My Life in Two Suitcases, Five Bags, and a Storage Unit

     Well, it's done!  House is sold, furniture and boxes moved to the 10' x 10' storage unit, numerous trips to GoodWill, suitcases and bags moved to the condo and CoCo and I are getting settled in our temporary "home".   And no tears shed!
     I am surprised that I have not been emotional through all of this, but I think I understand why.  Right now, when I think about my house, I can only think of all the work I've put into it over the past year and a half - all the back pain and hip pain and shoulder pain and blisters and bruises from the constant effort put into remodeling the house and the yard.  I'm sure once those memories become a blur I will begin to feel the emotion of giving up my house of 40 years.
     Another thing that helped keep my emotions in check is that I never saw the buyers.  The closing was set for 1:00 Monday afternoon.  My realtor called me on Friday and said that the buyers could not do the final walk through until 1 on Monday which would mean they would not be at closing until between 2 and 2:30.  Did I want to wait around that long to hand over the keys and get the check or was I ok with leaving them the info to wire the money to my account and then I just needed to sign papers and hand over keys and could leave in about 20 minutes?  I liked that plan!  So, I really think that since it was all about the paperwork and no face to face with the buyers I had no problem handing over the keys and the garage door opener and being on my way.
     So, I am officially homeless!  And I feel a huge relief in no longer being a home owner with all the cost and responsibilities that go along with it.  I put the majority of the money I received into a 6 month CD and will decide after the first of the year whether or not I want to buy a house in France.  At this point I'm pretty sure that I do.  It's always been a part of my dream of living in France.  It's all a matter of whether or not I find that "perfect" place that sings to me!
     In the meantime, I feel very fortunate to have a place to live while still in the States.  It's a cute little two bedroom townhouse with a view of the mountains and a tiny little back patio that I have set up with some of my plants and a small water fountain.  I set more of my plants out front which has been a shock to them as it faces West and that afternoon sun is brutal!  So that means more watering.
     I am feeding Andy's fish while he is building mountain trails near Snowmass so I've been over to his place a couple of times this week.  I also water for him.  Working for a landscape company he has realized the beauty of having flowers and shrubs in his yard so it needs water while he's gone.  And since his cottage is just across the alley from where I lived I can peek over his fence and see what's happening at the "old place."  So far, nothing.  Maybe they are planning to move this weekend.
     I was hoping my life would slow down now that I have sold the house and have most everything done for my move to France, but my day planner still has lists of things on it that I want to get done.  Next weekend CoCo and I will be heading to Cripple Creek to spend a week with Cindy and Mary Ann as the condo will host Stacy's family.  Then when I get back from the mountains, my friend Jane, is coming to spend the first week in August with me.  And then there will be only three weeks left before I (and CoCo) will be on our way to our new life in France.
     I need to visit my zoo babies numerous times and have lunch and dinner with friends and finalize all the packing before the end of August.  I still have to get CoCo's International Health Certificate and take it to the USDA office in Denver to have it officially stamped.  And I'm sure other things will appear as the time gets even closer.
     I am so thankful that you all have stayed with me on this journey.  Your words of love and encouragement have been such a blessing for me.  And I hope you will continue to join me on my adventures as I know I will have lots to share with you once I have moved.  And you can help me pick out my new house!
     Here are some photos of my new views and temporary home.

The front walkway and CoCo peeking out the door

My view from the balcony - that's the Peak behind the smoke from the Hayden Pass fire

A view of the foothills

My little flower and herb garden in the back