Moving On

For a long time now, Alan and I have discussed next steps for us.  It has become clear that this tri-level house with a ski slope yard in Kingsport is no longer what we want or need.  I am facing knee replacement sometime within the next year or so, and having to go up and down stairs to the bathroom will be a problem, especially as we age more.  Plus, Alan and I are increasingly less interested in yard work at the scale needed here. As a consequence, we have decided to begin the search for a one-level house in Johnson City, TN, about 26 miles from Kingsport.  It is a more vibrant university town, but still close enough that we will be able to continue our friendships in the Kingsport area.  We have gotten a realtor that we like (Seth Jervis of Century 21) and have begun that part of the process.

Of course, that means we must get our present house ready for sale, which will take us a while.  We got the exterior painted last fall and the realtor suggested some painting/fix-up in the interior, also.  So that is starting, also.  In order for us to get painting done and to move out of here, we have to go through all the accumulations of years of living in a house.  I've lived here since 1987 and Alan since 1992, so you can just imagine the task we have ahead of us. Every closet is stuffed, and there are piles in the corners!

Because the painter is starting in the living room, I've begun going through all the books I have there.  Many are ones we got to research our travels.  Since we aren't likely to go back to these places, I am offering the following books to anyone who wants them.  I will mail to you if you live away from the area.  Let me know by Feb. 10 if you want any or all of them.

Michigan books:

• Michigan, an Explorer's Guide
• Michigan's Upper Peninsula (a Moon handbook)
• Hiking Michigan's Upper Peninsula
• 50 Hikes in Michigan

Guide to the Natchez Trace Parkway

Note:  I have told the Imagination Library board that I will go off the board at the end of my present term at the end of 2019.  I am gradually moving the many things I have been doing to other people.  We have a wonderful new crop of younger board members, so I am certain that they will continue and do well whether I am involved or not.