Walking is the perfect way of moving if you want to see into the life of things. It is the one way of freedom. If you go to a place on anything but your own feet you are taken there too fast, and miss a thousand delicate joys that were waiting for you by the wayside. Elizabeth von Arnim

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Sunday, June 30, 2013

Library

We have settled in the trailer and each day brings us closer to living in our new house.  We didn't know what to do with our mattress so my idea was just to put in on top of the mattress we already had in the trailer.  Our mattress is pretty thick and now our bed is so high up that we have to climb up on it.  It's high like a bunk bed and we crack up laughing every time we climb up there. 

I went on my morning walk the last couple of days and walked into town going down the road along here. 
I just walked here and there around town.  Of course I walk past our house every day.

The other day we went to one of the little neighboring towns for their fair day and walked around.  The main event was the tractor pull and we enjoyed our time there.  We are treating this time in the trailer like a vacation and will be checking out the local areas.

I mentioned that we went to the library the other day and got our library cards already.  We came from Howard County which has some of the best libraries and schools in the nation.  The new library that was recently built that we went to was two stories and was HUGE.  It was a fantastic library and they had all the latest books.  Sometimes I had a book on hold and had hundreds of others ahead of me.  Computers were aplenty, DVD's, CD's and oh so many magazines to choose from.  It was very hard to get the current ones but they were all there sometimes years old.
You can check out your own books, or go to the counter and there is a big separate information desk.

Here's a picture of our the town library here.
It's just one level and you can see the whole library at one glance when you step inside.  It's like the old town library I went to when I was a kid.
The two women working at the front desk were friendly and helpful and actually seemed happy to be working there.  We got our cards and had to sign the back of them.  When we check our books out they still get stamped with the return date on them.   There are only about 1/3 of the magazines there as our old library, but all the current issues are there and you can check out the current one.  There are computers but you have to sign up to use them and can't use a laptop.  You can go online and set up your account and renew books and put them on hold which is nice.  If they don't have a book they will find it from somewhere else for you. 
The book that I checked out the other day was Silence in Hanover Close by Ann Perry.  At my old library I would have had to put it on hold.  Here it was on the shelf and I was amazed to see that the last person who read this book had to return it in September of 2011!
All that said I love my new little library and it's only 2 blocks from my house. : )  I think I'm going to like this small town living!!

Thank you all for all the comments, good wishes and happy thoughts that you have sent my way.  : ) 

A happy day to everyone of you.
happyone : ) 

Youth is a frame of mind.
If you get out there and enjoy it,
you can have it at any time of your life.
~Kenny Rogers grandfather 

Thursday, June 27, 2013

We have arrived

I enjoyed my last walk around the lake yesterday on my own.

We packed up the rest of our things, loaded up the truck with one last load and walked around the house for one last time.
Ken drove the truck and I drove my car.  I had a passenger with me to keep my company.  Meet Sandy.  : )
I led the way and Ken followed me like last time.  We hit a few pockets of rain but they didn't last long.  More traffic than usual and through Cumberland there was only one lane open due to road work caused about a half hour delay.  Ken took this picture  of me in front of him.
Here I am driving into town. 
Parked the car in our future driveway, ate supper at Annie's Kitchen and then went to our trailer at HT.  Unloaded the truck.  Put things in both the tractor barn and the upper shed until I'm sure we couldn't get another thing in.
The trailer looked like a hoarder house at first with things all over every where, but we managed to get things put away somewhere and in some kind of order and it's good enough for a couple of weeks.

We were both exhausted and slept later than usual in the morning.  Woke up to rain and I didn't know where my umbrella was so decided to skip my walk.  I had way over 20,000 steps from yesterday so wasn't too worried about walking.

It's been raining all day so we sat around the trailer reading in the morning.  After lunch we went to the library and got our library cards and checked out a few things.  I'll write more about the library at another time.


Walked around Walmart just for something to do and now here we sit at McDonalds.  before heading back to the trailer for supper and a night of reading and watching a DVD.

We are really glad and happy to be here. 
Till next time..........
Happyone  : )
To help someone in need
is the surest way to touch God's hand.
~Alicia Dunham

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Leaving tomorrow

I walked around the lake this morning but didn't really see it because I walked with a friend and we talked the whole way around.  Her name is Diane and she usually runs but she hurt her leg so had to walk.  If she wasn't walking with me she would have run so I kept her from running. : )  I didn't take any pictures!!!
I walked 6.2 miles.

All the inspections are finished with the house and things are now moving smoothly. The television is down off the wall and the wall patched up and I will be taking the TV in the back of my car. We just have to pack up what's left of the food, our mattress, two chairs and our computers.

