Thursday, December 2, 2010

We’re Here!

Moving day has come and gone and we’ve finally arrived in Nova Scotia.  Thank goodness that part is over! 

What a long day Monday was.  The movers arrived at about 10 a.m. and after taking stock of all that was to be moved, the four men started right in.

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We had a light dusting of snow the day before but that didn’t seem to bother them one bit.  They laid down protective blankets so as not to dirty or scratch the floors.

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The moving van was huge.  All our belongings barely took up a third of the truck which simply amazed me.  It was like they were putting together a jigsaw puzzle the way they squeezed things into the tiniest spaces.  Everything was wrapped in protective blankets except for the boxes and I think they must have used close to 250 blankets.

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Piece by piece, our belongings were loaded onto the truck.

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Never did I think I would see the day when I could see through the walls of boxes.

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Slowly but surely they were loaded onto the moving truck.  Poor Mac.  He just didn’t get it and preferred to stay outside on the back deck while they were emptying the main floor.  Even his bed was put on the truck!

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And the house became emptier…

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And emptier…and cleaner too! 

By 5:30 p.m. it was all over and the house was bare.

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Friends of ours who own a B & B invited us to spend our last night with them.   Mr. PQ, Mac and I crashed not long after we arrived.

We were on the road by 3:30 a.m.  It turned out to be a glorious day for driving…clear, bright and sunny.  Although it had been our intention to make the drive in two days, because of the weather, we decided to press onward and crossed over into Nova Scotia around 3:00 p.m. 

Just up ahead…

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I can see it…

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There it is…

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Our new home!

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Two hours later we arrived at our house in Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia where the temperature was in the mid 40’s and ‘balmy’ for this time of year. 

Everything was just as we had left it 9 days before.  After 15+ hours of driving, we were in bed not long after arriving.

Our furniture arrives on Saturday and I wish we were more ready for it. There’s still a lot of painting and cosmetic work to do before we actually take the time to unpack anything but the essentials.  We’re hoping to make a huge dent in our “to do” list over the next little while.

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Because of all that’s been going on in our lives over the last couple of months with respect to our move, I must apologize for the fact that there will be no FFF (First Friday Freebie) this month.  I am keeping my fingers crossed that I will have my studio set up by the 20th, in time for Block 6 of Raggedy & Friends BOM.

So, we’re here…in body for sure…but I think my mind found it’s way into one of the boxes.  And with my luck, it’ll probably be in the last one to be unpacked!   *wink*

Honestly, I’d rather be stitching!

Kaaren ♥

74 comments:

paulette said...

Whew!! You made it safe and sound!! You will have it warm and cozy in a matter of days!! Can't wait for the royal tour!! Take care and don't work too hard!!
Paulette

Tudy said...

Glad the move went well. Now is your big job of getting settled in. Try to relax a little too.

Sandra said...

Well done! The hard part is over. Welcome, welcome to Atlantic Canada where the pace of life is... less chaotic!

Unknown said...

So happy you made it safe to your new home! Sending angels to help unpack and make the new house a home.

Hands Sew Full said...

Whew! so glad that you made it there safe and sound! Take a few minutes for you before you start the balance of this adventure! Unpacking can be exhausting too!

Cheryll said...

Now comes the fun part! WooHoo! Glad you made it safe and sound.

WoolenSails said...

I am so glad you arrived at your new house, safe and sound. I can wait for a freebie, but you have to take photos of everything that is going on.

Debbie

Janet said...

I'm so glad the move is over for you. I'm sure you are looking forward to getting everything in their places. Don't worry about the FFF or the next BOM. We will all be here when you have time. Take care.

Mary said...

You'll be openign boxes like it's CHristmas, so you are excused from FFF. I would take a double FFF in January for my Birthday... Enjoy your new home.

BubzRugz said...

A long drive, a huge move..... you must be exhausted....
I'm sure no-body will mind waiting for your wonderful stitching work.... so just relax and enjoy settling in to your new home....
Hugz

Chookyblue...... said...

goodluck with all you have/want to get done in the house..........

Robin C said...

Wonderful. As hard as it is to do this, once that furniture comes off the truck, you will have put down your roots. I'm glad the weather behaved for you. Can't wait to see the transformation that you do with that house!

Terry said...

Welcome home Kaaren! Have fun getting settled! :0)

JessicaSews said...

Loved the post! How exciting and am glad the traveling part is over!

Put up the Christmas tree!

Val said...

Now that is the way to move...with a big truck and men to move it for you. Your place looks awesome! i can't wait to hear more.

Jane's Fabrics and Quilts said...

Oh I am so glad you arrived safe and sound. Have fun making your new house your "home" I know you will do it in record time!

SueB said...

So glad to hear that things are moving right along for you. What and adventure ahead of you. Cant wait to see the photos of your new home. Hope that Mac adjust fast.

Amy R said...

Thought about you earlier today~ So glad you've made it to your new home safely. Look at how much you've accomplished! You are on the downhill slide~ Yippppeeeee!

