Maryland is amazing.
But, besides that. Some of the steps we have had to go through are just crazy. One is getting the car and drivers licenses transferred over. Apparently Maryland is on the higher end of insurance requirements, and so most insurance policies from other states are not applicable here.
Then, in order to get driv
ers licenses, they require a good handful of things, including two proofs of residency. One of the main ones which I imagine most people have, are utility bills, and utility installation bills. However, we're basically "roommates" with the house owner, so the utilities are all in her name already.
One thing I did do when I changed our address with Wells Fargo was order checks (with both Holly and Dustin on the checks) and one proof of residency they will accept is a cancelled check with the names. So, when the checks get here I suppose we will just have to find something to buy. :-) Oh darn right.
Anyways, that is getting worked out. I just had no idea how complicated it was going to be. I figured a week or so after we got here we would just mosey on into the DMV, flash our California licenses, fill out some papers and presto, new Maryland licenses. Oh well.
(Click the image to see it closer. Or, click here to see it in picasa.)
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Just Another Day in Paradise
Hi Everyone,
Dustin here. Holly added me as a "guest blogger" so I can add posts here as well. I've tried setting up blogs in the past, but I have often forgotten about them and stopped posting. Hopefully I can get into a routine of posting. Holly has been doing very well. :-)
Today was nice. We went and had a little picnic up the road a ways. After the picnic we went to Wal-Mart and got a... wal-mart dresser. (Plastic bins, lol.) These will at least help us get some clothes off the ground until we get a real dresser.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Heat Wave
I still haven't had the time to upload all the pictures, but it is definitely on my to-do list. It has been in the high 90 to low 100's here the last few days, and apparently the forecast says its only going to get hotter. There are also thunderstorms in the forecast for the next couple of days, which I do like. Its nice to be able to go out in the rain and not be cold.
On a different note, I am now looking for a new job as things did not work out with Tonia and I. So that has been taking up most of my time. Tomorrow is my "day off" from job searching, so I hope to get to the pictures then. I'm definitely having to take a bit of a different approach to finding jobs here, as I still don't know where much of anything is, so I'm having to ask people, and look up individual companies online, to see where they are located, and on google maps, to see what else is around them. I want to make the most of my driving time when I go to apply places, but things are so spread out around here, that nothing it within an easy few minutes. The closest "shopping center" type place is about 20 minutes away in WV. So wish me luck.
Today Dustin and I are going to go back to the library, and hopefully be able to get our library cards. I'm excited, because that will give me something to do in the evenings to unwind, and relax. I've also started my basil and tomato seeds, and hopefully in the next few weeks will have little sprouts. Slowly but surely I'm building my herb and vegetable garden. Some of it will be indoors, or on the patio because of the heat and the snow in the winter.
Keep tuned, and hopefully tomorrow I can post some pictures.
On a different note, I am now looking for a new job as things did not work out with Tonia and I. So that has been taking up most of my time. Tomorrow is my "day off" from job searching, so I hope to get to the pictures then. I'm definitely having to take a bit of a different approach to finding jobs here, as I still don't know where much of anything is, so I'm having to ask people, and look up individual companies online, to see where they are located, and on google maps, to see what else is around them. I want to make the most of my driving time when I go to apply places, but things are so spread out around here, that nothing it within an easy few minutes. The closest "shopping center" type place is about 20 minutes away in WV. So wish me luck.
Today Dustin and I are going to go back to the library, and hopefully be able to get our library cards. I'm excited, because that will give me something to do in the evenings to unwind, and relax. I've also started my basil and tomato seeds, and hopefully in the next few weeks will have little sprouts. Slowly but surely I'm building my herb and vegetable garden. Some of it will be indoors, or on the patio because of the heat and the snow in the winter.
Keep tuned, and hopefully tomorrow I can post some pictures.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Back In Maryland
So, I flew back to Maryland yesterday, and arrived safely at 11:30 pm. I was finally able to get my computer to connect to the internet, so as soon as I have a few minutes I will upload lots of pictures. I am excited to be here and to be settling into the house, and getting things set up while Dustin works. The flight was uneventful except for the fact that I haven't been on a plane in about 5 years, so I'm a bit out of practice, and the take off and landing on the first flight made me lose my sense of direction, and balance. Connecting flight was fine though.