Tomorrow while I walk around the lake for the last time (and I will walk alone) Ken will load the truck.  Then not long after that we will be off.  Ken driving the truck and me in my car.

Not sure how often I'll get to blog until we are in the house which will be July 12 so my blogging time may be sporadic. 

So till next time
enjoy your day and be happy.
happyone : )
God's plan is better than anything 
we could ever dream up.  
: )

Monday, June 24, 2013

Lunch and supper with friends

A hot and humid walk this morning - the hottest one so far.  The sun was out and it was nice walking along the paths under the trees.  I walked my connect the path route.  Just a few pictures I snapped along the way.


Two more days of walking around here and I'll walk around the lake for those last days.
I saw the fox cross the street just up from my house when I got up this morning and looked out of the window but didn't seem him while walking.
It was quiet out this morning and just saw couple of people out walking dogs.
I walked 6.1 miles.
***************************************
I can't remember the last time I washed my car and it was really dirty so I washed it this morning. 
Then later at lunch time I left in a nice clean car to pick up Mary Jo and we went to Olive Garden for one last lunch out together.  Another friend Christina joined us. She is not only a friend but our Sunday School teacher and the pastor's wife too.  She is happy and fun to be around. : )  We  had an enjoyable time talking and laughing.  I  made a lasting impression by spilling a glass of water on Christina.  She was a good sport about it and just laughed.  Just glad that she was drinking water and not a soda.  At least she wasn't sticky too!!

I got to go out for supper today too.  I met Cheryl for pizza and Ken came along too.  This wasn't a good bye though because Cheryl will be up to visit us at the new house.  Mary Jo said she'd be up too.  Cheryl and Mary Jo have never met and I was thinking that perhaps they should meet and can drive up to visit me together some time.  : )

That's it for today.
Hope your day has been a happy one.
Happyone : )
Understand that dealing with life is really a matter of personal choice,
so choose to be happy.
Find joy in the simplest things,
and see beauty in each person you meet.

Sunday, June 23, 2013

Saying good bye

Walked 5 miles before church this morning.  I went over to the lake but there was an event going on and lots of people about so I just walked a quarter of the way around and then went up to the road.
It was a bit on the muggy side but not too bad yet and it was nice having a morning walk again.  I found 2 pennies.

These words were on the front of the church bulletin today.
The longer I serve Him
the sweeter He grows.
The more that I love Him,
more love He bestows:
Each day is like heaven,
my heart overflows,
The longer I serve Him
the sweeter He grows.
Mary Jo told me that the words are from a song.  

I got a little going away present from two ladies in my Sunday School class who are sisters, Anna and Katie.  It's a decorated rock for me to place somewhere along one of the trails at Happy Trails.  Such a kind and thoughtful thing to do.  They had no idea that I liked ladybugs!! 
I said my good-byes to my church friends today and it was really sad.  I took one last look around and as I walked out the door with Mary Jo I shed a few tears.  I will miss this church more than I can say!!  I know God must have another church lined up for me near my new home but right now I can't imagine another church like this one.

I'm off to make some chocolate chip cookies.  
Have a blessed Sunday my friends.
happyone
I saw this on a bumper sticker yesterday.
Try Church.
Walmart isn't the only saving place.

Saturday, June 22, 2013

A few inside pictures

We left to come back to the townhouse this morning.  The weather was sunny and the ride went well.  We know every turn in the road and have loads of landmarks that we look for.  It makes the ride go by fast.

The only thing left here at the townhouse is two living room chairs and the television, our computers, a mattress upstairs to sleep on, some dishes and food and some cleaning supplies!!  We will be here until Wednesday and then head up to Happy Trails and stay in the trailer until we can move into the house.  That last trip Ken will take the last small load in the truck and this time, I'll drive my car up.  And that will be it.  The closing for the townhouse is Friday, June 28 (moved again from July 2) so we will have to come back down for that. 

We move into the new house a day earlier than expected on July 12!!!  : )

I took a few pictures of the house yesterday.
This first one is taken just as I walked in the front door.
To the right are three bedrooms and a bath.
This one of the living room and dining room looking left from the foyer hall.
And this one walking down the hall and turning left into the family 
room and to the kitchen.  
Ken and Ken talk while I walk around the house.
I can't wait to get our own things in there and make it ours.  Nothing really needs to be done but there are things that we will change eventually. 
****************************
Since there is not much do around the townhouse we went out for a awhile and looked around Lowe's getting ideas for house projects.  Then stopped at Carmax and walked around looking at cars.

I didn't have a morning walk for the last three days because of driving to and from HT.  I'm looking forward to getting settled in one place so I can get walking every morning again.  I also haven't done my exercise CD for a quite a while now and want to get back to that too.  It won't be long now until I will be able to get back into a routine.

