Forging Our New Path, part 1

I promised I’d let you know where we landed after our whirlwind departure from Austin. But since our furniture has yet to arrive, I’ll do this in two parts.

We returned to the place where we (mostly) raised our kids. Where my sisters both live. Where my parents are as well. My two married couple kids (and grand baby!) are both much closer as well.

Here’s the fun part: when we were dreaming about empty nesting, long before the Austin job appeared, we dreamed about being able to live in an adorable new neighborhood in our town. It was near the historic district, and all the new homes being built in that neighborhood had a more historic feel. But we knew it would mean downsizing quite a bit, and we weren’t quite sure how we felt about that. Besides, we would likely have to build because houses in that neighborhood very rarely hit the market. And they didn’t sit unsold for long.

Fast forward to October. Again we dreamed of living in this neighborhood. And now the smaller square footage seemed enormous to us after our tiny condo. Then there was the actual house for sale, which seemed like it would fit us to a T. Only just as we knew we were, indeed, returning, the house went off the market! My response: I guess that wasn’t our house. (Said with a heavy sigh.)

Long story short, it wasn’t off the market because it wasn’t our house. I believe it went off the market because the Lord was saving it for us! The Friday before Thanksgiving, we closed and moved in. We had a bed, 2 barstools, and a futon sofa to sit on. We had clothes, a few kitchen things, a TV. Not even wifi! But we settled in easily in spite of all that. And we discovered what a wonderful neighborhood this really is!

So I’ll start with some of my joys outside of our new home.

First, we have a tree that changes color in the fall! Isn’t it lovely?

Second, a side and back view of no houses! Behind us is the alley and a tree line. Beside us is a path that leads to the clubhouse and pool or down to some winding back trails through the neighborhood. It also has a tire swing ready for some old-fashioned fun. Quite a change from the city scape that has been our view for a few years.

Third, we figured walking the sidewalks would be great, but then we discovered these lovely back trails! And the green spaces built into the neighborhood, too. Add in the large city park across the street from the development and you have your choice of outdoor walking spaces.

Finally, it just makes me smile when I drive or walk down the street and see homes in the style of a different era. It is a tight-knit community as well, very friendly and sociable people, many in our same stage of life.

Add to all of that the wrap around porch in front and the porch/deck in back, and there you have it! A neighborhood above and beyond even our high expectations!

The house itself? I think it’s a dream! But you’ll have to wait a couple of weeks for part two!

What is your favorite part of your neighborhood?

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D'Ann Mateer

Inspired by novelist Eugenia Price, D’Ann’s dream of writing historical fiction with an element of faith began in middle school, though her serious drive toward publication took a bit longer. D’Ann is the author of four historical novels and one novella, as well as a contemporary short stories in a compilation volume. D’Ann and her husband of 30 years can be found in Austin, TX when they aren’t touring historic sites or visiting their grown children.

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