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New Beginnings

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Nearly 11 months ago, Paul and I made the decision that it was best for us and family to relocate to Clarksville, TN. After much discussion and mental anguish, I approached my boss to request a transfer and was rewarded with the knowledge that she was not about to lose me to another State or office. So with the security of being employed remotely, we put the house on the market, thinking we might have to leave and deal with a long distance sale. Fortunately, that was not the case and the Florida house sold in two days.

So with a month to pack, deciding what went with us in our two vehicles and what would be placed in storage, our path was clear to make the final move to Tennessee. We had purchased the Little Condo on the Bluff a couple of years prior as our getaway location and now it would be our new home.

The Condo is a great little house, quiet and peaceful but the goal of moving to Tennessee was to eventually convince Dad it was time to retire and that we wanted him to live with us. Dad is the only surviving parent that my sister, Paul and I have and it is our goal to ensure he takes care of himself. So even though we loved living in the condo, it was not going to be our ultimate location.

After spending months roaming Montgomery County, we looked at multiple re-sells but no matter what we liked it was going to take thousands to make it suitable for ourselves. Our wonderful realtor passed on a link regarding a new subdivision approximately 3 miles from the condo. After touring the spec. homes in the community we found the perfect model. It had a Dad Suite and a bonus room that we could convert into 2 man caves. Plus starting from the ground up we could make all the modifications that we wanted from the start.

So after 5 months, we are now in the Orchard Hills house. We have spent the week moving, unpacking and purchasing to our bodies and credit card are totally exhausted. We are now awaiting the delivery of the Florida Storage and few items that we had to order to arrive. The Dad Suite is nearly complete and now the real work of convincing the Old Missouri Mule to think about retiring will begin in earnest.

Clarksville has become our new home town and we could not be happier. A new home, new neighborhood and starting Monday September 10^th; Larry B resurfaces with an International Line Dance class at the Clarksville Athletic Club. It is always stressful starting out on a new beginning but having family and support from friends it has been a great adventure. Granted it is one we do not plan to do again, Clarksville is the final stomping ground.

Till next time, LB.

House Hunting in Clarksville, TN

Although we are comfortable in the Little House on the Bluff, we have started looking for a larger home to accommodate the two of us and eventually Dad. Each weekend for the past month, we have been taking off in every direction to get a feel for the area and the neighborhoods we would like to consider.

 We like the side of Clarksville that we currently reside and would like to stay somewhere in the general area. We feel this part of Clarksville suits our needs and is close to the activities we like to do.   

I already have a dislike for neighborhoods that yards back up against each other, after only 5 months of having a backyard that looks out onto trees, valley and river. I get anxiety of thinking of having some yard rats and other people living directly behind me.  I have definitely gone back to my roots of country living.

We recently placed a bid on a foreclosure, which we are one of 10 bidding for it.  The house lay out is perfect for our needs. Dad would have his own living space, I would have my own office space and Paul could even have a space for his hobby projects. It has a garage big enough to put four cars in and a large fenced in back yard. Yet, the only thing I can think about is the 3 kids and 3 large dogs living next door, and no trees out back; I can see the whole neighborhood’s back yards.  Karen, our realtor, said “Larry, the kids grow up and move out, the dogs grow old and die”. My response “what the hell do I do till that happens?” I see a long summer of planting trees if we by chance are the lucky ones on this house.

 If not I won’t be that disappointed for Clarksville has lots of neighborhoods that still back up to natural forested areas.  I watch too much HGTV, because I immediately look for options to how the house is laid out and what can I do with the yard. My must have list is not that large, separate office space, garage, and a back yard that has no neighbors.  Yes, I would be happy to be in the hills with my closest neighbor being on the other side of the hill or valley… for now the Hunt goes on...

Till next week. LB