Here we go!

If you're still here...hello! I've finally made myself sit down, sort through pictures, and complete an entire post! I've worked past the bloggers block, and have several posts in the works. So, without further ado, here's the first post (that is long overdue). 

Please don't hate me for bringing it up, but this winter was something else! We, along with the rest of the country it seems, had so much snow, frigid temperatures, and frighteningly high heating bills. Although it was such a bear, it was truly beautiful. I cannot imagine living somewhere that I can't enjoy all four seasons.

It was beautiful, no denying it, but I am oh so glad that Spring is here in New Hampshire! Only just about two weeks ago did all of the leaves arrive here in central New Hampshire, and everything is really in full bloom now!

Forsythia in bloom a few weeks ago.

Our new house has some beautiful plantings all around it, but I cannot even begin to figure out where to start. I've made a few calls and am attempting to get someone to come and take a look, and possibly give me some direction. I've taken care of some things, but there is really a lot of landscaping to deal with. Hopefully I can share some more of it soon, once it is cleaned up, that is!

This wonderful Spring weather (when it is not raining!), has had us taking a break from our hectic schedules, and enjoying our region. We find ourselves taking drives to several of our surrounding states and New Hampshire, and let's just say that they do not disappoint!

Taken in Vermont last weekend.

Along the Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire this weekend.

And just in case you think it's been all fun and games over here....

We've been working extra hard to get the barn cleaned out!

But we made sure to take the time to remember those brave men and women who gave their lives defending our freedom.

Shew! As you can tell, it's been an exhausting few months over here, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. We're living our dream, through the ups and downs, and it has been one of the best decisions we have ever made. But don't worry, I haven't even touched the tip of the iceberg. A lot more to share....

But for now, good night!

xoxo

Tim

Where has the time gone??

Well, hello again!! I am terribly sorry for my absence. I'd try to explain, but the whirlwind that has been my life over the past few months, it's not even possible to put into words. Although, when I tell you what has been going on, you may be able to understand what I've been doing.

Now..where to begin? For starters, that home I was so excited to tell you about in the last post is not ours. :( Someone made an offer while we were getting our financing all in order and the offer made the seller so angry that she pulled the house off of the market and rented it out the very next day. So, we said our goodbye to our dream of owning that home (at least for now) and had been looking at houses almost every weekend. Let me tell you, this has been no easy feat. So for the time being, our house search is on hold and we are doing the noble thing (which we were advised to do all along) and saving up a larger down payment so that we can get exactly the house we want the first time around!

I also realized that I never showed you an updated picture of our rental house (other than Christmas) after some changes (cheap and simple) that we made.

The rental house with a freshly painted glossy black door and stained front porch taken last fall.

Along with cleaning up the front, I painted the other two exterior doors the same black, made a walkway with gravel and cobblestones to the driveway and painted much of the interior trim, as well as repainting the entire mudroom.

So far this summer, I've stayed busy as well with work and family visiting. Actually, my brother, sister-in-law, and two nieces are coming up next week, as well! So, I've been cleaning, cooking and playing tour guide quite a bit this summer.

I'll start off in May, when Shaun's parents visited. They came up to celebrate Memorial Day with us, so of course, we had to have some very bizarre weather. In most of the state it rained, but at our house it....

SNOWED!

This picture was taken on May 25th, and we couldn't believe our eyes. While it was most unwelcome and gone by the next afternoon, it was quite beautiful and spectacular to behold!

Here are some pictures to show the rest of of the summer thus far.

A beautiful tree on campus where I work.

Our freshly mown backyard.

Down the street.

At the lake.

At the lake.

A new friend? No. He was kind of angry because I wasn't allowed to share my snacks.

 Nubble Lighthouse, York, Maine.

 York, Maine.

York, Maine.

This is about all the pretty New England life that I've got to experience lately. Don't get me wrong, I'm still incredibly happy to be living here! But this summer has been kicking my butt, and I'm definitely excited to be spending some more quality time with my family.

I think that I've gotten you pretty much up to speed, except for the last bit of news that I'm pretty sad to be writing about. The house that we currently live in (which I mentioned was for sale in my first post about the house) has finally sold. 

Damnit. I knew I made it look too great!

Anyway, so we are on the hunt for a new place to live. We haven't been given a definite move out date, but trying to stay ahead of the game is the only way that I feel I have some control over this situation. I'm a little bummed, except for the house we found. Swoon. 

No details yet. I'm doing my best not to interfere with fate. The new house to rent is not promised to us yet, but we are very hopeful. I should have some details within the week and I DO PROMISE to never be gone that long again!

Here's hoping!

xoxo

Tim

A bit of Spring.

Although the snow is pelting down outside today...

with another 6-12" expected...

I thought we could use a little hint of Spring to tide us over.

Here's hoping that Spring is just around the corner.

xoxo

Tim

Another snow day.

Welcome Winter Storm 'Q'. This is what it's looking like around here today, and though you can't tell in these pictures (that I took only minutes ago) the snow is still pelting down. 

Isn't it beautiful???

Though winter should be drawing to a close, I have to say that I absolutely adore the snow. I love watching it fall to the ground, and I almost feel as if I've been meditating. It brings a peace to me that is not always easy to find in the midst of a hectic schedule.

Just a little frosting over every surface visible makes everything seem a bit more alive.

I like to think of it as just a bit of glamour. The Academy Awards are being held tonight, right??? ;)

After opening the doors to take these pictures, I was happy to come back inside and stay toasty warm.

Ahhhhhhh.

Amy.

Won't you join us for some hot cocoa in this Winter Wonderland?

Thank you Mother Nature...AND Father Winter.

xoxo

Tim