We moved last week. Not across the country to our winter home-away-from-home (not yet). Just across town -- to another part of Eugene. The picture above is a view of the Willamette River from a walking path around our new complex. The mosaic below is from our backyard (which, happily for us, we are not in charge of raking).
It does seem like we are moving a lot lately. I know people who have moved so often they can't even remember all their homes. And I know at least one who has lived all her adult life in one home. We are, like most people probably, somewhere in the middle -- but we used to be closer to the latter than we have been in the last few years.
I guess we are still figuring out this phase of retired life. This move gives us more living space than we had in our previous apartment. It also means the end of our experiment with living downtown. There were many things about city living that we enjoyed, but also definite downsides. As with anyplace, I'm sure there will be ups and downs about our new home as well. But we are in the right place for us right now.
Above is one of the upsides -- On our first walk on the now nearby river paths I actually got a picture of this Kingfisher. I'm pretty sure I've written before (or at least commented on other blogs) that this bird has for years refused to allow me to get a picture. We see them fairly often, but they always fly as soon as I even think of taking their picture. This one actually posed long enough --- a welcoming omen!
Here are some snaps from almost the first day we were in our new home. At that point, we weren't yet sure where everything should go (or what we needed to buy to fill the extra space). There were still boxes to be unpacked and we couldn't find anything in the kitchen (the last is pretty much still true). But most of what I need for daily smiles was in place-- my laptop, some of our books, a pretty window view and a few bird-themed accessories. The rest of life's necessities will follow in time!
Grateful for our successful move and for a few more beautiful Autumn days in between the much needed rainy ones and glad to be organized enough to be back to blogging.
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LINKING to the following sharing opportunities: Thank you to all of the hosts.
NATURE NOTES; ALL SEASONS; OUR WORLD on Tuesday; MOSAIC MONDAY; GOOD RANDOM FUN; THROUGH MY LENS; WILD BIRD Wednesday; Wednesday AROUND THE WORLD; THANKFUL THURSDAY; SKYWATCH FRIDAY; FRIDAY BLISS; SATURDAY CRITTERS; and RATHER B' BIRDING
Good wishes in your new home. I love to read and see your adventures - and all your walks.
Posted by: Penny | November 16, 2018 at 09:06 PM
While I hate moving...this looks like it was a good choice for you..hugs..Michelle
Posted by: Michelle Banks | November 11, 2018 at 02:39 PM
Enjoy your new area you now call home! Beautiful fall colors & SWEET kingfisher!
It's been great to go with you on a birdin' adventure this week from The Bird D'pot. Thanks for taking us along.
Posted by: Anni @ I'd Rather B Birdin' | November 11, 2018 at 03:17 AM
Nice shots! Retirement seems to have several stages. We've been looking at different options. Life changes when driving becomes tricky.
Posted by: Linda in Virginia | November 10, 2018 at 10:03 PM
Beautiful view of the river! Love the Kingfisher! You sure do have some beautiful fall colors. Have a wonderful weekend!
Posted by: Betty Crow | November 10, 2018 at 03:02 PM
Hello, Sallie,
I love your beautiful fall colors and pretty trees. Your views are beautiful. Great sighting and photo of the Kingfisher. Thanks so much for linking up and sharing your post. Happy Saturday, enjoy your day and weekend!
Posted by: Eileen Wise | November 10, 2018 at 03:59 AM
It looks like you will be enjoying some beautiful walks from your new home.
Posted by: a spirit of simplicity | November 10, 2018 at 02:24 AM
your new home ana surroundings look lovely and I hope you will be very happy there. Wonderful to get the shot of the Kingfisher. I hope you have a great weekend.
Posted by: Margaret Birding For Pleasure | November 09, 2018 at 10:52 PM
Your new home location looks beautiful. I like the Fall colors. And Kingfishers are very quick, elusive birds! It took me quite awhile before I got my first photo of one. (One lives near my house, too, but I've never gotten that one on camera.)
Posted by: Anne (Cornucopia) | November 09, 2018 at 02:18 PM
I do hope your move works out so well and you never have to move again:) Thank you for linking up this week and I hope to see you back again next Thursday.
Posted by: Michelle | November 08, 2018 at 04:29 PM
Congratulation on your move. It would be fun to compare notes with you on pros and cons of living locations during retirement. My wife and I have been in the same house now for about 30 years (yikes!!). We have some family issues that keep us in place now, but I sometimes wonder about relocating. Anyway, great sky shots!
Posted by: Peter B. | November 08, 2018 at 04:02 PM
Great shots.
