We have been busy the last few weeks! Though we are prepared and eager, undoing almost 20 years’ of living has been both emotionally and physically challenging. Though we’d been packing up and giving away our stuff for months prior to the shakedown trip, we somehow still had many (many!) things hanging around for the final hectic push.
How does it happen? We have no idea!
Undoing Almost 20 Years of Living
These last two weeks, we’ve brought nine minivan loads of donations to our local thrift store, filled two dumpsters, sent most of our furniture to school with our kids, and gave away the rest.
The only pieces we kept were a vintage liquor cabinet that belonged to Dan’s grandparents, and a handmade rug Perri’s mother brought back from Nepal.
The bulk of our “keeps” were mementos, journals, photos, chachkas and letters. These are all packed and stored in our garage. The house is empty!
Goodbye For Now
In addition to packing and undoing a beloved household, we said goodbye to two of our children. It was a whole other kind of sad to pack them up and drive them to Canada to begin their sophomore and junior years in college (Montreal and Toronto, respectively). But it was necessary.
We are glad that our children are independent and resourceful. We plan to see them again in December.
Then it was back to emptying the house and working our way down our to-do list: medical screenings and unexpected follow ups, small household repairs, van repairs that turned out to be large and time consuming(ugh!), prepping dog gear, etc., etc.
Adventure Dog?
That brings us to Milo, our 12 year old Aussie-Golden Doodle. (He was Doodle before it was cool!) We left him home during the shakedown trip; there seemed enough for us to get used to without him. But he is coming with us for the real thing.
During the “great undoing” he began to freak out a bit. He is not the most adventurous old guy around, and very used to his comfy rural home where leashes are unnecessary, and everyone who stops by is here to see him.
Over the last two weeks, we started driving Milo around in the van and taking him for walks in town. Until now, all of his travels have been to woodsy hiking trails within a few hours from home. He was awed by the goings on in Northampton, biggest town within 30 minutes drive. But he adapted quickly.
As the house has emptied, the old guy is spending all his days in the van, unwilling to venture far from the action. He seems to know which way the wind is blowing and wants to make sure he gets blown along with it too. When he is with us in the van, he seems happy enough, though a little confused.
There’s another addition to our van, a little hand-carved mouse that my Aunt Jill gave me (Perri) years ago when I first started talking about my dream of someday hitting the road. The mouse has its traveling bag over it’s shoulder, and carries its family along with it. My aunt died during the COVID quarantine and her absence is felt every day. It makes me happy to carry a little piece of her love along with me.
I like to think I am carrying all my loved ones (and readers!) along on this journey through this blog.
Yesterday, we took our last walk in the woods behind our house, and said our goodbyes to our (lovely) neighbors. It is all so bittersweet…. but mostly sweet.
(Crazy/Brave) Adventure calls!
Glad to be one of your readers along for the ride!
Oh, Lisa! 🙂 Some of the pictures we stored were from our time at Woo– What an experience that was! Glad to have you along on this new adventure!
Safe travels! Surely a brave, great adventure.
Have you sold the house? Renting?
We remember very well, the liquor cabinet. A blast from-the past.
Looking forward to following your travels,
Love,
Sam and Rhoda.
Thank you, Rhoda and Sam! Friends of friends are staying in our house for the next 9 months then…. who knows!? It is great to have you along. The next time we are in Toronto, we will definitely stop by. Sending much love your way.
love reading this you guys! we have taken many road trips, the last two years three week ones, but someday I dream of being a nomad too.
Thanks, Elle! We’ve been inspired by your road trip travel posts! Maybe we can meet up on the road one day!
So glad to hear and follow your adventures. I was wondering about Milo after your last post so glad to hear he is along for the ride now! Happy trails….
Great to hear from you, Shawn! It’s the morning of Day 3 now, and he’s doing pretty well. He’s learned to walk on a leash and reliably stays with us when off leash (in the forest) which is a skill he already had (luckily). He does look a little miserable when we are driving and is a bit nervous at each new place but he’s on his way!