I couldn't find my cell phone when we got to the car, so I took a few minutes trying to find it which was fortunate for the other couple who were on the bus with us, as they had a dead battery, and needed a jump and we were the only ones around. Helping others does make you feel so good, and we were glad that we were able to help them before we left.
I couldn't find my cell phone when we got to the car, so I took a few minutes trying to find it which was fortunate for the other couple who were on the bus with us, as they had a dead battery, and needed a jump and we were the only ones around. Helping others does make you feel so good, and we were glad that we were able to help them before we left.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Made It To Maryland
So I made it to Maryland finally. Arrived the on Wednesday July 6th, but am heading back to California tomorrow for my second trip. We got to have our own personally fireworks show on the 4th in Tennessee. The son of the owner of the place we stopped had gotten the big fireworks, and was setting them off in their backyard off their pasture fence. Never had our own personal show before, it was very neat.
We have started moving into our house, and Dustin and I love it. It has the original door molding, some of the doors have the original handles and locks, and they even have a door between the bathroom and what should be the formal dining room, its Dustin's office now, that has been sealed off. I'm thinking that the kitchen may have been where the bathroom is, and that was the door between the two. It's definitely an old house with a lot of character, and I love it. Once I'm back in California with internet and my own computer I will post up the pictures of the house as well as the trip and write more about our adventures, of which we had many while on the road.
The facility is beautiful, very green, and well set up. Much more beautiful than it looked in the pictures. It already feels like home here, and I can't wait until I get back from the second trip to really settle in, and start my job. I should be back sometime on Tuesday, and will start posting about the trip then. Thank you for all your support, and I can't wait to tell you about my adventures, and how amazing Maryland is.
We have started moving into our house, and Dustin and I love it. It has the original door molding, some of the doors have the original handles and locks, and they even have a door between the bathroom and what should be the formal dining room, its Dustin's office now, that has been sealed off. I'm thinking that the kitchen may have been where the bathroom is, and that was the door between the two. It's definitely an old house with a lot of character, and I love it. Once I'm back in California with internet and my own computer I will post up the pictures of the house as well as the trip and write more about our adventures, of which we had many while on the road.
The facility is beautiful, very green, and well set up. Much more beautiful than it looked in the pictures. It already feels like home here, and I can't wait until I get back from the second trip to really settle in, and start my job. I should be back sometime on Tuesday, and will start posting about the trip then. Thank you for all your support, and I can't wait to tell you about my adventures, and how amazing Maryland is.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Trailer Hitch And Tires
So the trailer hitch and brakes were put in the truck, and Tonia was able to pick up the truck much sooner than we all thought. She is currently on her way up to get the trailer so it can get new tires today before the tire store closes. So it looks like we are going to be able to leave early tomorrow morning, and be on our way.
Excitement ensues, I can't wait to be on the road, and finally heading towards Maryland. Tonight will be Dustin's last night in California, and while I will be back for a week between trips, it will be the last time I sleep in California as a resident of the state. So exciting, and yet nerve-wracking at the same time. Its just a lot to process, the fact that coming back here will be the "week long trip", but that going to Maryland is permanent. All we have left to do is move the mattress, my tack, and our personal stuff to their proper places, and we are all set to leave early tomorrow morning. Bon Voyage everyone. I will post again when I have available internet.
Excitement ensues, I can't wait to be on the road, and finally heading towards Maryland. Tonight will be Dustin's last night in California, and while I will be back for a week between trips, it will be the last time I sleep in California as a resident of the state. So exciting, and yet nerve-wracking at the same time. Its just a lot to process, the fact that coming back here will be the "week long trip", but that going to Maryland is permanent. All we have left to do is move the mattress, my tack, and our personal stuff to their proper places, and we are all set to leave early tomorrow morning. Bon Voyage everyone. I will post again when I have available internet.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Family Goodbyes
So my parents came up, and all 6 of us went out to lunch at J.J. Purdy Landers Irish Pub. I had the shepherds pie which was quite good. It was nice to be able to say goodbye to my parents, and I can't wait until November when they will be coming out for my birthday and Thanksgiving. We had a little help packing a few things, and mom gave me her old computer since she just got a new one. We took some photos of the everyone, but no couch in the driveway this time lol.
I am getting so excited about getting on the road, and will update when I can. I may end up having to stock pile photos, and keep some notes to make sure I get down what I want to share with you all, and then make a couple posts about the trip once I get consistent internet access. I am so excited to be able to share this adventure with you all, and show you what I get to see on my long road trip. Hopefully I have enough to entertain me in the car since I've never been on a road trip where I am in the car for longer than 9-10 hours straight, so this will be interesting to be on the road for 4 days just to get to our destination. We have a few last minute things to put in the car, and then we are all set to go.