Posted by: Jim, Sydney, Australia | November 08, 2018 at 03:29 PM
A very good looking Kingfisher
Posted by: Adam Jones | November 08, 2018 at 03:10 PM
Lovely Autumn color!
Great photo of the Kingfisher
Have a wonderful day!
Posted by: lea | November 08, 2018 at 06:15 AM
Moving is good!!! It helps you keep the accumulation of "stuff" under control. I started this amazing accumulation in 1945 when Charles and I were first married, and here I am, over 70 years later, contemplating whatever the family would do with all these THINGS we have loved and given storage room to. I am in the midst of a de-cluttering project =- wish me luck!!
Posted by: Hildred Finch | November 07, 2018 at 07:54 PM
What a warm and wonderful place, Sallie. And I loved the fall photos with all the fall colors and that elusive bird you finally caught with your camera. So glad that you are happy in your new home. It won't be long, though, before you're back down this way in your "old" southwest Florida home. It's still warm here in Ocala but we've had a few nice cool days.
Thanks so much for your comments. They mean a lot to me. And thanks for buying my book; I hope you like it. If you ever read any of Leonard Cohen or heard any of his songs, you'll probably think my book is OK. He's sort of my mentor. Well, he was - he died earlier this year.
I had a terrible time getting to your blog. Everytime I tried I got an error message (Error 403) and another message. I finally had to circumvent the system, type in your URL and then make your address a special bookmark. I don't know what that's all about.
Hurry back. I'm doing pretty well now, but it was iffy for a bit. Had a major heart attack with one artery 100% blocked. The doc put in a stent and will probably put in a couple more stents before we're through! :)
Take good care!
Posted by: Lowell | November 07, 2018 at 06:42 PM
Definitely a good omen for your recent move. I hope you'll be very happy there. It does look like a really pretty area. We moved a lot in our navy days but we have stayed in one place now for 27 years. I can hardly believe it as I loved seeing different places and we still do, we just don't live in them for any length of time but travel to them when we can :) I am not sure if this will be our forever home, it just feels like it after all this time. Getting a bit of the wander-lust I guess and also thinking of downsizing :)))
Posted by: DeniseinVA | November 07, 2018 at 04:21 PM
Congrats with more space!! It's nice to be able to organize your stuff, isn't it. That fountain in the park is amazing! When the kids came, that definitely slowed down our moves (now, happy about it, because they have their memories of experiences in certain houses!
Love the king fisher, such a cute bird! Thank you for updating us at All Seasons on your your new living quarters:):) enjoy your week of settling in!
Posted by: junieper | November 07, 2018 at 11:03 AM
Moving is such a difficult thing to go through. I hope we never have to do it again, but there is a slight possibility. Not any time soon, though for sure! I have yet to go see the Willamette River. We did go into the Valley a couple of times and absolutely loved it! Beautiful new digs!
Posted by: Marie-OR | November 07, 2018 at 09:51 AM
It looks like a wonderful place to live. I collect bird themed accessories too and my kids and grandkids are always on the lookout for them. I have lived in the same house for 38 years. Raised my kids here and now retired here. I couldn't imagine living anywhere else!
Posted by: Lois | November 07, 2018 at 08:36 AM
Hello! Congratulations on your new home.
Beautiful colours of autumn and great kingfisher!
Posted by: Anu | November 07, 2018 at 02:35 AM
Your new place looks great, Sallie! Proximity to the river and a more rural/suburban area seem like good things to me. I know what you mean about those elusive kingfishers. They are hard to photograph. You got a great shot. Enjoy settling into your lovely new home.
Posted by: Lorrie | November 06, 2018 at 08:31 PM
Congratulations on your new place. Moving is so stressful; I'm glad you were able to take some time to go exploring and photographing too.
I always think I would love to live downtown where it is so easy to get to places, but when it gets down to it, I don't think I could take being packed in that closely with other people.
Posted by: Marti | November 06, 2018 at 05:32 PM
Welcome to your new home!!
I've lived in the same house for 50 years! If Terry and I were to move it would shock our children.
Posted by: Linda Brown | November 06, 2018 at 02:25 PM
Enjoy your new digs and hope you have a lot of photo subjects nearby.
Worth a Thousand Words
Posted by: Photo Cache | November 06, 2018 at 12:25 PM
Whooo-hooo! Cheers to your new place, Sallie. When I was young and single, living in San Francisco, I moved every few years. I enjoyed the apartment hunt and the making of a new place into mine. Living by the river in a city, sounds perfect to me. A sense of being far, far away, as the Husband used to say when we lived in the metropolis.
