Weaverville ho!

I returned last week from my first stuff trip to North Carolina. I picked up the rental truck (apartment.com has the best rates I could find, brand new Penske truck) and loaded it with the help of Katie Scherbel, Steve and Kathleen Faraone, and Gini Jones. Putting the puzzle of boxes and furniture together was a challenge (thankfully, unloading it myself was WAY easier). I drove the next day as far as Newberry SC and then into Weaverville the next morning.

The truck, by the way, was a dream. When I dropped it off, I told the guy I'd love to own something like that, if it weren't for the fuel--it was pretty new (under 13,000 miles), comfortable, working CD player. Other than the time I was backing down Patsy & Ernie's driveway, when my perspective got skewed in the rear view mirrors because of the serious downward angle, driving it was a piece of cake.

Driving up to the house was very strange. What am I doing? Familiar and not. What if I can't find my way?

Turning down the driveway, I think I giggled. This is MINE! The key worked and the place looked just like I remembered. I was unloaded by 3pm. Unpacked and put away the following morning. I did a pretty good job of deciding what to move. I had everything I needed for the kitchen and bedroom, had a comfortable chair, a boom box, a small dining room table, even cleaning supplies and olive oil. Why is it I need all that stuff at home--my other home?

I walked around the house many times, viewing it from many angles. It looks different without the leaves that were here when I was last. I walked up the road, peering into the neighbors' yards. My road is rural but there is a nice sized community around it. And there are plenty of animals-- sheep, dogs, llamas have been seen so far. A place at the end of the road sells bison meat...

I thought about running a few errands but the way the truck drank fuel and the way it took up just a bit more space than I wanted to park in a small town, I scaled back expectations and just went up to Patsy & Ernie's to get stuff I had left there. After unloading that, I hopped into the shower. Midway through, I heard, "Oh When the Saints" REALLY loud. I turned off the water...dripping, nervous, wondering what it meant. The music had stopped. After getting dressed, I looked around. Nothing looked weird. I had a hunch. There was a box on the counter I had noticed but had ignored. It is the doorbell. I may choose from something like FIFTY different songs--over 10 Christmas carols, several patriotic choices, a few religious ones and Happy Birthday. The only problem is I couldn't get the volume down and I can't change the song--note to self: next time take a few tools. So for now, it's Oh When the Saints.

The doorbell ringer was Chris who lives across the street. My realtor knows her and had mentioned her name. I found her information online and emailed her with some basic questions. She responded! Then when she saw some activity over here, she dropped by and left her card. I ran across the street. Didn't want to miss this opportunity!

Chris is a potter--she makes whimsical animals--you can see them at rakuzoo.com. She and her partner Steve moved up from Florida six or seven years ago. She loves it. She told me about the community they live in which includes a number of homeowners and shared land. Sounds like good neighbors to have. We had a glass of wine and a wonderfully comfortable chat. Via email later, she offered a Meet the Neighbors event next time I am there. It was a fitting end to a really successful visit.

Returning the truck and flying home was easy. Everything went so well it was scary. Many times throughout the trip, I thanked my parents for working so hard to make this work.

Photos: (top) Fairly self-explanatory. Steve, Kathleen and I loading. (Yeah--I know. Looks pretty good for November. Why am I moving? That will be addressed soon.)
(middle) Looking down Ballard Branch Rd. MY road.
(bottom) My House (and the truck) through the leaf-less trees.
Thanks to Gini for the top pic.