Silver Linings

We had an adventure this morning getting a new tire for the Mini. Nobody in the state of Kentucky or West Virginia had a run flat tire in stock. We eventually drove to WV to pick up a tire the same size that is does not serve as a run flat. This means if I get another flat on that one we're up a creek. Hopefully, we'll eventually find someone that can replace the temporary tire. Since the Mini has no spare, it's like running on your spare till you get the tire fixed.

The upside, was we stayed in a Quality Inn that had a giant jacuzzi tub! Nothing like soaking in a hot bath to make you think all is right with the world!

We got to drive across the Ohio river twice to get the new tire. The pretty blue and green bridges were east and west lanes.

We found the Brady Cemetery, north of Texas, Kentucky. It was not easy to find, so I'm going to make a post to help someone else locate it. We walked in the hot sun for an hour looking for it. Happily, we got our 10,000 steps today!

Because of the flat tire, we ended up having the opportunity to overnight in Bardstown, KY and see the Stephen Foster Musical. I got to hear all my favorite songs, Ring, Ring the Banjo, Oh, Susannah, Hard Times, Come Again no More, Way Down Upon the Swanne River, I Dream of Jeannie with the Light Brown Hair, Masssas in the Cold, Cold Ground, Old Black Joe and more.

Unfortunately, it started to rain at the end, and thunder and lightening eventually pushed the cast off the stage (and us out of the seats). We'll never know if Stephen Foster married his Jeannie With the Light Brown Hair, or if he ever wrote his great plantation song, My Old Kentucky Home!

Happily, we got back to the General Nelson Inn a little earlier to comfort Coda, who was cowering under the furniture. She really hates thunder and lightning! We got some grateful cuddles from her before bed!

Goodbye House!

Goodbye Maryland house that we have loved! It has been 6 and a half wonderful years. We're smiling here because we're finished packing and cleaning. But, believe me, we've shed a few tears to leave this house!

We brought Coda back to the house after spending the night with the Rigbys. She ran around looking for the furniture. She's thinking, "How can we live with no stuff?"

The team from Exclusive brought 5 guys to finish the job this morning. The load came out to almost exactly two 53' trailers. No one should have that much junk!

Thanks to team Halsey, who came with a vacuum and a broom, we were finished cleaning and  ready to hit the road by noon.

Poor Coda became even more confused to spend the afternoon and evening in the car! She had a nice view from her perch in the backseat. I'm driving the Mini, and Coda is with me. Ed is driving his luxury car, the Genesis!

We stopped for dinner at a hot dog stand in Flatwood, West Virginia, the land of Coda's birth. She wouldn't eat her dog food, but thankfully the nice girl at the counter brought her a nice ice cream with peanut butter on it.

We made it to Ashland, Kentucky, where we're spending the night--and maybe longer. I hit a pothole and got a flat tire in the Mini. So, tomorrow we'll have an adventure trying to find a specialty tire in a small town.

Ed was so nervous about moving. I told him to stop worrying. What could possibly go wrong! It turns out plenty!

Moving Day is a Lot of Work

Today was moving day. We got a late start, as the crew didn't show up till noon! Fortunately, the weather was dry and sunny!

The crew from Exclusive van lines was hoping to finish the job in one day, and they might have if they had started at 8!

It was exhausting watching them wrap every item of furniture and box up everything! We had done a lot of work before they came, but, it turned out, there was a lot of work left!

Ed ran over to Hawaiian shave ice and got us some slushes--our last fix before we leave town.

Suzanne is not only letting us sleep in her very fancy guest room tonight, but she also brought us a delicious and healthy dinner. We were feeling the love!

By 10:30 the crew left. We had filled up one 53 foot truck and one 28 foot truck. They are going to fill part of a third truck tomorrow. We're cautiously optimistic that tomorrow they'll be done by 10 a.m. We'll be following them with a vacuum and broom and hope to leave town shortly thereafter!

Sunday Drive with the Iroanyas

For the past 6 years Ed has been picking up the Iroanyas for church on alternate Sundays. I usually am not with him, because I'm either playing the organ or one of us has to go to Ward Council before church. It was fun to be able to ride with him this week as he picked them up for church. They have grown up a lot in 7 years! It's been fun watching them turn into fine young people! We'll miss them!

Treading with the Halseys

Mark and Mary invited us to take a break from packing this afternoon and join them at the South Carroll Swim club. It was our first and last time to go there, so we were glad we squeeked it in before our big move. It has two nice pools and is located pretty much in the middle of nowhere! It was hot enough that we appreciated the opportunity to cool off in the water. We joined them in their favorite pass time --treading water!

Mary made us dinner, to boot! We thiught she was super woman. She did all that as well as drive over and pick up two of their grandchildren to watch while their brother had his appendix removed.

Mark gave Ed some hints on how to enjoy retirement,  as he retired several months before Ed.  Keeping up with 15 grandchildren is not going to be one of Ed's problems!

Maybe we can find a nice place to take the Halseys treading when they visit us in Utah!

Goodbye Fire Road

Ed and I took Coda for one last walk along the fire road this morning! It was so beautiful and so sad to know we won't be walking it again in the near future!

Goodbye, Whale Rock!

Goodbye, Liberty Reservoir!

Goodbye, Ol' Swimmin' Hole!

Goodbye, ferns!

Goodbye, beautiful Maryland walking trail! Ed, Coda and I are soon embarking on another adventure. I hope we find a walking trail as nice in Utah!

Ex-Presidency Last Hurrah

Because we missed Heather at our last dinner, the ex-Primary Presidency had one last meeting this week. We met for lunch at French Twist. We ate our crepes on the front porch and talked as fast as we could. There is never enough time to talk yourselves out! I'll miss these ladies! We had some good times together! I'll also miss Sykesville's very own cute little crepe restaurant!