Spring

Moving several hundred miles north in the middle of March gave us a second chance at Spring. And while Spring in Florida was nice in its own way, I've discovered I love Spring in Virginia even more!

Of course, that could be because we actually have *grass* at this house. We had grass (or something like it) in Florida, but it was nothing like the lush profusion sprouting outside our door here. It helps that we're not responsible for watering or mowing it (some of the perks of our current rental!). 

I can't believe how big our Laddie is getting! He was quite content lying in the
shade of a pear tree on his quilt (made by a dear friend).

Within a few weeks of our arrival the pear trees were in full, glorious bloom:

I must admit that I can't stand the smell of Bradford pear blossoms (they remind me of frying mushrooms. Go figure), but I was happy to trade off the smell for a few weeks of beauty. 

 It's good to finally feel more settled. There's an odd box here and there, and a few items that haven't found homes yet, but for the most part we've figured out our new routine here. I'm really shocked by just how much we've gotten rid of during the unpacking process. I thought we'd cleared out pretty well before we left, but apparently my standards of "worth keeping" having gotten stricter since then! Which is fine with me. I'm enjoying having less to worry about and maintain.

I'm also getting the hang of the grocery stores here -- we have one less than a mile from our house, which is luxuriously handy. I still do most of my shopping at the local military commissary, but I've found that there are usually a few sale items worth snagging each week. Strawberries for $1 a pound? Can't say no to that!

We're continuing to explore our area, meet new friends, and learn what it is to start fresh in a new place. It's already exciting, and I know that the real adventure lies ahead when we move again in a few months.

But for now, settling down feels very good indeed!