Truth be told, Mr. Cactus has been working here in the Grand Canyon State.
Our home in Southern Utah has been up for sale, and because we have kept it staged with most of our furnishings, I didn't feel comfortable announcing we were not living there.
We made trips back once a month to check on the house, so it felt a little like living in two states.
I can now comfortably announce we are Arizonians.
Because of the sluggish real estate market, we have still not sold our house in Utah, and have decided to rent it out for now.
This last weekend we went home, packed everything up, and placed most of our belongings in a storage unit.
We'll continue to live in our apartment here in Arizona until the house sells.
You know, this is the first we have lived in an apartment since Mr. Cactus was in graduate school many moons ago, and I have to say we are very content.
We are empty nesters, and just don't need as much room as when our large family was growing up.
I have the comforts of my sewing machine and fabrics, and am thrilled to be able to clean the entire apartment in less than an hour.
Life is good.
I will really missed my Utah quilting friends, especially the Dixie Divas and being able to look out my kitchen window to the red rocks and blue skies of St. George.
I will miss pool parties with family and friends, and all of the wonderful relationships we created in Southern Utah.
But life is often about change, and I believe in joyfully embracing all the new possibilities that await each and every day.
I can now report to you the fabulous quilt happenings here in the Phoenix area.
The biggest blessing this last year has been living within a few miles of our two oldest daughters.
We have been able to attend the everyday events of our most precious grandchildren.
Need I say more?
20 comments:
Oh, Nedra! What a big move - we did the same over 6 years ago and most times it is just so good, but, yes, you do miss friends so much! I am sure you already have a nice network so I wish you and Family so much happiness!
Hugs - Lurline♥
May your time in AZ be wonderful; my folks lived in Lake Havasu City for a few years. I visited once and although had grown up in the tropics was astounded by the dry heat. And then the wind picked up and was blowing 120 degree air around. WOW !~! Back to the SF
Bay Area for me. Hope you love it there and make some really creative stuff with your new palette of colors to look at and be inspired by.
Wishing you all the best!
I love owning my own home but there are 3 things I miss about apartment living big time - the yard man, the pool man, and the maintenance man!
Wishing you much happiness.
Nedra, how wonderful! Nothing better than be able to attend Gramma's day at school. I'm looking forward to my turn. We lived in apartments before and we loved it! Enjoy - Hugs Nat
I'm so happy for you Nedra! Since I got married 29 years ago, I have never lived near my parents, so I don't know what it's like to have my mom drop in for coffee or to have them here for one of our children's birthdays. You are so blessed to be able to spend these times with your children and grandchildren. I'm sure you'll connect with some wonderful new quilters there too!
MGM
Life is good when family are near! I'm happy to hear that things are going well for you and your husband. My husband would like to downsize our living space too at some point in the future once Kenna grows up.
Congratulations Nedra! I'm sure you'll miss your Utah pals but how lovely to be near your daughters and grandchildren...
How lucky you are!! Living close to your grandchildren is such a blessing.
It must be wonderful to be close to family...but I sure will miss being able to go sew/visit with you!
How truly wonderful that you get to be so close to your grandkids. Grandparents are so important to little kids growing up.
My next door neighbor when I lived in Iowa, has moved to Goodyear. I will tell them about your SIL's new restaurant.
I am sure the Diva's will miss you alot.
I will keep reading your blog to see what you are up to. Best to you, Nedra
Doreen
Congratulations on the move. We're empty nesters now and anticipate a move in the next few years. I love my house but it's way too big for 2 people. I too look forward to cleaning the house in an hour.
Your grandchildren are darling Nedra. How lucky they are to have Grandma living so close by. Enjoy, enjoy!
Isn't it great to be a guilter, when you go someplace new, you have instant friends. I am sorry to see you leave southern utah but how great that you are able to be there to help your children and grandchildren. Good luck with all your plans. Your home is beautiful. I can't imagine it not selling.
All the best to you! I have a friend from St. Charles who winters in Mesa - do you attend a guild near there? Any quilt shops she should know about, etc?
oh a move, how exciting for you. To be close to your daughters and grandchildren. I hope your house sells one day - this market has been bad.
Be happy.
Karen
http://karensquilting.com/blog/
You said it all, close to your grandkids! You will make friends in no time and your Utah and blogging friends will still be there for you. Enjoy!
OMGosh! That's huge news! I'm happy for you, but I'm sure you left behind a bunch of gals who will miss you daily! Empty Nesters...we'll be there one day soon...don't know how it's ever going to work! I hope your home sells and you get double! It's so beautiful - I love your back yard! Good luck in AZ and it's so great that no matter where you live we can still find you! xo, Nan
Love your old home..love it but you are so right about change. I've watched you accept the Lord's will in all this and you've done so with grace and humility. You're such an example to me. Good things are in your future. Just look at the faces of those grandkids.
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