And off we go

Modern day covered wagon. Hmm makes me reminisce playing Oregon Trail in grade school. Hopefully we don't die of dysentery on this trip.

Packed!

To the top, good thing we opted for the 17 foot truck ...

Change of Scenery

We're moving. To Florida. (okay, get back into your chairs if you fell out of them)

Zachary and I have decided to make a very large move, and there are a number of reasons for this decision. One mainly being we are both ready for a change, a big one. We have been considering a big move for a couple years in the background, since we stopped dairy farming in the spring of 2009. Last fall we moved 60 miles from farm to Wausau, as a stepping stone. The change was good and Wausau is a great area to live, but we still had that lingering itch. We both have fond memories of Florida growing up and our visit 2 winters ago together planted a seed in the back of our minds. This summer we started seriously considering a few locations out of state. The time was right, our lease was nearing its end and I was ready for a career change. With Zachary's employer being almost nation-wide, he has the opportunity to transfer to other locations.

So in the end, we picked Panama City, Florida. Zachary found a transfer to a store in Panama City. One reason for this is its the same area my parents winter every year in Florida. It will be nice to be close to them.  They stay in Panama City Beach, just across the bridge from Panama City. Yesterday was my last day at work, my real first job out of college, 8 years ago. That was a strange feeling. And now I am unemployed. I have started the job search and hopefully I will find a new one shortly after the move. If I end up being a Wal-Mart greeter for a while, so be it. I'd look good in a blue vest. :-) Housing is still a question mark too. We have been looking online for rentals and found a few that seem promising, but we don't want to commit to anything without seeing in person first. We are planning on having a few lined up to see shortly after arriving in Florida. Living in Panama City Beach is our first choice, but it might be in any of the area communities.

Today we put in our reservation for the U-Haul truck and tow dolly for the car. We have been working on packing and sorting for 2 weeks now and we are nearing move out time. We should be cleared out by this Wednesday and probably leave Thursday. Right now the plan is trying to drive straight through, about a 20 hour drive, to lessen the duration and stress for us and our poor cats. Of course we'll stop if we are just too tired.

I am going to give mobile blog updates a try with my phone, to keep family and friends better updated with the move and the transition. Everyone loves a silly story. :-) I am going to try to be more fruitful with the blogging, as there will be lots to share in the near future. This move will be a grand experiment for us. So sit back, grab a drink, and enjoy the show.

Bristol

 We recently made our annual trip to the Bristol Renaissance Faire. Awesome as usual, and good weather too.

 Hmm... future costume? Digging the steampunk touches...

It was the Plein Aire Painting demonstration weekend, with artist scattered around the grounds, painting scenes of the faire.

We brought home a dragon piglet to match our green dragon piggy bank we adopted last year from Bristol.

Finished Pieces

 Zachary and I went back to downtown Monday evening to look at the finished ChalkFest squares. There were a few people milling about 400 Block doing the same thing. The event ended Sunday afternoon, but the art remains the sidewalks. Some were pretty smudged and faded, others still fairly intact. There were well over 300 individual squares around the block.

And now Whitewater

I know, 3 blog posts in a day, about 1 day, a little nuts. Just happen to see a lot of activity in one day without leaving far from home. Now this one was an unplanned event, happening 2 blocks from ChalkFest. So we kinda had to go see it, it was right there.

Turns out Wausau has an internationally known whitewater course right downtown on the Wisconsin River and they were hosting the 2012 International Canoe Federation Junior & U23 Canoe Slalom World Championships. There was over 30 countries competing, and many Olympic hopefuls for 2016 in Rio.

 A few competitors from Japan practicing.

 Canadian competitor's boats.

 The course, with the gates arranged for that day's events.

ChalkFest

 Saturday afternoon we went to downtown Wausau at the 400 Block to take in ChalkFest. Lots of creativity going on, with a wide range of subjects and styles. Participants get to rent a square of sidewalk on the 400 Block and have 2 days to complete their masterpiece. Just watching everyone create made me envious. I can see myself entering an event like this someday. My square would probably be Doctor Who themed. :-)

 The colors...

 The details...

 The Minecraft tributes...

 The classic characters...

The chalk dust...