I like your open shelves. They look built-in. We have the rest of our lives to open boxes. That's what I tell myself. The Husband and I are finally opening boxes that we brought with us 15 years go. It's like Christmas.
Your mosaics are cool.I like the arrangement. It looks different from your others. Are you doing Mosaic Monday? When I get back to blogging, either Molly or I will take part. Probably me, Molly is content with sitting under a certain tree and looking up at the birds telling her to walk away.
Posted by: Su-sieee! Mac | November 06, 2018 at 09:39 AM
Congratulations on your new life! Enjoy! Looks beautiful.
Posted by: Chris Rohrer | November 06, 2018 at 09:03 AM
Looks like a wonderful area to live, Sallie. I am sure there were many advantages to living downtown, but nothing quite beats a walk along an undeveloped area with lots of wildlife. You see, the Kingfishers knew all about it and decided to give you that picture you have been waiting for for so long. Enjoy your new digs. I know you will.
Posted by: David Gascoigne | November 06, 2018 at 09:02 AM
What big news, Sallie. I was just getting used to you living in the city. The photos of your new area are wonderful. Hope you are soon unpacked and able to relax.
Posted by: Barb | November 05, 2018 at 07:31 PM
Sallie - thanks for sharing your good news with MM this week. I admire your willingness to pick up sticks and readily acknowledge that you 'haven't figured out this retirement thing yet.' Some people know they need a change but fear keeps them from it. And you set an example for all of us by requiring only what is needed for 'daily smiles' - I am going to start using that phrase!
Posted by: Angie | November 05, 2018 at 06:33 PM
Oh how exciting for you with a new beautiful place ~ yet another ^_^
Lovely photos and presentation of them too!
Happy Day to you,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
Posted by: A ShutterBug Explores | November 05, 2018 at 03:16 PM
It sounds like a great place and it's good that you realized that it's what you need 'now'. I sure wouldn't want to do that raking, either!!
I am one of those that have moved countless times, for many reasons, but they worked for me at the time. We have been in our last home for over 5 years, a record for me!
Posted by: betty - NZ | November 05, 2018 at 03:02 PM
Looks like you found a great place.
I too have found that the kingfisher does not like to be photographed. When we lived at the power plant there was one living behind the house, try as I might I could never get a picture of it.
Posted by: martha z | November 05, 2018 at 02:54 PM
Congrats on a successful move! It sounds more conducive to your love of the outdoors!
Posted by: Sondra | November 05, 2018 at 02:46 PM
Looks beautiful! And BIG!!!!
Posted by: Lydia C. Lee | November 05, 2018 at 12:39 PM
Welcome home again! You are on the move. As long as there's birds in the mix. Now if I could only get a picture of a woodthrush, not as pretty as your kingfisher but they sing my favorite birdsong.
Posted by: Colleen LOOSELEAFNOTES | November 05, 2018 at 08:30 AM
Wonderful mosaics. Have a good week
Much🎶❤🎶love
Posted by: gillena | November 05, 2018 at 08:19 AM
Pretty views around your area!
My paternal grandparents had a tendency to move a lot.
Posted by: William Kendall | November 05, 2018 at 07:33 AM
I'm so happy for you! We thought about moving downtown in NC...we could see all of the fun advantages. But it turned out to be too expensive. I love that you have a nice place to walk at your new home. LOVE that Kingfisher! Get some rest...moving is hard work!
Posted by: Lavender Dreamer | November 05, 2018 at 06:51 AM
Oh I forgot to mention----If I go to your profile and click on your web page It says I am not allowed to see it but if I click on your icon on the meme you are following---it all works---weird
MB
Posted by: MaryBeth Schwartz | November 05, 2018 at 06:42 AM
Welcome is such a wonderful word isn't it. A few years after I married we bought our first home and we lived there for almost 40 yrs and then we moved to my next home which I still have although my life has changed so much with that move. One year later my husband had a massive stroke but I took care of him at home until he left for even greener pastures. I guess I am in the class of those who rarely move even though I might have wanted to.
Enjoy your new home and treasure it
MB
Posted by: MaryBeth Schwartz | November 05, 2018 at 06:40 AM
What a lovely new spot you've chosen to begin the next chapter of your lives together, I hope you'll both be very happy there, it looks like you'll have quite a lot of new things to blog about in the future.
Posted by: Maggie | November 05, 2018 at 05:48 AM
It looks lovely and I hope that you will be happy there.
During my adult life (there were several as a child also) I have lived in 14 different places and I have made 6 country changes as well!!!!
