Hi folks! I’ve missed you!

I officially closed on my condominium on Monday July 10th while dog sitting in Wisconsin. Those that follow my blog know how that proved to be quite the test of wit and determination after Truist Bank refused to do a wire transfer with my money. It was resolved with no help from Truist and funds transferred.

Prior to my long drive home from Wisconsin, Cheryl and Dave hosted a Key West reunion of friends that were within a drivable distance to their house. It was a much anticipated event for all 9 of us and well worth the wait! Sailor Fred and Diane made it down from Copper Harbor in the UP, Bonnie made it in from the Milwaukie area, Cheryl and Dennis came, and of course, Ronnie B, the traveling man- made it too. We squeezed in as much as we could (the boys even got a flight in Dave’s airplane, while the girls did a little shopping) and we ate, drank and laughed- a lot! Sailor Fred turned the hands of time with a birthday that was happily celebrated by all of us with some singing and yummy cupcakes. (Because who doesn’t love cupcakes?!) I loved every minute of time with these great people because, sadly, someone else may be missing the next time we have another reunion (3 of us are no longer a couple and celebrating solo).

As my time with Cheryl, Dave and Dexter was coming to an end, I felt many emotions. First- they are truly the best of the best when it comes to friends. Second, I was fake Mom to Dexter who came to love me like a real Mom. He proved he would miss me when he laid outside my bedroom door in the morning and would come up to me for no reason and paw at me to pet him. Perhaps he was just looking for another treat, but I prefer to believe he was trying to say thank you and goodbye. After all, he is a human in a Doodle’s body!

After ten hours driving home to my Sister’s house on a nice sunny Saturday, I was anticipating seeing the new carpet I chose (already installed), and we planned a get-together with my Realtor the next morning so I could finally get the keys to my new home. We got to visit with our distant Cousin (my Realtor’s husband) and once they left, I drove to my house- about 30 minutes away from my little Sister’s. It was both strange and wonderful pulling in the driveway and pressing that button. The garage door went up and I walked into my empty house alone for the first time.

The carpet was beautiful and my heart felt like it was beating a little faster and a bit harder. I took in a deep breath and said out loud “Welcome to your new life Lorraine!” I walked into every room, which was left spotless and clean. I stood there somewhat in amazement. I could hardly believe what I was able to accomplish and what I had done.

I took care of a dying husband by myself and got him safely home where he was buried with honors in a National cemetery. I took a bit of time to heal and get affairs in order. I then walked away from my beautiful Florida home with a pool and a different life attached. I sold it, packed up everything I had by myself and coordinated a move up the east coast to the Midwest without even knowing for sure where I would end up. I took a chance. I found a condo in a small charming town (just as I like it!) and got approved to buy it. I stored my belongings in a POD and went on a trip to Wisconsin for three weeks. I closed the deal remotely while there, had carpeting laid, and was now standing in the middle of my new house.

If you know my true life story, this moment was surreal and victorious.

The POD would be delivered first thing the next morning. A moving crew would arrive the day after that and deliver my belongings into their new place. The POD would then be picked up the following morning. All the coordinating and three days later- it was all over and I was home. The stress melted away as I started to arrange my life in a new village in a new place with new friends just minutes from family and old friends in all directions.

My new life has begun and there is happiness seeping into my body once again.

I shared sister time. I have been to a beautiful winery a couple of times. I have shared dinners with family. I have gone shopping in anticipation of cooler weather and the beauty of Fall. I now own 3 flannel shirts and several new jeans! I am making plans and living life.

I can’t wait to share some of it with you!

Stay tuned…It’s coming…