Changes in Latitudes

We made it to Key West! Here are a few pics.  

Following Jared on US1 through the Key.

                                                                                                   

A little note I left for my sweety compliments of the humidity outside!

Welcome to Florida!

Just so we're clear, this is considered "indoor seating" in Key West. All four legged friends are welcome!

I'm not a big beer drinker, but somehow an ice cold beer tastes better when it's 90 degrees outside!

Sloppy Joe's- A historical landmark! This band was great.

To live in Key West you have to be comfortable with with iguanas. They are everywhere!

I love it here!

What I don't love is living in a hotel and eating microwave meals. Yuck!

Soon, we'll be in our new home. I spend most of my time thinking up ways to decorate. I can't wait! 

Cultivating Solitude

http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_170x135.183683821.jpg Today, I needed to get away. I am having a wonderful time with my family, but sometimes, our souls just need the warmth of solitude. Luckily, I am in this amazing place and remoteness is all around, just waiting to be discovered. I drove a couple miles into the cove, not sure what I was looking for or what I would find. I came to a road where the sun seemed to be shining brighter. I drove Macy Grey (my car) down the road and found exactly  what I needed to calm my heart. Through the sun, my heart was calmed.

Virginia to Tennessee

I made the drive from Virginia to Tennessee yesterday. It was the longest drive I've ever taken by myself. It wasn't so bad. There is something freeing about a full tank of gas and a highway stretching miles in front of me. 

I made it safely to my Mom and Dad's in 9 hours and 20 minutes. My body was aching and tired, but my Mom's flowers in the front yard and the fresh, damp air gave me new life. It's always so good to come home.

Our Life in 87 Boxes

The movers came on Wednesday and packed up our apartment. It took eighty-seven boxes. Eighty-seven boxes, containing belongings that say so much about who we are. Books, blankets, quilts. Photos, old greeting cards, a small box of addresses. Our little dining table where we've prayed over so many meals. Our love seat where I have fallen asleep on Jared’s shoulder countless times. Illustrations of our life for the last five years. 

I'll miss the families of sparrows!

 I needed a break, so I walked over to a local middle-eastern restaurant for a falafal sandwich. So good!

On Thursday, the movers came and took all of our stuff away, leaving an empty apartment with only memories filling the space. Jared had to leave before me. After he left, I sat in the middle of our bedroom, said a prayer, thanking the Lord for so many blessings, and walked out, closing the door on the past five years.

It was raining as I drove to a friend's house. The traffic was awful, so I took a couple of pictures to help me remember what I won't miss....

 And what I will about this amazing city.