Chapter 2 - Decision Made; It's Time to Go

After much discussion A and I decided moving back to the States was the right decision. Despite living in Kentucky previously, we thought it would be good to try some place new. North Carolina was chosen because, 1. It's a little bit warmer in the winter, 2. It's a little closer to the sea, and after living on an Island (albeit a very big one) we would miss the sea, 3. It's not all that far from friends and family, 4. It's cheaper to live there, and last, but definitely not least, 5. There are some great vineyards with very good wines - a must!

We decided to rent the house, as we were having no luck selling it, which must have been the right decision because the very day we said, "let's rent it", our neighbour knocked on our door and she had someone who wanted to look at it! They loved it, wanted it and as of October 1, will move in.

Clock ticking. I quit work at the end of August so I would have a month to pull everything together. A did all the advance stuff - moving companies, booking planes, hotels, etc. I planned our Farewell Party and Moving Sale!

Planning a large party where you might have to use your outdoor space is a gamble in England, because more likely than not, it will be raining, and this year has been the worst, wettest Summer ever! However, we were blessed with the first sunny day in weeks, and the party was a roaring success. I asked everyone to bring a bottle of wine, and as people left, I gave them a bottle of spirits from our stock, so we don't have to worry about shipping it and paying customs.

The party began at 2.30pm and ended at around 10pm, when we and the few stragglers left staggered up to the pub to round-off the evening. One very good friend who came with us asked me the next day, "did I go to the pub"? I think he might not have been the only one whose memories of the latter part of the evening might have been a bit sketchy.

This weekend is our big 'Moving Sale'. It's amazing what accumulates over 16 years of living in one place. And it's even more amazing what some people will buy! I'm not complaining, mind. What ever isn't sold has to be hauled off to the dump or Charity Shops, so today, being the last day of the sale, I'm trying all sorts of gimmicks to try and get rid of stuff - I'm starting to sound like a market stall holder, "Free clay pots with any purchase! That sweater would look great on you! How about some pots and pans for your son who just started college?"

I may have stumbled on to my true calling.