Have a good week Diane
Posted by: Diane | November 05, 2018 at 05:29 AM
Oh, wow, it looks like you have lovely fountains near where you live, and paths aplenty with a river nearby. The leaves like the books and cushioned chair give a cozy feel to the scenery. Congratulations on making a change when things were not right … and for capturing the Kingfisher. Looks like a good move all around!
Posted by: Penelope Puddlisms | November 05, 2018 at 05:01 AM
Eugene is one of my favorite cities! The picture of the trails near the Willamette reminds me of the time I ran the marathon there. Such a beautiful location. Your picture of the kingfisher is wonderful! I can never seem to get close enough to birds to get a decent picture. I will have to keep practicing!
Posted by: Laurie | November 05, 2018 at 04:49 AM
Congrats on the move Salle. I'm sure you have done the right thing. Even though you don't mention the downsides of city living the fact that you seem to have more outdoor space and air to breath will be beneficial. Just seeing more of those Belted Kingfishers is a real plus and I'm sure you will begin to see more wildlife once you learn the ropes of your new habitat.
Posted by: Phil Slade | November 05, 2018 at 03:56 AM
Hello, Congrats on your new place. Sounds like you are in a lovely area with the walking path and close to the river. Love the Kingfisher, they are shy birds. The Autumn trees and leaves are so colorful and pretty. Enjoy your new place! Happy Monday, enjoy your day and new week ahead!
Posted by: Eileen Wise | November 05, 2018 at 02:54 AM
Congratulations to you both for moving again! It looks a delightful spot, especially for nature walks. And to get a close up of a kingfisher is magic!!!!
I hope you still get to winter away?
Posted by: Hazel | November 05, 2018 at 01:14 AM
Wow you have moved to a beautiful area by the river. But I admire you for moving again. The thought of moving horrifies me it is such a stressful time but you don't seem to have any problems there. We have friends who retired in a beautiful apartment in the city and we were thinking about it for a while but I wasn't keen although Bill thought it would be okay. I'm glad we didn't I love it here next to a quiet forest.
Posted by: diane | November 04, 2018 at 11:24 PM
I hope you enjoy your new home. The surroundings are beautiful and a photo like that of a kingfisher looks like a good omen!
Posted by: mick | November 04, 2018 at 09:50 PM
Congratulations on surviving your move!
Posted by: Linda in Virginia | November 04, 2018 at 09:48 PM
Congratulations on your new home - looks lovely and in such a beautiful spot with walks and river views!
Posted by: Lady Fi | November 04, 2018 at 08:35 PM
Congratulations to your new home! I’m planning on moving into an apartment in a few years... Your mosaic of autumn leaves is stunning. Happy MM.
Posted by: riitta k | November 04, 2018 at 08:14 PM
Congratulations on your new place, Sallie! It looks like you are in a very beautiful area and I'm sure it will be nice to have a little more room. It also looks like a beautiful autumn season there--enjoy!
Posted by: Pat | November 04, 2018 at 07:23 PM
Congratulations on your move. I am sure it will work out for you. I've thought that I would like to live downtown but we have three dogs and that is a major hassle for urban apartment dwellers.
Posted by: Alan Bates | November 04, 2018 at 04:36 PM
Hope the move went well. I was in the same position as you, our last place was an apartment, this one is a house, it's nice having a bit more space.
Posted by: Amy Franks | November 04, 2018 at 04:31 PM
Your new views and walk availability seems good. Don't we all have different priorities for what unpacks first. Congrats on the long awaited Kingfisher shot.
Posted by: Gaelyn | November 04, 2018 at 04:26 PM
It sure looks beautiful there! I hope to see more photos, inside and out! I'm in the camp of not much of a mover. Grew up maybe 9 miles from here, went away to college, came back to same home. Lived there about 8 years, and moved here 37 years ago. I plan on my ashes being thrown on this land, near the dogs, of course! :<)))
Posted by: Nan | November 04, 2018 at 04:22 PM
That looks like a lovely area you moved to. Enjoy your new home. Have a wonderful new week.
RE your question, the coffee shop and museum are located on different floors in the department store. Makes it very convenient to spend time there.
Posted by: bill burke | November 04, 2018 at 04:10 PM
I'd love to have those views - enjoy your new home!
Posted by: Carol | November 04, 2018 at 04:02 PM
Oh boy! Congrats on your move and the good things about it. That is one pretty kingfisher! Enjoy your new digs!
Posted by: ellen b | November 04, 2018 at 02:49 PM
I'm happy for you to be in such a beautiful place! I'm also happy that I'm not the one who is moving, as we are settled at last after moving from one side of the country to the other and back again. I love your bird pillow, and the leaves are gorgeous!
Posted by: Clair Zarges | November 04, 2018 at 02:03 PM