“That’s why I’m moving on, I’m moving
on. I’ve been hanging around too
long. It’s time I was moving on.”
-Gary Moore
It’s time for that obligatory,
end-of-the-year, sum it up piece where I drone on about what things I am
grateful for and what has and has not worked in the past year. It’s been done to death and I’m way past the
start of the New Year. But, here’s my
excuse, I just celebrated a birthday and that entitles me to a “look-back” at my
year.
Now that I’ve justified myself, I’ll
continue to contemplate my navel and submit my take on the past 12 months. Over and above everything that happened this
year, moving stands out as the key event.
After 21 years, my 3 story townhouse (and lovingly tended garden) sold
in record time (“zero” days on the market, as it was never listed
publically). If I sound regretful, I’m
not. I found exactly what I was looking
for. Even after all these months, I sometimes
have to pinch myself to be sure I’m not dreaming. We lost virtually no square footage and gained
a dwelling that is a balm and blessing to my replaced knee. For the last five years in the old house, I had
to carefully climb two flights of stairs, dozens of times, each day. I do not miss that.
A move is truly
a major life event – on par with marriage, divorce and death. In light of that, I can’t say enough about
the help and kindness I received from my friends and family and even from some
strangers. Throughout this journey, my
realtor and friend kept me calm and centered with her incredible marketing skills,
wise counsel and steadfast support. Our
next door neighbors/friends let us stow countless boxes in their basement as we
streamlined and staged. They soothed us
with wine as we perched (with our cats) in their kitchen and watched our
potential buyers and a team of inspectors crawl all over our home looking for
God knows what. My long-time contractor
and primo carpenter took care of the minor adjustments needed to seal the
deal. I’ll always be grateful to our
wonderful pet sitter and friend who adopted the cat we rescued and couldn’t
take to the new place (They had a 2 pet limit.). Another friend recommended a fabulous charitable
organization, “A Wider Circle”, who gladly took away our gently used furniture. They, in concert with Habitat for Humanity, furnish
houses for those without and also provide men and women with donated business
attire. Such a pleasure to turn over
some 13 suits, 20 dress shirts, and at least 50 ties that Bob no longer needed
and know that they would be put to good use!
I was struck again and again by how
friends we’ve made over the last few years through our volunteer work, were
just as forthcoming as friends we’ve had for years. A friend and fellow docent oversaw the movers
while we went to settlement and then provided snacks and wine for the day of
the move. Help came from all quarters. When it occurred to me that we’d have no
place to stay the night after the truck was packed, a young friend used her
influence to find us a most comfortable hotel suite for the night we were between
houses.
My sister and my niece were
incredible in the first days after the move.
They trekked from Virginia bearing food and drink, rolled up their
sleeves and helped unpack 100s of boxes.
New neighbors dropped by with cookies, fruit, bread and jam and even
more wine. In the weeks that followed, old
friends visited from Delaware and North Carolina and our younger friends spent their
evenings hooking up our computers and electronics. My sister came back and stayed a few more days to help me recover my dining room chairs!
(Note: Do not attempt to do this–
ever. Hire a professional J.)
As spring
turned to summer, I found that while I missed my garden, I had rediscovered
cooking. We’ve had more dinner guests in
the last 6 months than we had in the last 6 years in the old place. It seemed like everyone wanted to visit. Of course I couldn’t imagine having people
over without feeding them! So, after
adjusting to a gas cook top, a convection oven, a fridge that dispenses ice and
water from the door and a Microwave with a control panel similar to that of the
Starship Enterprise, I hauled out cookbooks, perused the Times & Post food
sections and consulted with a friend who is a fabulous cook for suitable dining
fare. Instead of planting, weeding and
mulching, I found myself chopping, stirring and simmering. I am happy to say I fed most of my family, lots
of my friends, and many old and new neighbors.
Well, I
guess this isn’t technically my “Year in Review” It’s mostly a review of our move
and how incredibly fortunate we are to have such a supportive network. I hope I thanked all the many folks who
helped us complete this somewhat stressful, but oh so rewarding journey. If you don’t recognize yourself in the
descriptions above – here’s my best shot:
My heartfelt thanks to: Bob, Gaylen, Janet, Lou (may he RIP), The Malka
Family, Dana, Bob H., Bill, Oliver, Boo Boo, Beverly, Kai, Hannah, Tom L., Barbara,
Denise, T.J., Greg, Carole, Allen, Brandon, Sara J., Susan, Jane, Harriet,
Shelly, Silvia, Greg K., Elaine, Ella, Karla, Mike, Rita, Wafi, and Tom G. You
all played a part in this successful move.
I’m just saying…
