Relaxing with a beer on my back porch after another run to the house with heavy boxes.

30 Oct 2018

I ran another carload of stuff to the new house after work and once again saw the local deer, who are really friendly! Love my new neighbors! Look closely, there are 3 deers here.

Poor Rosie Lee and Tricksie Treat are upset by the upheaval and likely sense my stress. Only a few more days.

28 Oct 2018

A view just outside Front Royal, another dull and drippy day.

Some  neighbors walked up to visit me today as I was unloading the car at my new house. They seemed quite used to people and stood as I chatted to them. The mother even came closer. 

A joyous day after a month of stress, I closed on my house and picked up the keys. Another week and I’ll be moving in and leaving Meadow House. Kind of sad but very exciting too!

Someone either loves stickers too much or has damage to their car that they’re covering up. Regardless, I’d rather have these on my fridge than my car.

After the walk through of my new home, my realtor, and now good friend, and my mortgage guy and assistant met up at my new local bar, Pave Mint. This mural is on the outside, representing just how I felt. A fabulous evening with the promise of more socializing and a huge welome to my new home town. I can’t wait to move. The people of Front Royal are amazing.

Rosie Lee looking incredibly cute inside her bed, snuggled up while I continued packing.

While at work I spotted what I thought was a cute little puppy that one of the staff had brought in, picture on the left. It looked like a small sleeping dog wearing a jacket, but then as I approached it I realized it was Jose’s har, picture on the right. It would have been a sweet little dog!

A huge old mirror in an abandoned building Richard and I visited today.

19 Oct 2018

My favorite glass plate held up against the light before it was wrapped in bubble wrap. The packing has begun!

A fun afternoon spent with Brian and Kelly at Powers Farm Brewery. Very tasty beers and excellent company on a warm autumnal day. A big plus for me was that I didn’t have to drive, a rare but much appreciated treat.

The cats and I had similar food for dinner but there’s sounded so much nicer, Tender Beef Feast, whereas mine was simply Beef Paste. Very tasty though, and we all finished our meals quickly!

A package arrived today from Mum, loaded with goodies, including my favorite Maltesers. 

16 Oct 2018

All traffic had to stop at The Plains, the roads were filled with emergency vehicles. There were fans at the doorway of the gas station so maybe a small fire or gas leak that had been contained? 

My first semi-successful photo of Tricksie Treat. I never imagined that it would be so hard to take a photo of a black cat.

The Marshall vultures enjoying lunch by the roadside.

I discovered that the beautiful plant that has been flowering copiously by my front door and attracting many Monarch butterflies is a Mexican Sunflower. I will be planting this when I move, will have to find seeds.

This bible was left on a chair of my prospective hose when we did the home inspection. I kind of liked the message..

Increased traffic due to the rain, meaning slow progress up Rte 28. Wish I’d taken the country route...

10 October 2018

Entering Marshall from the west, passing Nick’s Deli, where the best fried chicken in Virginia is made.

Geranium at dusk.

Miss Rosie Lee is being naughty, perching on the backs of chairs where she knows she’s not allowed. Not sure why this rebellious streak is kicking in...

I have never seen so many Monarchs as I have around my front door this year. I had a rogue orange sunflower ‘bush’ suddenly appear and it’s been in flower for months, attracting butterflies of the same color.

So many walking sticks at the front door of Ayrshire Farm house, and all featuring cats.

I had to dash here to pick up t-shirts for a rush order for GMU. A warehouse filled with thousands and thousands of shirts that I’m sure very few people living in Haymarket are aware of. 

Another monstrosity being erected near work. For as long as I’ve worked at Chantilly, this land had always been a natural habitat for wildlife. I wonder where the poor animals had to move to, and how many ended up as road kill...

Likely the last daisies of summer. They may be a weed but a pretty one. I’m happy to see them poking up through to the patio.

It’s always dark now when I leave for work.

Poor lads at work were swamped with a 6000 shirt order today. What a way to start the week!