Anonymous said...

Yeah....home at last! I'll anxious watch as you put your new nest together.

Janet said...

Hi Kaaren: Welcome home! I'm so glad the weather cooperated for you and you had a rapid and safe trip - the best part is ahead of you - arranging things in your new home and settling in. Take it one step at a time - what doesn't get done today will be there tomorrow for you!
Big hugs and pat Mac for me.
Janet up the road in Hall's Harbour

Penny said...

FFF and Raggedy can wait. Glad you made it safe and sound. Hope Mac likes his new home too :)

Susannah said...

I wish you and your husband much happiness in Nova Scotia. I know you will love your house in Annapolis Royal. It's such a beautiful place. Good luck, Kaaren. I will be thinking of you in the next few weeks.

Susannah

Kathy said...

Welcome to your new house. I'm really looking forward to seeing pictures as you decorate it. Moving is such a huge job!

Hazel said...

So glad the move went well I'm from Ontario , I just wish you had made room for me LOL have always wanted to go down east .

Sandy said...

Wow, what an adventure, Kaaren! Glad you are safe and sound and soon your furniture will be too! Have fun with everything you will be doing to the house!

Cheryl said...

Hooray, and good luck. We moved in December one year. I feel for ya!

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

Hope everything falls into place so you can enjoy the holidays Kaaren!

Gra said...

Welcome to your new home. I wish you the best unpacking and making this YOUR home. I have been following your move from the beginning but prefered not to make comments. I get very emotional when things get packed and leaving behind the house that was "home". Of course, getting into a new house is also very exciting and you get to play a lot with your stuff....so be brave on saturday when you start unpacking and have fun too!!!!

Vivian said...

I know you are tired but it is so exciting for you. Have fun with it.

Anne said...

Now the fun begins... Can't wait to hear all about your new place! Congrats.

Diane H said...

Good to hear from you, Kaaren. Take care and good luck with settling into your new nest.

gracie said...

Good wishes to you in your new home....before yu know it, you will be settled right in.....

onlymehere said...

Welcome Home!! How nice to physically be at your new place even if your belongings aren't yet. Soon your new house will be a "home" in every sense of the word!
Cindy

Polly said...

Give Mack a big squeezin' hug!!

Rosa Robichaud said...

Your lovely story, with pictures, reminded me of OUR big move.... 10 years ago. *grin*

Thanks for the blog - I smiled a lot!

BTW, I forgot to tell you but you're now deep into "rug hooking" country. If you're not already a rug hooker, you'll soon be converted, I'm POSITIVE!

Rosa Robichaud
Ssint John, New Brunswick
Canada

Quiltsmiles said...

Welcome Home! DOn't forget to breathe and enjoy your reorganization. I'm sure you'll be set up in no time.

Beautiful area and nice friendly people. Remembering with fondness the gardens, Fort and the seawater hydro plant nearby. Thanks for the memories.
Jane

Marge said...

Look at the bright side you are half way there. Out of the old and into the new. You have all winter to get the new house in order so just relax for a day or two. You deserve it.
Marge

Elzaan said...

Yeah! You are safe and sound. Glad the moving part went smoothly. I must admit, that as I scrolled down the post, with the pictures of the house getting empty, I had a bit of sadness growing in me. But when I saw the new house, the sadness disappeared and excitement overwhelmed me. Good luck with the painted and cosmetic work, and the unpacking! Take your time with this, as you will take a while to settle in and find a place for everything. Hope Mac will make lots of friends!
Don't rush to finish the BOM or FFF. We can wait while you "get direction" again.
Elzaan

Anonymous said...

My dear Kaaren, I tell you just - welcome - home. For I am with you Christine.

Darlene said...

Welcome home, Kaaren. :-) ((HUGS))

I'm thinking you should just skip December for the FFF and Raggedy Annies. We will survive!

jackiero said...

Hi Kaaren :D
I've been remembering you & your move in my prayers. I'll continue to until all is well with you & your loved ones.
Loved you photos!
Raggedy & the FF isn't going anywhere, maybe tardy....whom of us hasn't been somewhere in our life. I can sweetly wait.
{{hug}} Jackie in NC

Allie said...

So glad you made it safe and sound, now just forget about any FFF's and enjoy making your new house a home - we'll all be waiting for the grand tour! Don't overdo, just take your time and enjoy it. You know we'll be here when you're ready!

Sharon said...

Welcome home! I can't wait to see what you do with your new digs. Hope you have before and after shots to share. It's been forever since I've been to Nova Scotia, but I do remember how nice it is.

Unknown said...

Wow...Glad you had an uneventful trip! I look forward to seeing the pics of your new home. Take it easy...enjoy the process..lol!

hugz
Pam

Joy said...

Busy times Kaaren .... and with Christmas just around the corner too!! I hope you find your mind he he ... but if you're anything like me, you probably forgot to pack it LOL.
Hope you're settled soon ...
Hugs,
Joy :o)

Janet said...