That's it for today.
Hope your Saturday has been a good one.
happyone  : )
The best car safety device
is a rear-view mirror
with a cop in it.
~Dudley Moore

Friday, June 21, 2013

Driving the truck

Just a quick post to say I drove the truck all the way without any problems. : )
We met in Hagerstown for breakfast after driving for an hour.  Then drove the rest of the way.
Ken took the pictures of me driving down the road.
Here I am going down I68.
Here I am driving into town.
We went directly to the house and Ken parked his car in the driveway.  Then we went up to HT to unload the truck.
Going back to the house in a little while to meet Ken (seller) and maybe I'll get to take some inside pictures.

Beautiful sunny weather here.
Gotta go.
Enjoy your day.
happyone

Comment replies:
Nellie - We take two interstate roads on the way to HT, I70 and I68.

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Outside pictures

We got up to Happy Trails safe and sound yesterday and had a nice dry ride.  Good thing too because we didn't load for any rain.  Here we are stopped at the Cumberland Gap rest stop.  That's the gap in the background.  Some load huh?  All the chairs on the trailer look like a tangled mess but no damage to any of them!!  Can you see a face peeking out at you in all that? : )
Find Waldo (Ken)
It took quite a while to unload the truck and find places to put everything in the shed.  It is a good thing that Ken can pack well because it is FULL in there.  Still have to fit in a couple of chairs and a desk.

We had supper at Perkins and then stopped at our new house.  No one was home but we walked around the yard and I took some pictures to share with you.  The house is actually a pale yellow though it looks beige in the pictures.
One of 4 hanging plants on the porch.  Hope they stay!

View from the front porch.
Out back
I am just so excited and really enjoyed walking around the yard.

We left early morning to come back home to the almost empty townhouse.  Ken took his desk apart today and we will be bringing that up with some odds and ends and a few boxes in the morning.  We will just keep the bare essentials till we leave for good June 27th.

In the morning I will drive the truck up and Ken will drive his car. I hardly ever drive the truck so it will be different for me driving sitting so high up!! Then both of us will come home in the truck.  Next week we will have one last trip to get my car up there and the bare essentials that we are using till the end.  Closing has been moved up a couple of days to June 28 which is next Friday.  So nice to see the end in sight!!

I'm looking forward to the moving in part!!! : )

We went out this afternoon to do a few errands and had lunch at Applebee's while we were out.

Ken will load the truck for the trip tomorrow and I'll stay out of his way. : ) 

Hope your day is a happy one.
Thank some one who doesn't expect it and you will see a bit of happiness shine in their eyes.
happyone : )
The most valuable asset is not a head full of knowledge,
but a heart full of love, 
with an ear ready to listen
and a hand willing to help.

In case you are wondering about my new header.   Around the curve and up the hill will bring you to Happy Trails. : )

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Another load

A nice sunny pleasant walk around the lake this morning.  I saw these deer in the high grass as I got to the lake.  I zoomed in to get the picture.  The lake is just on the other side of the bench up by the tree.
I saw a few more deer and lots of rabbits again. 

Lots of people out too.  The weather was just too nice not to be out walking. : )

I walked 6.4 miles.

While I walked Ken loaded up the truck.  When I got back we had breakfast and then Ken went back to loading.  This time the trailer and he's out there doing that now as I type this.  Every once in a while he calls me to help with something.

We will be leaving with this load in a couple of hours so thought I'd write a quick post in case we don't have time to stop at McDonalds this evening.

A happy day to you.
happyone : )
Don't let your search for a happy ending
get in the way of living a happy life.

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

New phone

It was a cloudy humid morning and a bit dreary out and the temperature was 72 degrees.  There were lots of birds chirping which made the morning cheery in spite of the weather. : )
I walked along one of my connect the path routes.  This is just one of the bridges I've walked over many many time.
I heard a couple of woodpeckers but just couldn't find them with all the leaves on the trees.

A few people here and there but it was really quiet out there today.  School ended last week and there is a lot less traffic around too.
So I had a nice quiet enjoyable walk.
I walked 6.1 miles.
**********************************
I took this picture last evening standing on the back deck.  I thought the clouds looked really cool.  We could see bolts of lightening in the clouds too.  We never got any rain but some one sure did.  Can you see the airplane there too?
Not much to do around the house anymore.  Just waiting for some good weather to bring up the next load.  Probably tomorrow.
Closing is in 2 weeks from today!!

My new phone came in the mail today.  I got a new one not too long ago and at first had so much trouble with it because it was a touch screen and it kept doing things that I didn't want it to.  I kind of got used to it and even thought I liked it but I realized it really didn't like it at all.  It was way too sensitive.  So I went back to a flip up and like it so much better.  I even got to keep my old phone number.  I've been putting all my contacts into the phone this afternoon.

