Countdown to Happy: Blue Ridge

     "I like where we're headed," he said as he climbed the stairs of our rental cabin that he would now call home for the next five months. For the first time in over a week, there was a calm face staring back at me. A little bit of exhaustion still remained, but a small smile spread across his face, one I had not seen in at least a month. 
     We closed on Mayne on a Friday. It had been listed on the downward spiral of the once-hot real estate market for two months. First, crickets. Finally, we lowered the price and prayed for a cash buyer. I remember praying and asking God that if this was not the direction we should be headed, no offer would come. A cash offer came. No contingencies. No loan. The phone call from our agent sounded perfect until the part about the 13 day closing. 
     "Of course we can do that," I said as I thanked God for the buyer and the cash. Then, the 13 days began to shrink as multiple households (all stored in our attic) were sheltered in boxes and containers and placed somewhere secure until our home could be built. After the first day of non-stop schlepping with very little change, I knew we were in trouble. 
     Four storage containers, two days of College Hunks and 12 days later, we arrived at the closing more exhausted than ever. If ever there was a smooth closing, this was it. In less than 15 minutes, we walked out of the attorney's office, hopped in the Trans Am, returned our yellow Penske van, deposited THE check, grabbed a Larry's Giant Sub for the last time, and said goodbye to Athens. 
​     Len's odd phrase, "sometimes, I a surprisea myself" proved to be what would propel us forward. When you're pushed into a corner without a fraction of a chance of escape, you either fold and forget, or you come out with guns blazing. The guns are still smoking.
     Our first Sunday morning at Long View begins with an espresso (we found the cups during packing and used them for the first time since purchase) on our screened-in porch right outside our bedroom door. Next, the regular brew downstairs continues our morning ritual while bagels with Nutella provide energy. We're learning ROKU TV; I like it. Now, all those subscriptions we have will be put to use. We offer "Good Mornings" to our animals on the deck and spend time with them, making sure they are secure that we're not leaving them. Of everything we are most grateful, it's our gratitude that the animals feel at home. No one jetted. No one cried. Tails wag and snuggles continue.
     More surprising than anything is the goodness of people who didn't have to step forward. Sherry and Joel. Polly and Ed. Ed and Ann. The BIG things. Goodness still remains in this world, and sometimes, you don't even have to ask. Blessings appeared. If you ever wonder if God's hand moves in your life, just try to explain the unexplainable.  Can't do it. 
     It's been a week now, and we're settling in. Boxes decorate the house, and we can't get away from the Home Depot presence. Len perches at the bar for work; I consume the dining table with papers and agendas. We're both still catching up with business, writing, emails and rest. Getting accustomed to little space to maneuver might prove to be a challenge. A learning experience for our new home. 
     Today is Saturday. Pancakes and bacon. Coffee on the deck. Roosters in the distance. Fog rising off the blue mountains. Perfection, I think. Afternoon plans? A street festival in our new home town, Hayesville. Camera in hand, we'll capture our beginning in this lovely mountain town. 

#blessed #countdowntohappy 
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