So many changes in this new year, my friends. I’ll start with an apology for not posting since before Thanksgiving. Your patience has been greatly appreciated. In fact, readership has actually increased, and for that I am truly grateful. That you choose to follow the random thoughts in my head is an endless source of amazement and joy, and I love you for it.
What’s happening? Lots. First, The Complete Package is retiring! He likes to joke that I retired years ago when our first grandchild was born. He is not wrong, although technically it was more like dropping out to play Nana than retiring. The fact that I never went back to work was just a bonus (for me). Now, at long last, he will be joining me in what I like to refer to as our “funemployed years”. What’s on tap? All kinds of things, starting with this:
WE’RE MOVING TO AUSTIN!
We found our ultimate retirement home in the rolling hills west of Austin. It’s a beautiful 4 bedroom, 3 1/2 bath one-story home with all of the features we’ve dreamed of – an open floor plan, low maintenance, high ceilings, wood floors and sweeping hill country views. Oh, and did I mention the kitchen? I knew I was home the instant I saw it.
That island! Huge is an understatement. By all estimates, I’d guess it should accommodate 40 pies, 400 cinnamon rolls (at least), and sleep 4 full-grown adults if we run out of beds. It’s insane. I also love the great windows, morning light, deep counters and that herringbone subway tile backsplash. I can hardly believe I’m going to get to live here. For real – it almost brings tears to my eyes.
I’m looking forward to baking with the kids and cooking big family dinners. The idea being close enough for regular Sunday Suppers with the family has been a dream since our daughter graduated from UT and settled in Austin. We’ll be able to take the kids for long hikes in the hills, ride bikes around the miles of paved trails, and spend quality time at the neighborhood pool & play areas. Something else I’m looking forward to – a covered porch where I can relax and enjoy a good book or a cup of coffee. Guess what? Dreams do come true, kids.
And because the new house sits on top of a hill, we have great views of our new neighborhood and the rolling hills out by Lake Travis. I can hardly wait to pick out patio furniture. Besides the new house, we are thrilled to pieces to be closer to our daughter, Jonah Bear and Lilly Bug. With her pending divorce, we’ll now be there to help out and that gives all of us greater peace of mind. The kids are already plotting weekend sleepovers and calling dibs on bedrooms. They’re not alone. The Complete Package & I are ridiculously exited, too.
Blog posts may be few and far between for a bit. We’re working to list and sell our home of 25 years in Houston and prepare for the big move to Austin. If all goes well, we’ll be moving in early April (fingers crossed). I’ll try to keep you posted on our progress, if you’re interested. My goal is to be back up to full speed by May, with as many posts as possible in between, until I’m firmly planted here:
Once we’re settled, I’ll break in that kitchen, hit the back roads to explore, and bring you new content from our little corner of Austin. Oh, the places we’ll go!
If you live in the Austin area, be forewarned – I’M COMING FOR YOU!
And I could not be more excited. -jeanne
Inside NanaBread's Head 
It is truly lovely and although you will be missed so much by your friends here, watch out we will come to see you. You build it and they will come. Isn’t that the saying? See you on the 23rd for dinner. Pat
Thanks, Pat! I love that you’re already thinking roadtrip. (:
How wonderful and exciting!! Many good wishes headed your way for a smooth and happy transition, Jeanne! And yes – THAT ISLAND. And those gorgeous planked floors… ;-)
I appreciate the good wishes, Amy. Thanks so much!
It’s looking great! Can’t wait to see it in person, it’s gorgeous and I love that there is so much natural habitat left around the area. Congrats!!!
Thanks, Sis! We’re getting more & more excited the closer we get. Now we just need to sell the Houston house. Fingers crossed it goes fast!
Congrats! What a beautiful home – love the hardwoods and yes, that kitchen!! oh, and the porch – soooo nice! that was one thing I didn’t get in our new house that I really wanted. sniff sniff. Sounds like the perfect house and location for you guys. Enjoy! :)
Thanks, Lynda. Did you get moved back to Texas already?
Yes! :) So great to be back home. We are in Katy. (tough to leave the Heights… but ultimately the best decision, I hope!)
Welcome home! Did you sing “The stars at night are big & bright, deep in the heart of Texas” when you landed? It’s a family tradition for us. (:
Thanks! Can’t say that I did. I’m usually so exhausted by the end of the Dubai flight that on landing I just sigh and thank my lucky stars it’s over! Will NOT miss that flight with the kids!
Oof! I cannot imagine that flight with kids. So glad you made it back safely!
So happy to find you back in the blogging saddle again, Jeanne! I’ve missed you, girlfriend of a girlfriend! I love your new home, and wish you much happiness in the Capitol–where you and The Complete Package will be able to actually see those big and bright stars of Texas! If Smokin’ Hot and I ever make it your way with Kaki and Don, I call dibs on that lovely “sleeping porch!”
Boomer
Hey, Boomer!
We’ll have to see if the mosquitoes in Austin are as prolific as the ones in Houston. If so, we may need to screen that porch in order to have a proper sleeping porch or you’ll wake up in the morning a quart low. Now that Don’s retired and Kaki’s working on it, there’s no excuse not to come to Austin. Right? (:
I love Austin! What a gorgeous view & all that natural light! The curved kitchen island is to-die-for! Best of luck <3
Thanks, Surly! Hugs to you. -jeanne
Oh my gosh….what exciting changes are happening. Congrats to TCP….how I wish I could retire. I can’t wait for you to move and settle in so I can see what amazing things come out of that amazing kitchen! Your home is just beautiful and I wish you both much love and happiness in your new home! : )
Hi, Anne! It is exciting. TCP is soooo ready to retire & relax. Thanks for the happy wishes. Back at you! Hugs to you, friend. -j