Ok, we moved!

[SNKSMOMSUE]

Sheesh - this has been the longest two months of my life!  We closed our business and sold off parts (we started it 26 years ago!) packed up everything in our nice, custom home and moved 1100 miles away into an APARTMENT.  Yes, its a nice apartment, gorgeous area, but rent is more than our mortgage payment was and I don't know a soul here.  Jim started his new job this past Monday, and he enjoys it a lot - so that is a good thing.  However, I am left in this apartment with no family, no friends, and two dogs who are VERY confused.

I am now in Chesapeake Virginia.  Does anyone have advice for me on what to do or where to go or things to see?  I've started applying for jobs (first time in 20 years), but we only brought one car with us so my mobility is limited for now.

Trying to think positive.  Oh, and I know we missed our Dog of the Day posts, SORRY. 

[David C.]

You're in the Tidewater area, there are TONS of things to do and see.  You've got Norfolk, Hampton Roads, Williamsburg (including Busch Gardens).   There is the whole James River trail system to hike around.   There's Virginia Beach.   Of course, that does require a car.   The Norfolk waterfront is beautiful.   I was actually down in the area two weeks ago. 

The puppers will adjust quickly.   For the first couple of weeks that we lived in our house, Rudy & Max couldn't figure out that the downstairs was actually part of the house, as they had lived most of their lives in a condo, and downstairs was out of bounds.   

[PattyInAK]

Oh geez, I can't imagine being uprooted and having to start all over in a new place.  You will settle in, just try not to freak out,  get out and walk, just make sure that everyday you are doing SOMETHING.   Best of luck to you. 

[jillkilleen]

umph I know how you feel, the first time i moved I had to drive with the atlas in the car for the first 3 months! boy where was GPS stuff 20 yrs ago?????? I am in annapolis Md and Chincoteague VA so you are sort of well relativley speaking to me.  You are in a VERY historical type area if you are intersted in that type of thing IMERSE  yourself and learn about your new surroundings!

[DeeanDave]

Moving is hard......things will settle down and Sol and Kirby will adjust to the new surroundings.  I can just imagine how it is.....my two get upset if I move furniture in the house.  Sue, you haven't missed their Star of the Days....King Sol's is November 3 and Kirby is November 5.  We can move them if you need more time especially with settling in from the move.  Dee

[Leslie]

WOW!!!!    and WHEW!  Good gracious that's a serious life change.  We are all sending well wishes that this new phase of your life is filled with happiness.

We were just in Williamsburg/Jamestown two weeks ago and went to Newport News and here & there.  The folks in that part of the country are terrific and friendly.  Jamestown was the BEST place to visit.  Pick a spot to visit and chat up the local folks working there.  Ask them where to shop and stuff. 

Of coure, check out the local library and the YMCA and see what classes there are.  Of course, you could go to Petco!!! 

[Teresa]

I was thinking about you yesterday and wondering if you had gotten moved yet.
I'm thinking we have several on here that are at least close to that area and can give you some good advice. Can you take Jim to work in the mornings occasionally? How long do you plan to be in the apartment? It will be nice to have time to decide which area is the one you really want to live in.
Just remember, at least you won't have the harsh winters to deal with! I'll just pray this isn't some weird weather year and you get a lot of cold weather there or something!
Look online and see what you can find. Look for a Red Hat Society there and go to a meeting. Ruth will tell you that she has a blast at hers and it could be a good way to meet other people.

[Brekkesmom]

I was a Navy baby in Norfolk when my dad was stationed there a long time ago.  You must be close to one of my favorite pet-friendly places - Replacements, Ltd. (replacements.com).  I love their store and the whole "We replace the irreplaceable" slogan.  I get their monthly emails where they pick a pet/employee of the month.  I have been able to get more of some of my favorite dishes to complete sets and a piece of crystal that I broke, and I am going to finish up my silverplate pattern someday! (Sorry, I just like their stuff!)  I am sure you and the boys will find something to do!  Just don't let them roll in anything fishy-smelling, okay?

[Madderoos Mom]

If Mark told me that we're packing up and moving far far away, I'd jump at the chance.  Think of it as adventure!  I don't drive but I manage to get around by myself on public transportation (and that's very limited here in SLO).  Take a browse through the phonebook and check out new places to eat and shop.  Maybe your city has a dogpark or two that SBD and Sol can visit.  How about checking out meetup.com and see if there's a club with your interest.  We have a thriving dachshund meetup here in our little 40,000 pop town.  Maybe just take some time to get your bearings.  I know that the first year I was here, I was a little skiddish about taking the plunge into things.  Let yourself absorb your community and just roll with it.  I bet you'll feel right at home in no time.

[Kelly]

Would like to have new address when you have a minute. Blusky&Manny send slurppy kisses to Sol&Kirby.

[cheryl186]

I haven't had to personally move a long distance like that but I imgine it would be scary to do....just hang in there.  Others here have given you excellent advice ....We have visited your new area on several vacations and we love it!!!  Norfolk and Virginia Beach are awesome...the Blue Ridge Mtns. are fantastic and we loved Williamsburg.  You just have to "get out there" and I am sure you will find interesting things to do and make friends easily.  Best of luck on settling in.....the boys will adjust .....you will love the nicer winters.....and besides, remember, we are all here for you too :thumb:

[Barb]

WOW - Sue - huge change for all of you !    Google the Chamber of Commerce for your town and surrounding areas - should give you lots of insight into the area.  Bless your heart - and the boys too....   Sending rays and keeping good thoughts that it will all pull together in a short time.  I know everything will work out !!!  We are here - so keep us posted on everything !

[AnnieofNJ]

Lots of good advice here.  We hope everything runs smoothly as you settle in.  Sending hugs and rays to all.

Welcome to the Mid-Atlantic States!!!

Annie & the New Jersey Doxie Gang

[Teresa]

Sue, Where are your boys living now? I suddenly realized this morning that you had left more than just your home and business, but most likely your family, too. I know Scott should be done with school now and Jon is now longer in the military, right?

There is a bright side to all this. If anyone has a doxie meetup for all the mid-atlantic and eastcoasters, you'll be really convenient everyone. You can finally meet several people you haven't gotten to meet before. I won't be surprised if you don't meet some very soon if they are in driving distance. I've been thinking of you a lot this weekend and sending up a few prayers when I did. Hope next week goes better for you. Always know you have a huge group of friends here.

[Shumard4]

Oh Sue, hang in there. We made a move like that back when we were younger and it was rough. I even had a few family members close. I can tell you we are struggling in our business as well and have thought about closing it and moving. I hope it don't come to that but I know if it does that we can handle it. If you need to talk you can email me and I will send you my number.

[April]

I have been to Colonial Williamsburg twice and it was wonderful.  Of course I wasn't living there, but I know several people who do.  There are a lot of things in the general area to do and others can give better ideas than I can, so I won't really add anything to that.  David and I were talking about going down that way before baby bean gets here in June so if we do we might get to meet!  I do hope you get settled in quickly and please feel free to call me or whatever. 
I'm sending hugs and kisses to you and your boys.  It's rough getting settled into a new place.  When I moved here I didn't have a car and didn't know a soul and David was at best 2 hours away if I needed him.  I had grad school, but that was not a fun time either, very stressful.  So at least update us occasionally to let us know how things are going!  It sucks to be stressed or worried and not really have a place to share that.