Hope all is fine in your part of the world.
A happy day to you.
happyone : )
 Worry is a misuse of imagination.
~ Dan Zadra

Monday, June 17, 2013

Not much left

70 degrees and cloudy with some sun when I walked this morning.  It was quite pleasant out and I walked around the lake.
There were a lot of people out around the lake especially for a Monday but not too many that I wished I'd walked another way.
A couple of workers were out picking up trash that people threw on the ground during the weekend and I heard them talking about how some people were just slobs.  As I passed I said, "And thank you for picking up after those messy people."  They both smiled and said, "Your welcome, no problem."

I saw an Indigo Bunting and a heron flew past me.  Lots of other birds as well.  I didn't see any deer but there sure were a lot of rabbits up around this way and can well understand why it is called the 'bunny trail.'
I walked 6.5 miles.
********************************
The living room now consists of the television on the wall, two chairs to sit on and a cardboard box for an end table.  Our bedroom is empty except for the mattress.  Bed taken apart and dressers are gone.  My clothes for the next month sit on the floor along one wall. 
The little furniture that we still have here is downstairs ready to be loaded in to the truck and trailer.  Just waiting for a day when no rain is predicted for here or at HT and that is the day we will go.  I think it will be Thursday.

I still have laundry to do and bathrooms to clean but is sure is easy to vacuum with no furniture around.  Trying to make up meals with the food we have on hand so we don't have to take a lot with us.  Now that we will be staying in the trailer for a short time, making all that food and freezing it isn't necessary. 
 
If anyone ever needs boxes check out the back of a Pet Smart store.  We've gotten all we needed there!!!

That's it for today.  I think I'll go and read for a while.
Hope your Monday is a happy one.
happyone : )
Be mindful of what you toss away,
be careful of what you push away,
and think hard before you walk away.
~ Unknown
Comment replies:
Vee - nearest commissary to us is in Fredrick, Md which is 2 hours away.  Looks like we will be food shopping in Walmart!
Auntie - I guess I was lucky.  No bugs when I walked in the evening.

Sunday, June 16, 2013

Sunday

I got a card from a friend at church today and this was on the front of it. 

As believers you are saved
forever by grace through faith.
Forgiven.  Accepted.  Beloved of God.
Servants of the most high God.
New creatures.  Dead to sin. Alive to God.
Walking in the newness of life.
Baptized into Christ Jesus.
The temple of the Holy Spirit,
clothed with Christ, Holy, Blameless,
at peace with God.
Christians, you are born again.
Partakers of the divine nature,
empowered by God.
Children of promise, one in Him,
The body of Christ.
Seated in heaven, kingdom citizens.
A  royal priesthood, vessels of honor.
Salt of the earth, light of the world,
soldiers of Christ, fishers of men.
Ministers of reconciliation,
Victorious.

Rejoice in the Lord always,
I will say it again, rejoice.
Phil 4:4

A blessed Sunday you my friends.
happyone  : )
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY 
to all you Dad's out there.

Saturday, June 15, 2013

Evening Walk

I really did go for that evening walk.  I asked Ken if he wanted to go with me but he declined so I went alone.  Walked along one of the paths.  I left at 7:00 and was back home a couple of minutes after 8:00.

I didn't see any wildlife but did hear lots of birds and two owls talking to each other.

There were quite a few other people out walking along the paths.  A lot more than I see during the morning.

I walked 4 miles.
Pleasant dreams.
happyone : )

One more trip done

We made it up to Happy Trails yesterday without any trouble at all.  We were a bit concerned because of all the storms and wondered how the shed held up.  We needn't have worried.  The tarp on the roof was the same as we left it and though we had 2 1/2 inches of rain up there, all of our things inside the building were safe and dry.
Here's the picture of the truck with the trailer all loaded under the tarps which were spider webbed with bungees and rope arriving at HT.

On the drive up I usually stay awake but this time I dozed for a couple of minutes and dreamed that I looked out of the side mirror and saw the tarp blow off the back of the trailer and truck.  I yelled out and that is what woke me up and for a second I thought it really happened.  I scared Ken when I yelled and he thought something happened.  Then when we realized that I had fallen asleep we got a good laugh out of it.

It took us a couple of hours to unload and pack everything in the shed.  It was 7:30 before we got cleaned up and went out for something to eat. 

We were up bright and early and came back home to a pretty empty house.  We brought the trailer home again and think maybe one more trip will just about do it.  Then there will just be odds and ends and the things we are using every day to bring up. 

The weather today is beautiful.  Low humidity and lots of sunshine.
We sat out on the deck and read for a little while.  Nice to sit and relax for a bit. 

