February 15, 2020: Durango or Bust (we have news)

View from the front porch of our new house

There hasn't been a dull moment in our recent nomadic lifestyle. But we now have news on this subject. And our news is that we don't plan on moving again. We plan on staying in Durango. No more nomad existence for us. We bought a house!

Last year was all about 'out with the old' and this year is officially our 'in with the new'.

After two large house sales and moves last year (Nebraska + Indiana) plus two moves from Boise rentals, we have gotten a little tired of packing and moving. After my last move post-exhaustion, I clearly articulated my feelings to Garrett.

"One of two things is going to happen in Durango. I am either going to settle in for good or I am not going to get too comfortable. I am not doing another big move."

Settling in has won out.

It started with us 'just taking a look at some houses' to get a feel of the local market. One house viewing led to another and then we met our great real estate agent, Ellen. Together we scoped out neighborhoods and houses of all sizes and ages. A newer home in a wooded neighborhood outside of Durango won out. Trees, stream, trails, river, open areas, a community center, and it is secluded (but not too secluded).

The description of the neighborhood from its website:

Encompassing over 500 acres, of which almost 200 acres is devoted to open space, the community is located five miles from downtown Durango and features over ten miles of private hiking and walking trails, access to the National Forest, private access to over 1.5 miles of Florida River hiking and blue ribbon fishing, a beautiful Community Lodge, architectural assurances and much more.

A couple of views of the new house

Comprised of gently sloping meadows, rocky outcroppings covered with lichen, secluded draws and rugged upper benches, the varied and rich terrain supports extensive ponderosa pine forests, sturdy stands of Gambel oak, the occasional juniper, and more than 150 native plant species. The land imparts both a sense of quiet sanctuary and an ongoing invitation to step outside and share in the natural wonder, whether you are going for a walk, hike or run on one of the trails or relaxing by the river. The best of Colorado mountain living just minutes from downtown Durango.

And there you have it. We are now homeowners again.

I now lay awake at night thinking about every piece of furniture I moved into storage and where each will be placed in the new house.

Larry has dreams of organizing his fishing gear and the location of his favorite new reading spot.

Garrett is working through all the closing details and the punch list of what needs to be done before our April move in.

A team effort.

I can't wait to learn how to fly fish. Larry has committed to teaching me. I am envisioning a romping Zeke enjoying the open space while Larry and I go through his hand-made flies tied many moons ago by Uncle Kenny, the expert as I've been told.

During our move out of Larry's Indiana house, we found all of his old fishing flies packed in the bowels of the basement. They are works of art. Larry explained how Kenny had made these for him and Larry's desire to put them to good use.

I think Old Guy and me can handle this. A new adventure.

Walks, runs, bike rides, fishing, enjoying the Colorado views and air...

We can take the short drive into town from our new home. A fair trade-off in our estimation.

#durangoorbust
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Our week in pictures:

Valentine dinner - duck!
yummmmmm

I found a great new hairdresser!
New color and cut with my gray gone

Hello Fresh is typically twice a week.
Joy of Cooking recipe one night.
Another of either grilling or deer.
The rest are eating out or left-overs.
No one is complaining.

Watching Ford vs Ferrari
 3 movies this week + Oscar's
and lots of basketball viewing

Amazing food here - Serious Texas BBQ

Sweet Zeke getting comfy while being our guard dog

Zeke reflecting on our new mountain home