I didn't get any pictures, but my godmother gave Dustin and I a care package with all sorts of goodies for the road. Very much appreciated, and we look forward to being able to open up the snacks once we get on the road. And we got a couple nice bags as well. One big one for groceries, and a really nice cold bag for drinks and such that is very cute, and doesn't look at all like your typical drink bag, or lunch bag type cooler. We also now have some easily accessible bandaids, and ibuprofen, and some handy wipes to keep clean, and some ointment for cuts and chapped hands, all of which will come in very handy.
I am getting so excited about getting on the road, and will update when I can. I may end up having to stock pile photos, and keep some notes to make sure I get down what I want to share with you all, and then make a couple posts about the trip once I get consistent internet access. I am so excited to be able to share this adventure with you all, and show you what I get to see on my long road trip. Hopefully I have enough to entertain me in the car since I've never been on a road trip where I am in the car for longer than 9-10 hours straight, so this will be interesting to be on the road for 4 days just to get to our destination. We have a few last minute things to put in the car, and then we are all set to go.
I didn't get any pictures, but my godmother gave Dustin and I a care package with all sorts of goodies for the road. Very much appreciated, and we look forward to being able to open up the snacks once we get on the road. And we got a couple nice bags as well. One big one for groceries, and a really nice cold bag for drinks and such that is very cute, and doesn't look at all like your typical drink bag, or lunch bag type cooler. We also now have some easily accessible bandaids, and ibuprofen, and some handy wipes to keep clean, and some ointment for cuts and chapped hands, all of which will come in very handy.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Countdown To Leaving
So, we are down to the last couple of days before moving. The room is just about empty, and the car is starting to fill up. It looks like we are going to be able to take more than we thought, which relieves a little bit of stress. We are going to finish packing the car tomorrow, but unfortunately it looks like we are being delayed a day because Tonia wasn't able to get the hitch put into the truck like she thought. We would like to be completely done tomorrow though so that we don't have to race around trying to finish everything on Monday. I just can't believe that the day is here already. A week from today we will be in Maryland meeting with the boarders, and touring the ranch.
We walked down Oceanside Pier today with Dustin's parents, and watched the waves breaking while looking over the pier edge. We also got to see what I believe was an osprey, beautiful bird, up close and personal. It was a neat experience. We also went to Wal Mart and got our snacks/meals for the road. We want to try and eat fast food as little as possible while on the road, so we don't go broke feeding ourselves. Dustin's all set to go, as he loves peanut butter, so will be filling up on peanut butter sandwiches. I on the other hand don't like peanut butter at all, so I'm going to have some onion bagels plain for breakfast type food, and figure out how else to fill myself up for lunch, but will probably buy dinner so that I have a little more something filling.
Tomorrow my parents are going to come up to Fallbrook, and both families are going to get together, and help us finish packing, and hopefully meet Tonia before we move. Its just starting to hit me that tomorrow is the last time I'm going to see my parents until November when they come out for Thanksgiving and my birthday. I have always been close enough to my parents that I can see them pretty much whenever I want, but now I'm going to be living on the other side of the country, and seeing them isn't going to be as easy anymore. I'm excited for this new chapter, but I'm going to miss both families a lot as I adjust to living on the east coast. Thankfully I have Dustin to move with me, and give me a familiar face to see every day, and to do things with so that I don't become a hermit because I don't know anyone and don't want to go out by myself. He is such a great guy to be willing to move across the country with me because I found a job I love. I probably won't be writing much the next few days, because I'm going to be busy and then on the road, but I will take lots of pictures, and update the blog as soon as I can take a few minutes with internet to do a quick update.
We walked down Oceanside Pier today with Dustin's parents, and watched the waves breaking while looking over the pier edge. We also got to see what I believe was an osprey, beautiful bird, up close and personal. It was a neat experience. We also went to Wal Mart and got our snacks/meals for the road. We want to try and eat fast food as little as possible while on the road, so we don't go broke feeding ourselves. Dustin's all set to go, as he loves peanut butter, so will be filling up on peanut butter sandwiches. I on the other hand don't like peanut butter at all, so I'm going to have some onion bagels plain for breakfast type food, and figure out how else to fill myself up for lunch, but will probably buy dinner so that I have a little more something filling.
