Moving is the pits. And boy have we had too many moves! Fourteen years of marriage and fourteen moves, if we count the temporary move to Vegas (one month in a short-term rental) and when we moved into the RV for 8 months while transferring from Illinois back to Washington. And here we are doing it again! I was talking with my mother in Florida and she said, “I wish I was there to help,” to which I responded, “Don’t worry about it, we did this to ourselves!” But we’re already so glad that we did!

First we had a 40-foot hi cube conex box delivered onto the property. Unfortunately, those trucks are huge (because, hey, what else can haul a 40-ft steel box?) and we couldn’t get it in the spot we wanted. But we made do and found another place it, and the truck, fit. Hopefully when all is said and done with the rehab, we can turn it into a store front. I mean, have you seen what people do with these things? Here’s a fun pinterest wormhole of shipping containers turned into retail shops if you’ve never seen all the crazy things people do!

Then we were off to get a cargo trailer light enough for the Subaru to tow. Since this is Washington and it rains, A LOT, we originally wanted an enclosed trailer, but the price and height restrictions were just a bit too much, so we went with an open trailer. We figured living rurally means we’ll eventually have to haul larger items, like refrigerators or lawn mowers, for repairs instead of hoping someone will come to us. Plus, Pat is always dragging home large pieces of scrap metal, so it will be useful for his blacksmithing, too.

And while we were busy getting ready to move, the contractor began the demo work. Our first big concern for the demolition was the insulation. The original portion of the house was built circa 1900, but there are three additions which could potentially have asbestos insulation. So far, one addition had ZERO insulation in the outer walls and another had regular fiberglass. I’m still waiting to be certain the last addition is free and clear of asbestos! When it came to taking down an interior wall to the studs, we found several layers of wallpaper glued to drywall, which was glued to tongue and groove. There was too much damage to be able to salvage any of the tongue and groove, unfortunately.

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We’ve spent the last few days packing and moving things from Olympia to Ashford. We also painted the walls and floors of what will be my fiber arts studio, getting it set up so that I have a way to occupy my time instead of going stir-crazy living in the RV again.

Some days I really hate this RV, but I have to check myself because it’s saved our butts three times now and given us a place to live when we really need it. It’s also giving us a nice view out the front window to watch this doe and her fawn that likes hiding out in the tall ferns by the conex box.

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So until next time, my friends, be sure to enjoy some fresh air, take in the sights and sounds of nature, and be thankful for a roof over your heads and internet access which you apparently have access to!