The Sunset View Stopped Us

After a full day of clearing branches, shopping for trees, clearing, tossing and organizing, we looked up and saw this out of our bedroom window. It stopped us and we just took it in.

Then I asked Andy to take a picture before it was over. 

We have spectacular sunsets out here. I can't wait to share them with our guests. 

A perfect end to a very good day.

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Contractor's Visit-Cottage Progress

Well things are looking up! We have submitted the plans to our contractor and now he and Andy will take them to the lumber yard for the final drafts of the plans to be made, and then the dirt work can begin!

Among other things, we discussed siding, the roofline, money-saving strategies and location. We have our plumber, electrician and dirt guy all lined up. 

We really like the guys we will be working with. They are local, knowledgeable and they laugh at Andy's jokes. They don't seem to mind our nosey dogs, either. 

There is still so much to do, but it feels like it's happening now. 

For such a long time, I was not sure I'd get here. Now that I am here, it feels weird. but I know the biggest mistake I can make, is to doubt myself or my process. Doubt lurks out there, every day, around every corner, but I can't waste my resources giving her the time of day anymore. 

I don't know much, but I do know you won't make dreams come true by inviting Doubt to sit at your table. 

I'll be working on perfecting a couple of cookie recipes this weekend. I've been doing more drawing and painting, so I hope to make more progress there. Planting will begin any time now, much to the relief of the farmers around here. We're keeping busy. 

I hope you all have something fun planned for the weekend. See you soon. 

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Swedish Death Cleaning, Moving and Working in the Grove-Cottage Progress

Well, it has been a busy couple of weeks getting ready to start the garage build and remodel of the addition. Andy and I trimmed 21 trees and are almost done clearing the branches from the part of the grove that will be for guest use. 
It's starting to look like a park out there.

In contrast, the roll-off dumpster in the yard is nearly full. Swedish Death Cleaning is well under way. It refers to a tradition that empties our house of the things, furnishings, collections, clothing, dishes, etc., our children will likely toss when we die because they have no idea why they were important to us. It's not important to them. There is a very good chance it will be donated or tossed when we go, and in the end, it will only be a burden to our survivors. 

We've completely moved out of the addition now and are adjusting to the "downsizing." Truth be told, it's not much of an adjustment. We have plenty of house for the two of us and it feels pretty good to "unload."

Besides, we are all about new, fresh beginnings around here lately. It's been a tough twelve months filled with anguish, loss, growth and the search for anything that resembles resilience. It's been a long year. 

Maybe the longest year.

It's good to feel alive, now. Spring still hasn't come in full here yet, but we're inching our way along, with open arms. 

The contractor comes again tomorrow to discuss more details. We have plans to build a dream. We have plans with friends and family. We have plans to travel and see a little of this amazing world. It feels hopeful. 

Here we go. 

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