Top 10 reasons why this was a good move for us!

I've been a pretty lame blogger these days and with my job responsibilities I don't see that situation ending anytime soon. I have been active on Facebook but mostly because it takes just seconds to upload a picture or status update. Blogging isn't like that or at least for me its not. I seem to take a long time to put down into words what I want to say. Except for today. Today I'm doing a Top Ten. That's right...I've gone there. A list post. It's a sad day for me I can tell you.


Here are the Top Ten reasons why our move to Washington State has been good for us

#10 The local farmers market is amazing. While not as big or year round like in Houston, this market is friendlier and very local. Such as know the name of the farmer, local. Or get invited to their farm, local. 

#9 JR can find his way around the town. Our town is so small that it is almost impossible for JR to get lost. You may be thinking; "What he lived in Houston for 4 years and he was lost?" JR can get lost in his own museum (name that movie quote?). JR is directionally challenged and in all the cities we've lived in it usually takes him many many years to know his way around. Oh, he can get to work and back and maybe to the grocery store but any place new is out. Our town is very small. As in there are only three streets in town that have stop lights. Getting anywhere in town is a 5 minute deal. I suspect it takes longer to get the car out of the garage than it does to get to the store. In good weather we walk.

#8 The scenery. You can not beat the views from my office. Even the drive to Costco (30 minutes away) is amazing.

#7 We live 1.2 miles from my office. See number 9 above. I can get in a little exercise going to and from work. Of course, that is only if the weather is nice. When it is 14 degrees out and windy that just doesn't happen. The campus is gorgeous, small and friendly. I've felt very welcome here.

#6 Wineries. We have at least 2 dozen or more wineries within 60 minute drive. We may or may not have visited several of them when we first got here. I may or may not have signed up for a wine club in a wine sloshed haze.

#5 Friends. Our long-time friends are all very close. In 2 hours we can be visiting with them or visa versa. Pretty happy about that situation

#4 My job is amazing and while it keeps me very busy I'm liking what I'm doing. Plus, the benefits are the best ever! 

#3 We are saving enough in reduced rent, power bill, health insurance, car insurance, etc that JR can retire to whatever it is he wants to do. At present, I believe that is read books, watch copious amounts of ESPN and taking the dogs for a walk. Pretty sweet deal for him.

#2 I've lost 14 pounds. With all the walking and such, the fresh produce and a bit of disciple has almost got me back into my bikini. Not that I'll post any of those pictures. 

AND the NUMBER 1 reason
These guys are only a short drive away.

Stay groovy,
M

One whole month and I haven't pissed off too many people

This will have to be a very quick Random Tuesday Post because I seriously don't seem to be able to find the time to blog. I'm not sure whether it is learning the new job, unpacking/setting up the house, all the visitors we've had in the last 30 days or a combination of everything. I suspect the latter. Benefit so far? I haven't pissed anyone off yet! I'm either not working up to my full potential or I'm not doing anything wrong yet. Probably the former.

Here is our 30 days in a nutshell

We promptly discovered the farmer's market.

 

 Our hauls have been substantial. 

We also participated in Banned Books Week at the market.

Though she is not pictured, Nessa was quite a draw to our table.

We've had friends and family show up.

All of our kids came over for the weekend including a surprise visit from Dr. Boy. We didn't think we would see him until November or so given his exam schedule but there he was knocking on the door. I may have shed a tear or two.

I made beignets. They were scarfed down in a matter of moments. Dr Boy, JR and I were the only ones that had ever eaten beignets before so these were new to the Eldest Son and his Lovely Wife.  Those of us with beignet experience liked this version because they weren't as sweet. The other two just loved fried dough...because who doesn't? I made these from refrigerator biscuits. Next time I plan to try deep frying refrigerator cinnamon rolls. I'm obviously a sick woman and should be stopped.

Last weekend my mom and stepdad came over to visit. We had a great time going out to dinner, visiting a distillery (hated the booze though) and generally spending time with each other. Sorry no pictures. Not sure what I was thinking. 

We've visited a winery (or two)

Where we drank too much,

Joined the wine club thus committing ourselves to buying at least 3 bottles of wine a year. Like that's a problem! 

We did get T-shirts out of the deal. So there is that.

T-shirts will we will no longer be wearing because the weather has gotten decidedly colder.

Evidenced by my photographic efforts.

 The first week we got here

 The second or third week after we got here.

  

This morning!

JR had to dig around to find the ice scrapper.

He has decided that parking in the garage is best option from now on.

He will have to clear space. Good thing the car is small.

So there you have it. A random edition of our first 30 days in what is looking like its becoming the frozen north. Go check out other Random Tuesday Thoughts folks at Stacy's place.

Stay groovy,

M