I have a few more trip photos for you but wanted to mention a couple of other things first.
Our Manteo House
It has been on the market for six weeks now and has had just two showings with no nibbles. (Our realtor said 6-8 showings by now is more common.)
Of course, that’s a little disheartening in light of how expensive life has been lately with renovations in both houses on top of moving expenses. We’ve just lowered the price by $20,000 and are trusting that the right buyer will appear soon. The rising interesting rates hit just at the wrong time.
We are looking for part-time jobs which, for me at least, is challenging. I do have a few skills but most of them don’t fit well on a non-church resume. Steve is looking into teaching at a faith-based teen rehab center as well as other options.
We have also been searching for a church to attend without any luck. It’s a bit disconcerting to be the new people at a church after being at a place for so long where we knew everyone. I know we’ll eventually find a spot to call home but it just hasn’t happened yet.
The terrific twosome is still making great housemates for Steve and me.
Gage has gotten a job at Trader Joe’s; the store started in California where Gage was born and he has been a fan for a long time. He’s loving the job.
Sarah is still looking for a job and they are both continuing to look for an affordable apartment. (If anyone lives in the Charlotte area and has any leads, please let us know.)
The Floridian Six will be here for a brief visit the day after Thanksgiving. (They will be in the area on vacation with Meagan’s family.) Steve is planning to save a bunch of leaves for the grands and make a huge pile for them to jump in. That should definitely earn him Grandpa of the Month status.
Here is the living room with the old wall at the entry.
Here it is without.
This is the wall that used to separate the kitchen from the dining room.
And here it is without. We will eventually put a breakfast bar/island there. (Also, note new floor!)
Another view.
My creative husband had the idea of taking that corner spot and opening it up to add a pantry since we are short on storage. The door will be added soon.
Now for painting and pictures and curtains and we’ll be well on our way to being done.
Driving thePacific Coast Highway has been a dream of mine for years; to finally get to do it was amazing.
We stopped for two nights along the way in Cambria, CA. There was a cute downtown so we puttered around and got lunch at a quaint spot.
That evening, we went out to enjoy a sunset over the Pacific, a rare experience for us long-time east coasters. We weren’t expecting to see such interesting stuff along the shore
Although it sort of looks like snakes it’s some sort of seaweed.
I’d rather rest my eyes on this guy than those yukky-looking other things.
The next day we stopped in Big Sure for lunch at the loveliest of places.
This was the view looking down. (Surprisingly, the food was outstanding and not very expensive. We shared a sandwich and salad and got out for under twenty dollars.)
More photos along the way.
One of the highlights of the trip was an elephant seal rookery–an absolute delight.
The older seals have a big snout (hence, the name) but these are young seals and don’t have it yet. The seals stay here for about a month, mostly sleeping and lolling about. They don’t eat at all; just live off their blubber. I found it interesting that they throw sand on themselves to cool themselves off.
When the older seals arrive from the sea to do their spa month in the sun, the younger ones quickly clear out. The older seals mate here and the babies are born here. Every year, all the seals return to this very same beach at various times for various activities. Isn’t God’s creation wonderful?
My favorite part of this little video is at about 50 seconds when two male seals briefly scuffle over a female seal and then the victorious male and the fought-over female saunter off together. If indeed a seal can saunter.
(Steve does a brief intro because we were sending some footage to the grandkids.)
What about you?
Do you like to go to zoos or other natural habitats and watch animals? What is your favorite animal to observe?
Do you have a certain road trip you would love to take?
If you are a church-attender, how did you know you’d found the church that was right for you? Was it awkward being a visitor? What would you change about that experience?
Glorious photos from your travels. My fave is the seagull standing in the reflection of the sunset.
Fred,
Thanks; I loved that one, too!
Fred and Lucy,
Thank you–I loved that one, too.
I put my Raleigh home on the market 2 weeks ago and have also had no nibbles. I was counting on walking away with a lot more money than I’m going to. I missed the selling frenzy by a few months. One of many things not going right in life right now.
Ellen,
Yes, we are also ruing the fact that we missed the selling frenzy by just a couple of months so I can definitely relate to how you’re feeling. We’ve already dropped our house $20,000.
So sorry to hear that life in general is difficult for you right now. Praying for you today; feel free to email anytime. Hugs
My cousin and I did the Pacific Coast Highway from San Francisco to San Diego about 11 years ago. It’s a beautiful drive. Another drive we did was the Road to Hana on Maui. It’s also a pretty drive with lots of hairpin curves.
When I moved to Springfield, I tried several churches before landing on one. The thing that drew me to the church I joined was the pastor. He was a great pastor who could make a sermon out of one verse in the Bible. Being single, it is a little awkward finding a church on my own. I never found one I liked in Louisville. When I moved to Tampa, I did find a church I joined but after several years, quit going due to a man in my Sunday School class that was almost stalking me. When I moved to Overland Park, an old friend belonged to the church I joined. For 5-6 years, we attended together until she decided to start going to our second campus. We went to one Sunday School class at the beginning but about 6 years ago, they formed a ladies only class that we moved to. I have made more friends in this class than I did in the original class which was made up of nearly and newly retired folks. I’m sure you will know when you find the right church!