Didn't walk this morning because we left so early. I often say I will walk later in the day if I don't in the morning and then don't but since it is so nice out I just might actually get out there this evening. : )


Hope your Saturday is sunny and bright. 
happyone : )
The really happy people
are the ones who can enjoy the scenery 
even when they have to take a detour.
~Anonymous
Comment replies:
Vee - you are right on when you say one person is the packer.  It works fine with me that Ken is the packer! : ) 

Friday, June 14, 2013

Back to HT

A little left over rain this morning from the storms of yesterday.  A couple of funnel clouds were spotted in our area late yesterday afternoon.
My umbrella went up and down quite a few times this morning while I walked.  Just some light showers every once in a while and by the time I got home the rain had stopped and now as I look out the window I see the sun is shining up there among the clouds.
I had a random walk today along the paths.  Here's one of the paths I walked down.  There is a rabbit up ahead on the right in the picture.
When I got closer I took this picture of him.
I also saw a few deer and two foxes running together in the woods.
A few people were about walking and running too.
I walked 6.3 miles.
*********************************
While I walked Ken started loading the truck and is just about finished now.  We have a big load with both the trailer and the truck loaded.

I will be leaving for my hair appointment with Cheryl in a little while and when I get back we will leave for Happy Trails so we are getting a late start.  Plan on just spending the night there and coming back home in the morning. 

Posting in the morning because don't know if I'll get a chance later today.  I will take a picture of our load today though and post it next time.

Enjoy your Friday and smile often.
happyone : )
God puts an abundance of hope into one person
so that he may be a medicine to the who is despondent.
~ Henry Ward Beecher

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Walking and packing

It was very humid when I walked this morning.  I took along my umbrella but didn't need it.  It wasn't until after I was home that the rains came!!

I enjoyed a walk around the lake.  I heard what sounded like some big bull frogs a few times.

About a third of the way around the lake I ran into Carol, a walker friend and a church friend.  She was going in the opposite direction but turned around and walked with me.  As most of you know I prefer walking alone in the morning but every once in a while I enjoy walking with a someone.  We had a nice chat all the way.  She walked with me on the path behind the church too and then turned around and went back to the lake and I continued on home.

I walked 6.2 miles.
************************************
Ken put the trailer in the garage yesterday and last night loaded it up with furniture using lots of cardboard between the pieces and wrapped it all in a tarp with a little help from me.  It is all loaded to go.  We wanted to make another trip up to HT today but bad storms are coming right along the route we have to go so have put it off until tomorrow.  

The sun came out and it is hard to believe that we are supposed to be having some bad storms later on today.  Maybe they will slip by us.

We brought more stuff down stairs to the loading room and Ken will load the truck up tomorrow while I'm walking.  I have a hair appointment at 11:00 and we will head up to HT after that.  Most everything is out of the house and we really don't have much more to take up there.  One of these trip I will have to drive the truck (it will have a low load so I can see good) and Ken will drive his car.  Then one time, he will drive the truck alone and I'll drive my car up there.

I cleaned the bathroom today.  I am so happy that my cleaning of that tiled bathroom times are numbered.  That is one thing I will NOT miss when we move. : )
I vacuumed also today and that is sure an easy job when there is hardly any furniture around!!

I wonder if you are all getting tired of hearing about our move about now.  I'm starting to grow a bit weary of it, but it won't be long now until we are in our new home.  One month today!!!!

Hope your day is a good one and you smile often.
happyone : )
Whoever is happy 
will make others happy too.
~ Anne Frank
P.S.  I did have that pizza yesterday. : )

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Still packing

Yesterday most of the way up to HT was sunny.  The farther west we got the cloudier it was and finally it did rain.  We loaded the truck and used some good tarps so our things stayed dry.  Here we are ready to unload in the rain.
The tarp was folded over in two so we unfolded it and Ken nailed part of the tarp to the front of the shed and we unloaded under the tarp.  It worked quite well and before we were finished the rain stopped and the sun came out.
Here's all we have in the shed so far and have a little less than half the shed filled. We have started writing what is in the boxes.  Everything that has been in the shed since we started storing stuff has stayed nice and dry.  I've been spraying ant and bug spray all over and haven't seen any critters.  We also threw some moth balls around.  They keep the mice away too.
 I went to check on the bird nest and as I quietly approached I saw all three babies in the nest.  As I went to take a picture they all hopped out of the nest and flew up in the woods with mom and dad.  I was hoping they would come back but they never did.  So we are left with the empty nest now.
We spent the night in the trailer and left to come back home this morning.  We have an open trailer that was at HT and Ken hitched it up to the truck.  We will be able to take up twice as much on the next trip.
When we got home we started moving some pieces of furniture down to the lower room to get things ready for the next load.

