Laundry and Sightseeing

Okay, I know I said I would have living room pictures, but plans have changed. We've had two contractors, two additional workers, the power company, a heat pump salesman, a huge door delivery from Home Depot, and a partridge in a pair tree at the property this week. It has been super busy, but exciting too!

Our motel office has been fixed and all of the slanted office boards replaced. There is new insulation in the office walls so we wont freeze in the winter (there was no insulation in there!!!). Plus, the floor to my laundry room has been ripped out and is in process of being replaced.

New level floor!!!

When we first moved in, we discovered that the dryer and washing machine were a fire hazard so we bought new appliances. While getting the laundry room ready for the new appliances, we discovered that the floor was really patched and needed some more involved love than we could give. Also, a garden hose had been used instead of the proper pipes and hoses to supply the water. The main problem with this is that the rusty shut off valve does not completely shut the water off so we have had a hose hanging out the laundry room for the last 3 months. Thankfully, our garage has laundry hookups so I've been able to use our new washer out there and the new dryer in our kitchen. Let's just say I'm super excited about doing laundry in the house again and with a floor that doesn't make me feel like I'm blackout drunk from the slant of it.

Picnic area at The Vermont Country Store.

Amidst all of this remodeling craziness, we have tried to leave the house once a week and explore a new restaurant, store, or attraction each week. It's been really nice to clear our heads and discover just how much we love our new home. One of the places we had been told to visit was The Vermont Country Store. Many of you have probably seen their catalogue or website. It's a cute country store that has a lot of vintage looking things such as candy, toys, beauty supplies, and housewares. It's not really my kind of taste, but Matthew has become obsessed with maple malt balls and they are the closest ones to us that carry them so far.

Once we were done shopping, I went over to their picnic area. It was a beautiful afternoon and the area was mostly deserted. I couldn't help, but think, "This is one of the many reasons we moved to Vermont". Matthew and I had gotten so tired of the busy lives we led in the Pacific Northwest. We both started thinking that there had to be more to life than just work, stress, and crowds. Many of you know that the death of my parents and several other close family members over the last several years have really taken a toll on me as well as my struggle with endometriosis. I've wanted to find a place that I can live a peaceful life for many years and Matthew has felt the same way over time.

I never thought that we would find a place so well suited to our needs. That's not to say we don't have stress or work, but the pace of life here is so much slower. It's almost like it is in the souls of the trees, grass, and wildlife. Everything seems to say, "Take a moment. Breathe deeply and remember that life passes quickly. Now is your time to enjoy life." I know that sounds cheesy, but it honestly feels like this here. My hope is that we will be able to convey some of this peacefulness at the motel if we ever get through the remodeling...

Green space at The Vermont Country Store

Next week, I should have pictures of the living room and some updates on the mother-in-law apartment that is attached to our house. We have lots of family visiting in October and I'm frantically trying to get that ready:) I hope all of you have had a wonderful holiday! Take care of yourselves and don't forget to rest:)

Mountain View from one of our other weekly outings.