Settling In Our New Home

It has once again been weeks since I last wrote in my blog.   Needless to say, the process of moving has been both tiring and chaotic.  Living amid a slew of boxes is the part that I find the most chaotic!   It also took us two trips within a week of each other - both of which were over 600 miles each way - to bring everything from our fomer home to Argyle.  We did fly back to El Paso for the 2nd trip, but then dragged a U-Haul trailer - which made the trip even longer - about 12 hours!

We still have plenty to do before I can say we are truly settled - but then we've only been here a little over two weeks.  Nevertheless, our little bungalow is shaping up nicely.  We even have a small patio!

  Below is our living room.  No pictures on the wall yet but a very comfy room nonetheless!   We're still working on our kitchenette which is the other half of this room. We've also worked on our bathroom - bought a standing linen closet,  and two other small cabinets - all made of oak, and then replaced sink faucets, bought new shower curtains, shower  organizers, and hung up towel bars.  Our bedroom/office  part of our home is still a work in progress!  More pix will be forthcoming as we continue making improvements in each room.   

I am enjoying the creative part of re-designing our small home.   We also have to be innovative as we have downsized compared to the home we had - so it's all about maximing space!  At the same time, we have been sharing the large house with my daughter and her family and helping them to get settled as well.  (see pix in blog entry below)

We have not yet returned to juicing though I am having my green smoothie most mornings - with occasional alternative breakfasts such as scrambled eggs or omelets, or Fiber One muffins and fruit.  My exercise has consisted of lap swimming in our pool - 30 minutes at a time.  I also want to begin adding long walks in our neighborhood, and eventually I will add workouts with our fitness equipment which is as yet unaccessible as it's in the garage amid dozens  of as yet unpacked boxes!

I've felt very content since arriving here, partly because of the positive changes I've experienced after living in a large city in the desert for so long!  I love the peacefulness and quiet of the countryside as well as the lovely green trees which surround our area!   The following photo is taken from the road which leads right up to our neighborhood:

 I also love sharing our lives with our children and grandchildren - yet still having our own "space" to retreat to!   I'm also enjoying the bit of exploring we've done in the area - just getting to know the nearby communities and towns.   It's a very different life for us - but  I was more than ready for a change!

Speaking of "being ready for a change", I've also changed the background of my blog. Since I now live in an area surrounded by trees,  this new background seemed very fitting!  I had also thought of changing the title of my blog - but then I realized that our move and new home does qualify as a "A New Beginning"!   : )