DP Weekly Photo Challenge: State of Mind

Oh, boy. What a state of mind! Here I am just sitting at my desk this morning trying to catch up on a few things. I’ve just been moping around feeling sorry for myself because it’s cold out and I miss my Florida home, family and friends. Moving away from all of this and out of my comfort zone (not speaking of the weather on this one…well, maybe a bit) was not an easy thing for me.

Walking from house to town. 

Walking from house to Lake

I’ve been wanting to post more about our new surroundings but haven’t braved the cold new world. So I’ve been pretty much staying inside going through and catching up on my emails, some Facebook and trying to figure out when I’m ever going to get consistent again on my posts. Waaahhhh! Big baby.  When lo and behold! What to my wondering eyes should appear out my window?  It’s too late for reindeer! But wait, there’s a whole herd of gorgeous deer (that I have yet to get any pictures of).

Not taken on our property but in Blairsville (give me time)

They’re so beautiful! And I watched about seven or eight of them just dilly-dallying on the hillside down from my window. Of course, I tried to sneak out to snap some group pics but, no matter how quiet I was, I think my black jacket gave me away! So off they went on their merry way. Well, all in due time. Now, can someone here in North Georgia please tell me when hunting season is over? We’ve heard shots (albeit in the distance but still sounds too close for comfort) since we arrived in the middle of December. I’m nervous for my new friends because I’ve been hearing shots all afternoon. If I could just explain to the deer that if they hung around our house, they’d be safe. We’re not hunters; we’re feeders.

At the closing on our house, the previous owners told us about how in the spring it becomes so beautiful around here with all kinds of flowers and plants, etc. I can’t wait (but I guess I have to).

But looky, looky!! 

I’m thinking daffodils? I don’t know my flowers at all but I suppose it’s time I started learning! Are they usually early bloomers? I know the weather has been absolutely crazy.

And what wonderful new friends we’re making here. I’m just loving the people we have met here. All of our new friends at church — I just love them to pieces already! And this week, we’re going out to lunch with two of our neighbors. We’ve been emailing but because the weather has been so off-putting, we haven’t met face-to-face yet. Well, we’re going to change that! I’m excited! The good Lord has sent us here for a reason. One of these days, I’ll find it out! I still don’t like the cold one bit but this too shall pass! Right?!

The Daily Post Weekly Photo Challenge: State of Mind

Now where was I?!

Oh, yes, I was talking about getting moved into our new home here in North Georgia. Omigosh, that was such a while ago! Where does the time go? We had some pretty decent weather in between then and now and we did manage to get a few things done. Still lots to go. But I’ve let so much time go by, I’ve forgotten all the fun stuff I was going to write.

 So moving on!

The day the moving company brought our stuff was a nice day. But major glitch.  They couldn’t get their truck up our driveway!  So, they ended up parking the truck at the base of the drive. These two young guys were going to have to haul all of our stuff up that hill. The driveway is probably at least a couple hundred feet and about a 25-30 degree angle (mostly 30 towards the top!). Then Tom had a great idea. We have the pickup, so he told them to take the truck, load what they could and bring it up that way. It probably took them a lot longer than they anticipated, but at least they didn’t have to walk all that way. I’m afraid I didn’t take pictures of them moving stuff, but here’s the driveway. Well, at least I told them I changed my mind about having the piano go to the second floor!

  They did such a great job and were wonderful to work with. It was O’Neill Transport out of Orlando and they do long distance moves. Yep, it’s a plug for them!

View from the bottom up

View from the top down

So, between this driveway and the stairs that run from the basement to the second floor, I have no need of a treadmill ever again! HA!

To this day, we are still trying to find places for things. I know, I know, we probably still have too much stuff.  But, hey, ya gotta keep some stuff! And one of these days I’ll get back to more inside pictures as we go along. There is so much beauty up here. This winter anyway, I’m still too much of a wimp to go gallivanting around sightseeing. By next year, I hope to get some real winter clothes and it won’t matter (as much)! Hey, can I help it if my body is still programmed for a Florida winter??

And, coming up shortly, what you’ve all been waiting for. The finished CATIO! Yay! Well, the catio itself is finished. I still have things I want to do inside the catio, but all in good time. And, yes, I have some brave kitties who like going out in the cold!

One Word Photo Challenge: Bear

I didn’t think I even had any photos for this challenge. I surprised myself! So now I can surprise you! HA!

We ran into this big fella a while back window shopping in Winter Park, FL. He’s a store greeter but I’m sorry to say I don’t remember which store!

 

And I hope this wasn’t some kind of prewarning from this big guy. Little did I know at the time that we would end up in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains! We’ve been told that bears do roam the forest in our neck of the woods. I’ve seen deer, squirrels, chipmunks and birds. I’m not real excited about the possibility of running into a bear! But, if I do, maybe he’ll leave me alone since I’m no longer considered a tourist!

Cee’s Black & White Photo Challenge: Pets and Valentine’s Day Sunday Selfies

This week’s Cee’s Black and White Photo Challenge (CB&W) topic is Pets. 

Sunday Selfies: Week 78

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY