As we closed the garage and stepped away from the home that had held our family for the past eight years, my husband turned to me and asked if I would miss it.
I told him no. Still, I couldn’t help walking the backyard one last time and hugging the plants and the hard work we were leaving behind.
Eight years ago, with our kids nine and ten, a big house on a wooded acre made perfect sense. The yard was a playground for scavenger hunts, tree climbing, and muddy adventures.
I had a blank canvas, and I filled it.
I put in raised beds, planted fruit trees and berry bushes, hauled topsoil by the truckload, and even installed a greenhouse.
It was hard work, but I loved every minute of it. Over time, however, I realized the kids would leave for college and those acres would become my sole responsibility. Who would plant, weed, harvest, and preserve all that food? What would I do with all that space?
Maintaining that lifestyle—including the chickens—started to feel overwhelming. So we made the decision to downsize to a smaller house on a more manageable lot.
It turned out to be only five minutes away. It was the first and only house we toured. I knew it was right as soon as I drove past it. It isn’t my dream home by any measure—no spectacular kitchen or sprawling garden—but I could see its potential.
The new house is crying out for a cottage garden, a kitchen refresh, and a bit of personality. The bones, location, and exterior are solid, and with help from Chino the Handyman and his crew, I know it will become something special.
We gave our chickens and their Eglu coop to Chino’s best friend and his family, who recently bought a small, dream “mini farm.” They have four young children, and we’re confident the birds will be well cared for and loved.
We also left the fruit trees, beans, cucumbers, lettuce, zucchinis, and pumpkins behind. The new owners have three young kids, and I couldn’t think of a better housewarming gift than an instant u-pick garden right in their backyard.
Change is good. A new chapter begins on Monday.
Peace out, Girl Scouts,
~ Mavis