Never Say Never

Three years ago, while traveling up the East Coast, we made an impulsive decision to list our Ashland townhome for sale. As we towed our trailer north to Maine, we got caught up in the “what ifs” of living in a completely different part of the country. Unfortunately, by the time our home hit the listings, interest rates were soaring and it was five months before we got an offer. When that offer fell through at the last minute, we called it quits and began to make peace with our West Coast lifestyle.
So, a few weeks ago, when I casually asked Reg, “If we were to list our house again…” that was all it took. He was off and running. By the time I returned from a scheduled long weekend away, he had realtors lined up for us to interview and was chomping at the bit to get things going. I’m pretty sure he was afraid I might change my mind.

Once listed, we promised ourselves we would not get our hopes up, despite the initial flurry of interest from potential buyers. Much to our surprise, we received an excellent offer just six days after it hit the multiple listings. And that’s how I found myself loading boxes and bubble wrap into a shopping cart at the U-Haul store.

We’d need far more boxes than these to pack what we wanted to keep.

Thirty days later, escrow closed right on schedule. That was last Tuesday. We have the rest of this week (three days) to finish packing and cleaning before officially handing over the keys. Most large furniture has been donated. Our small storage unit is filling up quickly with personal items and things that will eventually go to Andrew and Chris. Brad and Ashley are here this weekend with a U-Haul to move a few things back to their home.

With a few days left to clear out and clean up, we’re looking at the finish line. One more day of heavy lifting should do it.
Reg and I are camped out in our trailer at a local RV park where we’ll remain for the next two weeks while we let the dust settle and give some thought to the question “What next?”

Living in our trailer has long been a dream of Reg’s. While I love life on the road for a month or two, I’ve fought the long-term lifestyle full timers rave about. I think we’ll settle somewhere before too long however, neither of us is clear where that will be. It should be quite an adventure…in a good way. I hope you’ll join us.


Comments

13 responses to “Never Say Never”

  1. My mom would always say if things are meant to be, everything will fall in place. Looks like that is happening for you. Good luck!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you. We hope life will continue without too many bumps in the road.

      Liked by 1 person

  2. This reminds me of our decision to leave Southern Oregon for Minnesota. Just looking at all those UHaul boxes was a touch traumatic! 😬 Spending some time in your trailer should give you a chance to consider where/when/what you might like as a fixed abode. Trailer life will (we hope) also insulate you from getting caught in a crazy sellers real estate market like we did. We were lucky to have the help of one of Linda’s brother’s old students, who is now a high end realtor here in the Twin Cities. We soon came to appreciate how nice it is to have a major (and excellent) airport (MSP) close by – travel has become so much easier (and a touch cheaper). Best wishes on this new stage in your life! 👍🏻😀

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    1. Thank you. I began following your blog when I realized you and your wife were hikers who lived in Ashland, Oregon too. Have always enjoyed hiking along with you and appreciate the other travels you’ve had. Reg and I will pack our memories of Southern Oregon, it’s give us an understanding of what is important in terms of lifestyle. The big surprise (so far) is just how much went into our small storage unit given the number of truckloads left at Goodwill. One more load, I think. Life is an adventure, isn’t it?

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      1. Life is an adventure and downsizing is harder than it looks! 😀

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Oh boy…tell me about it!

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  3. Kathy Chappell Avatar
    Kathy Chappell

    Congratulations! Step #1 towards your new adventure ✔️. Can’t wait to visit you wherever you land.

    Liked by 1 person

  4. WHOA, Nelly!!!! This IS big news, indeed!!! When you eventually find the right fit, keep us in the loop for where you’ll be!! I’d offer southeastern Wyoming, but right now we are fighting as hard as we can to keep a Florida-based energy company from putting from 100 to 150 huge wind turbines east of Chugwater up on the flats along with nearly 2 square miles of solar panels and very harmful BESS units filled to the brim with LIthium ion batteries prone to thermal runaway!!!! We are fighting to save our unique vistas, protect the wildlife, and save the farmland on which these things are planned. Your idea of Maine would be ever so much more safe from these travesties. The only thing “green” about wind is the wind!!!! All else is extremely toxic and hazardous to health, especially the infrasound. OK – just letting you know. L

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Gosh, lots going on in your neck of the woods. I can understand your passion to save the lands where you grew up. carryoncouple will definitely be checking throughout the upcoming months. Not many plans beyond the next couple weeks. Stay tuned!

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  5. Jackie Bachman Avatar
    Jackie Bachman

    I’m looking forward to following your new adventure!

    Liked by 1 person

  6. Lori Oliver-Tierney Avatar
    Lori Oliver-Tierney

    Happy trails. I need to make some BIG moving decisions after my house has flooded. It is harder with one person. I miss my husband so much. Enjoy any and all time you have together. Carpe Diem

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    1. You’ve certainly had more than your share of tough times recently. I can only imagine how hard it’s been. One day at a time, sounds cliche but, probably good advice. Hang in there. You have many folks in your life who love you.

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  7. Goodness gracious! You two always have a surprise in the works! What a whirlwind! I’ll reach out to plan a telephone chat so we can catch up!!

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