Phyllis,
You’re so right about a smaller group at church being a great place to make friends. I’m glad you’re happy where you are and hopefully won’t have to look for a new church for a very long time!
I can only imagine how beautiful the drive on Maui was. Glad you’ve gotten to take some gorgeous drives!
Love those pictures – could bask in the sunset and ocean ones. Have continued to pray for you. Steve. Gage and Sarah for jobs and also for a church. We did some hunting and praying when we changed churches. Visited about 4 and settled on one because of the pastor’s sermons and the way he presented the gospel. A very large church for us, but it was the speaker that told us, “this is the one.” Know it will be a little bit longer on the remodeling, but will be patient until we see the final remodeling. We are to embark on a trip we have been to before – St. Pete Beach and Pigeon Forge, TN. Hoping it will be a vast change in temp. than here.
Sharyn,
It really does make a huge difference in a church if you love the pastor’s preaching. Glad you’ve landed in a good place.
Wow, that’s a lot of traveling coming up–TN to FL and back again. It’s always fun traveling south from a colder climate. Every time you stop to eat or get gas, you get out of the car and start noticing the warmer temps creeping in. Enjoy!
I remember when you were looking for a home in Manteo and after some angst and much waiting it turned out perfectly. The sale of your home will too. I have faith.
I love the new open look without the walls! Beautiful floors too!!
Your drive down the coast highway is so beautiful. We took that drive many years ago and I loved it! We stopped in Big Sur also but for dramamine for my son who was so terribly car sick. That road is terrible for those who get car sick. Lol
We love a great road trip. We want to see every state in the U.S. We have a big one coming next summer. We will be driving to Orlando for our granddaughter’s national dance competition. It’s over 1500 miles so there will be so much to see along the way. We want to take a different route home to increase the things to see. We can’t wait!
We too went through the church search way back when. We tried several churches but just weren’t ‘feeling it’. Finally, we tried my in-law’s church. I was quite pregnant at the time. Imagine my surprise when the priest came to see me in the hospital after the birth of my son! He was such a womderful, genuine, caring man and that visit sealed the deal. That was in 1986. You too will find your spot. 🙂
LeeAnne,
Yes, that’s a very good reminder to look back and remember that our house in Smithfield did eventually sell at just the right time. It’s hard to be patient.
Glad you like the new look and the floors; amazing what a few changes can make.
How fun to get to look forward to a road trip next summer. You’re my kind of people taking one route there and another route home. So much to see; so much to enjoy!
I can only imagine how meaningful it was to have a visit from your priest; it’s that personal touch that means the most.
Looks like you had a fun trip out West. We went to the Redwoods for our 40th anniversary (5 years ago). We live in NE FL. We’ve driven to CA 3 times in the past 20 years. It’s a very long drive…lol Love seeing the renovations. What a wonderful area to retire to.
Marylea,
Wow. Driving to California just once would be a lot but three times? That’s a lot of miles! It’s worth it at the end, though, isn’t it? Such a beautiful state.
The renovations are looking great – I especially love the new floors! And Kudos to Steve for finding a way/place to add a pantry! Built-in storage is always a good thing in my opinion. What scenic views on your road trip. My dream road trip would be the Florida Keys. Prayers for all of you finding jobs, for your Manteo house to sell quickly, for you finding a home church and for everything in the time of change to fall into place and you to be content in your new circumstances.
Sue Ellen,
I’d love to see the Florida Keys, too; they sound like such a unique place. I just stopped for a moment and Googled some photos and now I want to visit all the more! 🙂
Yes, storage is a wonderful thing. Once we add a kitchen island, we’ll have even more which will make my heart very happy.
I believe that is bullwhip kelp and it’s edible.
Jessie,
Thanks for that info! But edible? I’m not sure if I could put that in my mouth, or not. I wonder who the first person was who decided to try. 🙂
I have never been to this church personally, but the pastor has spoken at my church in Durham a few times. Transformation Church with Pastor Derwin Gray. https://transformationchurch.tc/
Suzanne,
Thanks for that recommendation. He is actually quite a well-known pastor and speaker. We are trying to keep our commute under 30 minutes and he’s more like 45. But what a great church!
I don’t know a lot about Transformation Church but I did see an open position with the church that may or may not fit Sarah’s ideals. https://transformationchurch.hrmdirect.com/employment/job-opening.php?req=2263483&#job. I was helping someone else in the area with a job search in which he was hoping to secure a position in a Christian environment. I hope it’s not too forward of me to send this along.
Kristy,
Not forward of you at all; I appreciate you thinking of us!
