We left Albuquerque early on July 19th, a Thursday, with three full days of travel ahead of us. After all, it was a 26 hour drive! As you have seen from previous posts of our adventures in ABQ, we had an amazing time and were really glad we got to be there. However, as soon as we got on the other side of those mountains to the East, it was as if a thousand pounds was lifted of our shoulders! We could not get outta there fast enough! We drove all day and stayed the night in Ft. Smith, AR. It was so wonderful to see trees again! Oh, and the humidity! We were just soaking. it. IN! The next day, we drove all day again and stayed the night in Montgomery, AL. We only had 4 hours left the next day to our new home in Lakeland, GA so we took it pretty easy heading out. We finally got to our new house with no problem, about 1 pm. We really could not have found a better home for us. It's perfect!
Here a few pics... It's still a work in progress!
The day the movers came!! YIKES!! Totally looks much better now!
Our first real meal in the house - finally using our wedding dishes!!! Gumbo, garlic bread, and Yuengling - oh how we have missed thee!!
Our AMAZING back yard! Love these Georgia sunsets....
I think Bailey is settling in just fine...on the new chaise of course!
2 & 1/2 long and exciting years!! All summed up....
It is now three weeks later and we have spent all this time dealing with movers, unpacking, organizing, and finding things we have not seen in over 5 months! It's like Christmas! Tomorrow the movers are delivering our shipment from home with all of our wedding presents that we still have not been able to see or use! We are so excited!
As far as life here in Southern Georgia, it sure is a change from the dessert. People sure do have that southern hospitality we have been so anxious to experience. We have met a few of our neighbors, and I have to say we couldn't be luckier! So far, everyone we have met has been really welcoming, and we have even found a few new friends! :)
Another culture shock is the humidity and grass and trees. All are very good things! Call me crazy for loving humidity, but after ABQ's super dry weather, I welcome it with open arms. And the plant life is so beautiful here! We have decided that it is a perfect mix of back home in Missouri (all the farms/crops/trees) and Florida (tropical plants, palm trees).
And of course with grass comes yard work.... Yes this is me. On a lawnmower. Mowing the yard. Who would have thought???
Now, we live in a wonderful little subdivision outside of a little bitty town called Lakeland, GA (pop. 2,730). We are about 10 minutes from Moody Air Force base, which is a super nice little base! Past that is Valdosta, GA (pop. 54,518). Pretty much everything you ever needed is there! And I must add, I know we have only been three weeks, and I know we are just really ready to be settled, but it is AWESOME to be back in a small town! Friends and family back home- I took it for granted while I lived there but after living where all we have, I would much rather drive 30 minutes through cornfields and back roads than stoplights!
For some other exciting news, I have decided to go back to school! I am unfortunately not doing to well on the job hunt, and recently found out some valuable information for military spouses. So, if you are a military spouse and reading this- listen up! With the MyCaa grant for military spouses, you can go to school FREE for up to 4,000! Hey, it's a certification or a jump on a degree! I'm starting a Pharmacy Tech and Administrative Assistant Program with Meditec next week! I am really excited!
Well, I think that is all for now! Neal is settling right in with his new squadron and should begin flying really soon! A few of Neal's buddies from back home will be visiting next week so it should be a great time. Thanks for reading and see ya next time!
Glad you made it and are settling in!! The house looks gorgeous! I can hardly wait until Garrett and I are out of our little apartment!! Looking forward to your posts about Georgia!
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