Tomorrow my parents are going to come up to Fallbrook, and both families are going to get together, and help us finish packing, and hopefully meet Tonia before we move. Its just starting to hit me that tomorrow is the last time I'm going to see my parents until November when they come out for Thanksgiving and my birthday. I have always been close enough to my parents that I can see them pretty much whenever I want, but now I'm going to be living on the other side of the country, and seeing them isn't going to be as easy anymore. I'm excited for this new chapter, but I'm going to miss both families a lot as I adjust to living on the east coast. Thankfully I have Dustin to move with me, and give me a familiar face to see every day, and to do things with so that I don't become a hermit because I don't know anyone and don't want to go out by myself. He is such a great guy to be willing to move across the country with me because I found a job I love. I probably won't be writing much the next few days, because I'm going to be busy and then on the road, but I will take lots of pictures, and update the blog as soon as I can take a few minutes with internet to do a quick update.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Cleaning The Car
So in order to figure out exactly how everything is going to fit in the car, I have spent the last hour and half cleaning it out. Boxing up all my tack to put in the trailer, and throwing out all the junk that I have been collecting. Surprisingly I haven't found anything that I thought I had lost. So at some point in the next few days we are going to take the car to the car wash place and get it all cleaned up, and then start figuring out how to fit what we need, so we can know what we need to ship at a later date.
Next thing to start doing is separating out the clothes that we are going to take to wear while on the trip, and those that can be packed away, and start packing up the closet. My final stuff will have to be put in on Saturday after we do laundry, because I do still have three more days of riding for my client, and I need my riding clothes which won't be necessary for the trip.
On the one hand it seems like we really don't have all that much to pack up and put in the car, but on the other hand, I know that there are quite a few things that we are going to have to leave behind, and probably ship at a later date. I am not looking forward to having to decide what stays behind, because I know that I'm gonna feel like I "need" everything, all my books, scrapbooking stuff, crocheting stuff, and little knick knacks, that I know I don't actually need right off the bat. Its just winding down to the last few days so quickly, I only have 3 more rides with my client, 6 more days to finish packing everything, and of course all the extra little family things that we want to do before leaving, so that we can have time to say goodbye to everyone.
I am going to miss everyone in California, but I can't wait for the next chapter of my life to begin in Maryland. We leave Monday the 27th, and I should be back with Tonia by the 7th of July, and then I will be leaving with Tonia again on the 17th of July, so I will have a week to kind of settle in before starting work. The days are flying by.
Next thing to start doing is separating out the clothes that we are going to take to wear while on the trip, and those that can be packed away, and start packing up the closet. My final stuff will have to be put in on Saturday after we do laundry, because I do still have three more days of riding for my client, and I need my riding clothes which won't be necessary for the trip.
On the one hand it seems like we really don't have all that much to pack up and put in the car, but on the other hand, I know that there are quite a few things that we are going to have to leave behind, and probably ship at a later date. I am not looking forward to having to decide what stays behind, because I know that I'm gonna feel like I "need" everything, all my books, scrapbooking stuff, crocheting stuff, and little knick knacks, that I know I don't actually need right off the bat. Its just winding down to the last few days so quickly, I only have 3 more rides with my client, 6 more days to finish packing everything, and of course all the extra little family things that we want to do before leaving, so that we can have time to say goodbye to everyone.
I am going to miss everyone in California, but I can't wait for the next chapter of my life to begin in Maryland. We leave Monday the 27th, and I should be back with Tonia by the 7th of July, and then I will be leaving with Tonia again on the 17th of July, so I will have a week to kind of settle in before starting work. The days are flying by.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Packing and More Packing
I talked with Tonia, and I was off by a day on when we were leaving. We are leaving on Monday the 27th, not Tuesday the 28th. So we need to finish packing and getting ready a day earlier than we were planning. Not a big deal, it just means that I need to get myself in gear, and do everything I can during the week by myself, while Dustin works and makes money, and when he's available on the weekends, get done what I need help with so that things get done sooner rather than later.
We have a couple of moving boxes that Ryan bought and didn't use, and several duffel bags for the clothes, so hopefully we can do a little more squishing with the clothes and not use up as much space. The days just keep flying by, and while I'm excited I'm also nervous about how everything is going to play out. Hopefully we have no mishaps on the road, and everything goes smoothly.