Another commenter mentioned this same church to us. It must be a good one. 🙂
At this point, Sarah is looking for part-time work so that she can also do some working from home jobs, like video editing. This looks like a great opportunity for someone though. Thanks for taking the time to pass it along.
The people and their friendship and if the preacher taught Bible correctly and of course the singing.
Jim,
You’ve got a great list there–four really important things.
What a difference the missing walls make! I bet you both will be happy once every thing is finished. I loved seeing and listening to the seals. Having spent most of my life in California I have seen many, but never so many at once. Brought up many happy memories. When I lived in Sonoma I was only about half an hour away from Bodega Bay where The Birds was filmed. Many days and nights were spent there.
Cindy,
There are so many cool things in California, Both Steve and I said we would love to return and see more of the place.
Yes, it was truly a delight to see all those seals. Loved it!
Wow-Cambria is one of my favorite beaches. Where did you stay? I usually stay at the Sand Pebbles Inn. I have spent hours (days) hunting for seaglass there. Did you find any? It is a fun town. Best eats too.
I stumbled on the elephant seals by accident the first time I was there. I made a point of visiting after that. I was there once when all the babies were still with the moms. Oh so cute. Would not want to tangle with the males though.
I love going to aquariums and watching the jellies. They are so relaxing and mesmerizing.
I would take any road trip that included an ocean. I love traveling so wouldn’t pass up a trip if it was inland as well.
I have only attended 3 churches, other than an occasional visit somewhere. One I grew up in and attended until my 40’s. One I chose as it was a supporting church for the school I was teaching at. It was hard going at first even though I did know a couple people. It wasn’t until I started attending a Bible Study that I felt I got to know anyone. The church we attend now was picked by my husband. I had him to stick by so didn’t feel so out of place, and he knew the pastor. Slowly got to know people as time went on.
Hope you find a church and jobs soon. Also that Sarah finds one and they find an apartment. I love Trader Joes and we finally got one a few year ago.
Patti,
We stayed at The Morgan. Such a lovely, comfortable room–I could have stayed there for a month.
I am not a sea glass hunter–there could have been bushels of it in front of me and I never would have noticed. 🙂
You are so right about becoming part of a smaller group in order to get to know people. There is no way that’s ever going to happen on a Sunday morning; there just isn’t time. That’s incredible you’ve only attended 3 churches in your life; you’re blessed!
Love the pics of the orange sky, water and sand at sunset. so peaceful and restful to the eyes. Your senses must have filled up on it, being right there in full living color!
So good you got to see all those inviting places, just waiting for us all, on God’s great, green earth.
Ruth
Ruth,
I loved every moment of our nature sightings. That sunset was truly beautiful and to see the Pacific was such a treat.
“This is my Father’s world. . . “
I am so impressed with how the renovations have opened up the place. Looks like a whole new house! And when you get all your pretty things up, it will be gorgeous!
Steve’s idea of making a leaf pile for the grands is epic. They will have so much fun! Should win him at least a few grandpa awards! 🙂👍
The pictures from your trip are coffee table worthy. So much beauty.
I pray every day for the sale of your house. God knows it needs to be soon!
So glad Gage has found a job, especially one that he can enjoy. Many prayers for jobs for Sarah and you and Steve. Plus a church home for you guys and an affordable apartment for the Longs. So much in play right now. But it’s amazing how far you all have come.
Sending love!
Deb
Deb,
Thanks for your compliment on the house. It really did make a huge difference just taking out two small-ish walls.Even though it’s still not huge I love the increased feeling of spaciousness.
Yes, a lot to get accomplished but, as you said, we’ve come a long way so far. Hopefully in the next 2-3 months, all these things you mentioned in your (very thoughtful) comment will be settled and we can get on to our new normal.
Love the renovations, it makes it look so much bigger!! I am sure it will be beautiful when you get all the finishing touches done! I am not sure where you guys are in Charlotte compared to where Abby is, but she has been going to a church called Plaza Baptist, which is a plant from her home church in Winston of Two Cities. Her roommate goes to a Presbyterian church in the area, so I can ask her the name of that one as well. Affordable apartments can be tricky… I know that Abby is paying way more in rent than she normally would so that she can be close to the lightrail and not have to drive to work each day… If they are looking more in the outskirts, like monroe, or indian trail, huntersville, etc… it may be cheaper, but I will ask Abby if she knows of anything around her and what the price is…
I hope that you guys have a Fabulous Thanksgiving! Enjoy your grands, and I will let you know when I am coming to visit Abby and maybe we can meet somewhere for coffee, or chocolate, or coffee and chocolate ( My favorite, and my treat!!! )
Take care,
Tiffany
Tiffany,
Yeah, not having to drive in Charlotte is a great benefit. I can see why Abby would want to be near the light rail. And so glad she has found a church she likes. I know that does your heart good to see her settling in.
Sarah, especially, would be very happy to live outside the city limits. She is not a fan of the big city. We will keep on looking and keep on trusting that God will provide!
Yes, definitely give me a holler when you’re in the area. Blessings!