Our transition continues...as we started 2018 putting our plan into high gear by purchasing a lovely home in Green Valley, AZ. Many people asked - why Green Valley? we never heard of it...do you know someone there? We wanted to include a few photos of why we chose Green Valley as a beautiful place to start the next phase for us. What a joy to be here and to be close to one of Tonia's sisters and her family. Green Valley is a wonderful community (technically an un-incorporated suburb of Tucson) nestled in the valley of the Santa Rita Mountains. We have yet to tire of the mountain views and incredible sky - its beauty and wonder is awesome to anticipate every day. We have lovely mountain views from both the front courtyard and the back patio.

We spent the first 6 months of 2018 clearing out and prepping for sale the home we've lived in for 27+ years. We thought selling would take several months due to the age and unique features of the home - as we all know God always has a plan for us and our home sold within 18 days of going on the market. Grateful. though we were, we really had to ramp up our pace to continue the purge of stuff so we could squeeze into our tiny Iowa cabin by the end of August. Due to Bob's engineering skills, packing expertise, planning, and several great friends, we made it - within 3 hours of the final closing! I don't recommend this for aging bodies!!!  We were a bit crowded in the tiny cabin, but we continued to use this time to sort and pitch - sort and store - sort and pitch up until we were ready to make the journey to Green Valley, AZ.

Again, thanks to wonderful friends and a Penske truck we arrived safely and fairly sound in Green Valley on Bob's birthday. Much to our surprise - it rained for the next 5 days (in the desert!!!) We have continued to have rain at least monthly including thunder and lightning - making Green Valley extremely green and lush.

All in all - it is truly a wonderful life - as Clarence the angel says: " Remember, George, no man is a failure who has friends." We add to that - this transition was possible and successful because of our friends, family, and faith. We are truly blessed. We continue our life transition and everyday I'm reminded of Jerimiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you, "declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  This stage of life is filled with hope and a future we know is in God's hands so our job is to make the most of each day.

Merry Christmas - Feliz Navidad -  Dios los bendiga!