Just for you Auntie  : )   
Here are a few pictures of the house as it empties out.
Loft
Living Room
Kitchen
 Haven't walked today, but I have made many trips up and down the stairs with pieces of furniture.

I'm thinking I'd like to go out for pizza tonight after all this work.  We have one place we like to go where they make the best Sicilian Pizza (thick crust) and that sounds really good.  Who knows when we'll get back there again.  For those of you who live around here it's the pizza place in Kings Contrivance. 

Not much else happening around here today except moving.
Hope you are happy today and enjoying your day.
happyone : )
You will never "find" time for anything.
If you want time you must make it.
~ Charles Buxton

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Up to HT

The rain stopped during the night and we awoke to sunshine.  I walked to the lake and back and then on some paths.  The little stream is pretty high. 
I walked 6 miles.
While I walked Ken loaded up the truck and in just a little bit we are headed up to HT while the weather is nice. 

Have to go.
Have a great day!!
happyone : )
Happiness is a by-product of an effort
to make someone else happy.
~ Gretta Brooker Palmer

Monday, June 10, 2013

A rainy day

It was warm humid walk this morning.  Looked like rain so I took along my umbrella.  Didn't need it until the last 1/2 mile from home, then just a light drizzle. The stream behind the church on the way to the lake was high and muddy.
For a dreary Monday morning I was surprised to see quite a few people out around the lake.

I saw a few rabbits, lots of geese, some red winged black birds and these three ducks waddle down to the water and swim away.
I'm really enjoying these last times walking around the lake.  I'll have lots of pictures and happy memories of my many walks here. : )

I walked 6.2 miles.
*****************************************
The drizzle at the end of my walk turned into a day of rain and at times it was pretty heavy.  The stream is sure to be really high tomorrow.

Yesterday we packed up the rest of the Fiestaware and kitchen stuff except for the bare basics that we are still using.  There is hardly anything left in the house to box up.  The downstairs room by the garage has a couple of truck loads all ready to go.  We were going to take a trip up to HP today but the rain changed our minds.  We will go the first dry day.

I just didn't know what to get my step-dad for Father's Day and then I thought of the perfect thing for him but I didn't have to buy it.  He loves cookies so I baked him a batch of Chocolate Chippers.  Boxed them up with a card that I made and mailed them out this afternoon. 

While we were out we also stopped at the library.  I haven't been reading any books at all for a while and got out three of them today.  They will be the last ones that I'll be checking out here.  They are due July 1, the day before we have the closing on the townhouse. 

That's been my day so far.
Hope your day is a happy one and it's sunny where you are.
Happyone : )
If I cannot do great things,
I can do small things in a great way.
~ James Freeman Clarke

Sunday, June 09, 2013

Joseph

I go to the Ladies Sunday School class before church.
We have been studying Joseph and 
 he has become one of my favorite men in the Bible. 
No matter what happened to him, 
he always trusted God 
that all would come out right in the end.  
And his trust paid off big time. : )

 Joseph said to his brothers in Genesis 50:20 & 21
And as for you, you meant evil against me,
but God meant it for good
in order to bring about this present result,
to preserve many people alive.
So therefore, do not be afraid:
I will provide for you and your little ones.
So he comforted them
and spoke kindly to them.

Romans 8:28
And we know that God causes all things to work together
for good to those who love God,
to those who are called according to his purpose.

I wish you a blessed Sunday my friends.
happyone : )

Saturday, June 08, 2013

A good walk, more packing and home made pizza

It was a cloudy morning for my walk today and was on the muggy side - temperature 65 degrees.  I walked one of my connect the path routes.
Walking down the path here 
 I came upon a snapping turtle.
He has some damage on his shell.
I wonder what happened.
I also came upon a fox walking down the middle of the road and was able to get some of the best shots I've been able to take of him.  I posted them on my photo blog.  You can see them by clicking HERE.

Lots of birds out this morning all chattering away.  A few rabbits were about also. 

Some people out walking and running too.  I was happy I ran into Petey and John and was able to tell them that I was moving away and at the end of the month.  It was kind of sad saying good-bye to them and we all hugged and wished each other well.  It was John's birthday today - he is 91 years old!!!  They are my inspiration to keep on walking!! : )

I walked 6.1 miles.
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We went out to Lowe's this morning to get some outlet covers and a wall switch cover.  I really like the ones I have in the loft and want to take them with me for my office in the new house so had to buy some others to replace them.
Had a few other errands to do and when we got home I replace all the outlets and switch cover.