On a completely different note, I went to the reto candy store in town, called Swirlz, with Cindy, and got a few old favorites that you don't see very often. It was a very neat experience, and I had to go at least once before I leave. I got some chocolate covered honey comb which is very tasty, and sixlets which I haven't seen in stores in quite a long time. I also told Dustin that I want to go to the Irish Pub again before we leave, because I love their authentic Irish food, though Dustin is not really all that interested since its nothing he would like. So I'm wearing him down a little at a time. I just want to do a few of the things that I haven't done before, or have only done once or twice, and really like before I leave, and I have so few days left now.
We have a couple of moving boxes that Ryan bought and didn't use, and several duffel bags for the clothes, so hopefully we can do a little more squishing with the clothes and not use up as much space. The days just keep flying by, and while I'm excited I'm also nervous about how everything is going to play out. Hopefully we have no mishaps on the road, and everything goes smoothly.
On a completely different note, I went to the reto candy store in town, called Swirlz, with Cindy, and got a few old favorites that you don't see very often. It was a very neat experience, and I had to go at least once before I leave. I got some chocolate covered honey comb which is very tasty, and sixlets which I haven't seen in stores in quite a long time. I also told Dustin that I want to go to the Irish Pub again before we leave, because I love their authentic Irish food, though Dustin is not really all that interested since its nothing he would like. So I'm wearing him down a little at a time. I just want to do a few of the things that I haven't done before, or have only done once or twice, and really like before I leave, and I have so few days left now.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Party and Goodbyes
Dustin's brother is leaving today for New York, so on Saturday we had a joint party for him, Dustin, and I with his family. Aunt Julie, aunt Carol, and uncle Dan came to say goodbye. We went out and ate at Denny's, took pictures, had a cupcake cake, and shared stories. It was nice seeing some of Dustin's relatives since we probably won't see them again before we leave.
Yesterday we went down to Escondido, and had a late lunch with my family. We got to see both Andy, and Steven as well as their girlfriends Sarah and Thierry who we don't see very often. We had a very good meal at Hacienda de Vega, and enjoyed the company of my family. It was nice being able to see everyone before we leave, and hopefully they will all come visit us in MD.
We now have the hallway and part of the loft to put boxes, and sort through our stuff so we can figure out what we are taking with us, and what we want to ship at a later date. So our big project for the next few days will be starting our sorting and packing, and figure out how we are going to fit everything we actually need in the car, and what we can do without for a while, and will ship after we settle in. We have 14 days left before we leave for the east coast. Wish us luck as we start going through all our stuff.
 |
| Dustin's Family |
Yesterday we went down to Escondido, and had a late lunch with my family. We got to see both Andy, and Steven as well as their girlfriends Sarah and Thierry who we don't see very often. We had a very good meal at Hacienda de Vega, and enjoyed the company of my family. It was nice being able to see everyone before we leave, and hopefully they will all come visit us in MD.
 |
| Holly's Family |
We now have the hallway and part of the loft to put boxes, and sort through our stuff so we can figure out what we are taking with us, and what we want to ship at a later date. So our big project for the next few days will be starting our sorting and packing, and figure out how we are going to fit everything we actually need in the car, and what we can do without for a while, and will ship after we settle in. We have 14 days left before we leave for the east coast. Wish us luck as we start going through all our stuff.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Downsizing My Stuff
So as we found out that it cost quite a bit of money to u-haul our stuff to MD, I have decided to join Dustin's brother Ryan in his garage sale event this weekend, and hopefully can get a few extra bucks and get rid of the stuff I don't want or need to take to MD.
It's an exciting adventure, but also frustrating since we have to pick and choose what we absolutely need to take, and with whatever space we may have left, then add the things that we want to take, but that leaves a lot of stuff we'd like to take but don't have the space for.
At the moment our leave date is June 28th, and then I will be back for a couple weeks, but Dustin will be staying behind. Or as Dustin put it "staying ahead" since he will be in MD.
It's an exciting adventure, but also frustrating since we have to pick and choose what we absolutely need to take, and with whatever space we may have left, then add the things that we want to take, but that leaves a lot of stuff we'd like to take but don't have the space for.
At the moment our leave date is June 28th, and then I will be back for a couple weeks, but Dustin will be staying behind. Or as Dustin put it "staying ahead" since he will be in MD.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Welcome to my World!
 |
| View from the Porch |
Wish me luck.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)