You guys and even Mac are real troopers especially during this holiday season! You must be able to see the light at the end and know that this is a good move for you. I can't believe you have time to blog and have plans already for your new home. Take care of yourselves and thanks for all your great patterns and techniques. Let It Snow - Let Me Sew!

Stephanie Pettengell said...

Wow what a journey and thank you for taking us too. Hope all goes well on Saturday and you settle in soon to get those 'little' jobs sorted. ()

Abby and Stephanie said...

Every 3 years I did the moving van thing...pack and unpack. I don't miss it. It'll all be worth it in the end and yes, you'll probably find your sewing machine last! Some tea, a hot bath, and some stitching will be perfect relaxation.

Janet said...

I'm glad you had a safe trip. I bet you'll have things whipped into place in no time.

Anneke said...

It's great you took us on the tour with you! And it's a great accomplishment that you blogged about it with all that is still waiting to be done.

good luck!

Rumi said...

Yea! Glad you are moved. Hopefully it won't be long before you are all settled in. Don't overdo it though and hurt yourself (done that before--not fun)

Elyte said...

Good luck and enjoy the first days in your new home.

Shelley said...

Yah!!!! So glad you have arrived! Good thing you waited until MOnday to come as on Saturday we got a major snowstorm! Take a deep breath, have a hot cup of tea and tackle ONE project at a time :)!

Linda - Behind My Red Door said...

I am so thrilled you are there! I hope you feel you are making headway with the painting and unpacking and before you know it, it feels like home!! Sending big hugs up the eastern seaboard to you!!

Anonymous said...

Good to hear from you Kaaren. I have been thinking about you all this week. So glad the weather was good for your move and travel to NS.

Why not skip Decemeber for FFF and Raggedy and save all your energy for setting up in your new home. We will all be checking back in January. Hope you are able to get some good nights of sleep ready for whatever the days have in store for you.

Dianne

conny's quilts en creaties said...

So the biggest part is done now, unpacking in your own speed, no more time scadules to get .... Making a cosey home again. Good luck with that. And Kaaren I would have been very surprised if you did manage a FFF this month....

Elly D said...

Phew! Great story about your move :) Took me back 27 years when we moved up from England to the very north of Scotland :)
I wish you all the very best in your new home!

Lori said...

You made it!!! Woo-Hoo!!! I hope you get a lot done before your belongings arrive!!

Linda said...

Glad you arrived safe. Mac and our Fergus are much alike. Fergus stayed out while we packed and unpacked. He is not the socialble type. Have fun unpacking, setting up and just taking it all in....

Ter'e said...

WELCOME HOME Baby Girl!!!!!!
Now the real fun begins!!!!!
A new life - a new outlook - I am so thrilled for all three of you.

Love and hugs!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!

pinsandneedles said...

Congratulations Kaaren! I'm so glad that eveerything went well. Let the unpacking begin...

Saska said...

I have to admit I had to Google to figure out your location! LONG ways up in the cold from me.

Hope you settle in easily.

Elaine/Muddling Through said...

How exciting for you both (and Mack!) You've accomplished quite a lot in a very short time. Don't wear yourself out trying to do it all at once!

edyB said...

Take a breath now and then ~ BIG ones! Moving is high on the list of Stress. I know you'll be so very happy to get settled but take your time. Can't wait to see...

Sandi said...

Welcome to your new home; now take some time to enjoy the space and new city before you start unpacking everything.

Eventually it will be done and you will have a great new adventure to enjoy.

Congratulations on making the drive safe and sound.

Patty said...

Glad you made it safe and sound.Now the real fun begins...good luck wish you all the best! :^)

Marcia W. said...

Glad that your trip was smooth and the loading of the truck went without a major hitch. You have forever to get things done, or not. You have a lovely new place. Best wishes.

Jantine said...

You made it! Well done! Just take it a bit at the time and I promise you will get there!

Wendyb said...

So glad to hear you got there in one piece, safe and sound! Of course we can wait 'til the next FFF....you have much more important things to do right now!!!! Hope the settling in and 'touch ups' go well. Remember to take time for you!
sugary hugs XX Wendy :O)

Quilts And Pieces said...

Glad you got there safe and sound. Although your empty house does look kind of sad doesn't it. But soon you are going to have a really cool new one!

Chris said...

Isn't it an adventure? We did this 17 years ago from NH to Fl and I dont' care if I ever see another packing box! Glad your trip was smooth and uneventful. There's nothing to hurry about now. Take it day by day.
Chris

Karen said...

So glad you are "home", Kaaren!
As soon as the boxes arrive and are unpacked life will return to normal.
Settle in, enjoy the adventure. Can't wait to hear more.
Karen

Carrie P. said...

Yippee! so glad you got to your new home safely.

Janet said...

Hi Kaaren: I think you will find the preceding comment is spam - it is showing up on blogs all over the quilting community.
Hope you'[re enjoyiong a restful, if snowy, weekend.
Hugs
Janet in Hall's Harbour