Packed up more things out of my office and bedroom.  We took all the pictures off all the walls and boxed them up too. Things are really looking bare around here!!
We are putting everything downstairs in the lower level by the garage so it is all ready to be loaded into the truck. 

I made some pizza dough and as I finish up this blog post Ken is downstairs making pizza for our supper.

We feel like the packing is coming along very good and this nice slow pace makes it almost fun.  The fun part comes when we get to move it all into the new house.

Hope your day has been a good one and you smiled often.
happyone : )
I am not afraid of tomorrow,
for I have seen yesterday,
and I love today.
~ William Allen White
Comment replies:
Betsy - The nearest commissary is in Fredrick, MD almost two hours away so we won't be going there!  I will miss it but there is a big Wal-mart about 15 miles away and the prices are quite good there so that is probably where we will do our big shopping.

Friday, June 07, 2013

Boxes of books

I never did go on that walk yesterday but I did walk this morning in the rain.  It was humid too with a temperature of 65 degrees.  I wore my rain paints and had my umbrella.  There was no wind at all so the rain came down straight and it rained the whole time I walked.
A lovely walk listening to the rain all around me.  On my umbrella, on the leaves and even the cars driving along the road.

I walked down the road to the end of Gray Rock, turned around and when I got to the beginning of one of the paths I took that on the way home. 

I saw a few people along the road but no one at all on the path.  I didn't see any wildlife out this morning and even the birds were quiet. 
A nice quiet 7 mile walk for me.
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We left this morning and went to the base to get my ID renewed.  We took a number and waited for a hour and a half for our turn.  Once it was our turn it only took a few minutes.  I'm glad that is done again for a few more years.

We came home, had some lunch and then got busy doing a little more packing.  Packed up 14 boxes of our books and dismantled the shelves they were sitting on and brought them all downstairs were they sit all ready to get loaded into the truck.  The little bathroom downstairs is empty of all decorations too.  Slowly and a little at a time everything is getting packed up and moved out.  This move is moving at a nice pace for us.

It's been raining all day long - not a heavy rain, but steady.  I've packed away the rain gauge so don't know how much we've gotten! : )

Hope all is going smoothly for you today and your happy and well.
happyone : )
Where your pleasure is,
there is your treasure.
Where your treasure is,
there is your heart.
Where your heart is,
there is your happiness.
~Saint Augustine

Thursday, June 06, 2013

There and back again

Up to a HT trails yesterday early in the morning so I didn't get to walk. 
We got the truck unloaded as soon as we got there and didn't do any other work. 
 Here's the truck load for this trip.
 It was nice to be there and just relax for the afternoon.

I went over to the inspect the birds nest and the three birds seem to be doing well.  Looks like they are starting to get some feathers!
The closing went very well with no problems so the house is now ours, even though we aren't living in it just yet.
Our stay in the trailer is even less time now!!!  The sellers are moving out July 13th instead of the end of the month so that means we get to move in then.  Also the closing for our town house has been moved back again.  This time to July 2, SO that means only 11 days in the trailer!!!  : )  That's a piece of cake!

We left this morning to come back home so I haven't walked again.  I'm thinking I might walk later this evening but I probably won't.  I'm sure other things will pop up for me to do.

Before we got home this morning our realtor met with the appraiser at the house. That was the last step for closing we were waiting for.  Our asking price was a little bit higher than the latest houses sold in our neighborhood so we are really hoping the house appraises for that amount. 

Ken is out to lunch with his former coworkers and I'm getting a bit hungry myself, so off I go to have eat something.

Hope you're enjoying your day.
happyone : )
The real voyage of discovery consists
not in seeking new landscapes,
but in having new eyes.
~ Marcel Proust
Comment relies:
Nellie - We didn't have an inspector for the new house.  Ken and Ken (the seller) walked around together and looked things over.  The house is very well maintained and Ken is pretty knowledgeable about houses so didn't feel it necessary.  We have become friends with Ken and Michele and they are doing so much for us.

Vee - no I  DO NOT like camping.  I like my comforts at the end of the day!! : ) 

Auntie - Yes, we are keeping all of our stuff in the tractor barn and also the shed that we just built!!

Kim  -  The buyers have already agreed that there is nothing wrong with the shower!! So that is one thing resolved easily.

Tuesday, June 04, 2013

Delightful weather

The weather was delightful this morning.  55 degrees, sunny and the humidity was very low.  I walked my connect the path route.  This is the first path I walked down.
 Walking along here eventually leads to a road just up ahead which leads to another path that takes me to the school.
 This trail is behind the school.
From the school I walk down another path, then a road, another path and then home.

I saw few people out which surprised me on such a pretty morning.  Maybe everyone decided to walk around the lake today. 

A few deer were around and the birds were chattering.  A quiet uneventful walk but a most enjoyable one.

I walked 6.4 miles.
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Though it is Tuesday I didn't go to knitting.  Closing on the new house is tomorrow and  today we went to the bank to pick up the closing check.

From there we went on the base because my ID expires at the end of the week and had to get a new one, unfortunately the office to get that done at is closed today and tomorrow.  So will have to go back and do that on Thursday. 
Since we were on base we stopped in at the commissary to pick up a few things.  I never go to the self check out because something always goes wrong for me but Ken goes there all the time and never has a problem.  Today with me at his side he had his problems and the lady had to come over and help quite a few times.  It must be me!!!  I make the machine go haywire!!!! : )

The closing on our present house has been put off till the 27th which is a good thing because it lessens our stay in the trailer by 9 days.
The home inspector came to check out the house and we couldn't believe he found a couple of problems.  One being he said the AC wasn't working at it's best, which is news to us.  Seems to be doing a great job but we said we would have someone come out to check it.  The other thing was, we have a sprinkler system throughout the house for fire and the inspector said that the main valve needs to be checked out so that too we will have someone come out to look at.  The other thing that the inspector said was that the shower grout was cracked in the master shower and there was evidence of water damage.  We have challenged that because it just isn't true.  The shower grout is perfect and we can't imagine what he is talking about.  So someone is coming back to check that out. 

The loft is now completely empty!!  Not a thing is left up there. The house is looking pretty empty now.  We are leaving in the morning to take up another load in the truck.  The closing isn't until 5:00 tomorrow so we have lots of time to get the truck unloaded.
It will seem weird having closing and not being able to move in our new house.  It will be a first for us.

Well I have a few things to get done this afternoon.  One is to go get my clothes off the line.  Can't keep those offending clothes blowing in the breeze.  : )

Hope your day is filled with joy.
happyone : )
Treat your friends as you do your pictures
and place them in the best light.
~ Jennie Jerome Churchill
Comment replies:
Vee -  the poor little birds get rained on.  Can't wait to see them tomorrow to see how much they've grown.
Betsy - No, no U-haul for us.  We will take it all in our truck.  We have an open trailer too which holds quite a bit.  We've been taking stuff up there so gradually and we really don't have a lot of BIG stuff so we don't need a big truck.  I don't even have a couch just a bunch of chairs.  The biggest thing will be my hutch and that comes in two pieces and is pine so its not heavy.  We've made many moves on our own before and have moving down pat now.  : )  I sure look forward to Aug 1 though when we can once move all our stuff in the new house.

Monday, June 03, 2013

Lunch out and a bird clips

path to lake
It rained during the night and looked like rain this morning so I put on my rain paints, took my umbrella and off I went on my walk.  It never did rain but I was kind of wishing it did so it would cool me off a bit.  It was very humid and I was soaked when I got home anyway!!
the lake

I walked around the lake.  As usual for Monday not very many people about but I did see a couple more people to say good bye to.

There were quite a few deer around and the geese all seem to be back now.  Saw the two sets of babies and the one set is almost as big as the adults already.  A few rabbits along the path and lots of red winged black birds.

 It appears that they are draining some of the water out of the lake.  Don't know why.  Didn't run in to any workers to ask and didn't see Barb.  She would know - she knows everything going on around the lake!! : )  She has been walking around the lake since before they paved a path around it!

I walked 6.1 miles.
Didn't find any money today but yesterday I found 1 quarter and 4 pennies.
The month of May ended up being a pretty good month for finding coins.
4 quarters, 3 dimes, 2 nickels and 21 pennies for a grand total of $1.61.
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Since I wasn't around home for my birthday my friend Mary Jo treated me to a birthday lunch today. : )  We went to Applebee's and had one of the lunch specials - half sandwich and salad and we also had the bite of brownie dessert. 
Mary Jo gave me a birthday bag of goodies.  Each little gift was just perfect for me.  The note on the M & M's say a 30 day supply because I always ration my sweets.  The one hour supply of tissues is because at church a lot of times the music really touches my heart and it makes me cry and MJ is ready with a tissue for me.  
We had a great time as always talking and laughing.
Thank you so much Mary Jo for lunch and the perfect gifts but most of all your friendship.  : )

Ken bought a camera that we can set up which detects motion and put it up by the bird nest.  We got some really cool little video clips of the birds.  Here are a couple.  The first one is when we first saw mom and dad together.
This one we call teasing.

I returned my last book to the library and won't be getting any more books out here.  Next time I check out a book it will be from the library that is only 2 blocks from my new house.  : )

It's been a good day : )  and hope it's been a good one for you too.
Happyone : )
You can easily judge the character of a person
by how she treats those who can do nothing for her.
~ Anonymous