Tuesday, January 15, 2013

New York to Colorado!


I'm back! My husband and I made the move from Brooklyn, New York, to a suburb of Denver, Colorado last week. Our moving truck came on schedule, and, as I watched from my front window, it was loaded with almost all our worldly goods. Did I cry?  I have to admit I did a little ... I've lived in my Brooklyn home over 36 years and it was sad to leave so many memories and so many nearby favorite people behind. But I also felt very happy and excited, as I knew I was moving to a beautiful state where my children and grandchildren live, and that life would go on and be exciting in a brand new way.

We began our 1,800 plus mile drive the morning after the moving truck left. My friend Rosemary brought muffins and hot coffee over that morning and helped us load up our car. We had a tearful goodbye, but best friends never really say goodbye do they?  I know we'll be together again many more times in the future. Rosemary was really a lifesaver, as I had a few meltdowns when we realized we didn't have enough room in our Subaru for anything else, and we'd have to leave a few important things behind. She bundled them up and took them to her home for safe keeping. My husband will be coming back to NYC many times over the next few years for business reasons and little by little he will carry back what we left behind in his luggage, or ship them.


As we traveled west, I was a little apprehensive about making this trip in the winter. If you remember, my husband and I made the same trip--click here to view-- last July, when the skies were blue and sunny and the temperatures were warm. It was so much fun at that time to see all the states in their summer glory. Now I was hoping winter weather would cooperate with us, as we decided to take the same route on Interstate Highway 80 West. As we drove through Pennsylvania, in the Pocono Mountains, we saw our first snowfall.



The snow slowed us up a little, so instead of stopping in Indiana, as was our goal, we stopped for the night in Maumee, Ohio, where we saw this beautiful sunset.



We got up bright and early the next morning to make up driving time, with Kearney, Nebraska, as our next goal.  The weather in Indiana was cold and grey, but road conditions were good.


The pretty barns I took photos of on our summer trip looked cold and forlorn on this ride, so I didn't take many photos of them on this drive West, as I did then. (click here to see that post)  It was also hard to keep my car windows clean from all the road slush!


Illinois had fairly good weather.

Outside of city area traffic, the roads there were very empty.


In fact, for many miles, our car and a few trucks were the only traffic. It was in Illinois, however, where we had our first excitement.  My husband at one point noticed he was being followed by a state trooper. The trooper came next to our car and then dropped behind us and put on his lights and pulled us over.  The trooper obviously wanted to see what we had piled high in the back of our car, and perhaps he had also noticed our cat, in his carrier, looking out the window and wanted to see if there was something illegal dangerous in our car? After hearing our explanation about moving, and checking our license and registration, he sent us back on our way with a speed limit warning, so all was well, even if our hearts were beating a little faster afterward!


When we crossed over the mighty Mississippi River it thankfully looked fuller than it had in the past summer's drought.


We drove through all of Iowa in a pouring rain storm, but felt happy it wasn't snow!


The remains of a prior snowstorm had left interesting patterns on the plowed cornfields of Iowa.



On to Nebraska, where we began to see fog building up.
The fog became as heavy as pea soup, and we contemplated stopping earlier than our planned destination of Kearney, but we decided to drive on as it would be difficult to see anything at all off the interstate. It was truly scary, and eerie, driving in the fog and I said more than a few prayers as we kept driving.
It was in Nebraska that my husband received a devastating phone call that an esteemed colleague from work had passed away suddenly in his sleep the prior day. This man had been instrumental in convincing and supporting my husband that we should do this big move, and we felt his approving presence in our hearts even as we deeply mourned his loss.  We finally arrived in Kearney, Nebraska, for the night safely, but our hearts were heavy. We also received word that my son and daughter-in-law were in the hospital emergency room that evening with my youngest grandson, as he was very sick with a flu-like respiratory virus! Needless to say, we did not rest well that night, but thankfully we heard good news the next morning that our grandson was doing better and was home again.

We crossed over the border between Nebraska and Colorado the next morning. Anticipation helped to keep us cheerful, despite the heavy news of the night before.


The North East part of Colorado is mainly flat plains, as far as the eye can see.  As we passed by scattered cattle ranches all I could think of was the herds of hundreds of thousands of buffalo, along with the Native Americans, that once owned this land.


As we traveled further southwest in Colorado, we came upon the sight of frost on the sagebrush and trees.

Everything glistened like diamonds! It was so beautiful!  My husband and I never saw anything like it, and we both felt like we were entering a magical fairyland.


Then the snow began to fall, and pretty soon we were in freezing white-out snow conditions, traveling less than 40 miles an hour.




At this point, we worried we'd never make it to our new home!


Then, like magic, as we approached Denver, the sky became clear and bright and the weather was fine! We drove on finally feeling all the tension of the past two days melt away.


There, in the near distance, was our home in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains!



My sweet daughter and son-in-law were waiting for us at our new home and we were happy to see the "bump" of our expected granddaughter! We know many happy moments await us here in Colorado and I can't wait to share them with you!
Unfortunately, both of our grandsons were now ill with the flu and on quarantine from my daughter, so we are waiting till they feel better to see them.  In the meantime, we have lots to catch up on!  I felt like a newlywed again as I had to run out and buy so many new things just to settle in before the moving truck arrives tomorrow.


Our cat Bo had no trouble getting comfortable in his new home, although he felt as we did -- totally exhausted!  Please bear with me our as lives get settled and I open and find places for everything in my moving boxes over the next few weeks days. I now look forward to taking you to many places in Colorado, as well as returning to blog about New York City from time to time.

It's good to be home!

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71 comments:

ellen b. said...

Welcome home Pat. What a relief it must have been to arrive safely in your new driveway! Blessings as you unpack and sort out what goes where!!

Pamela Gordon said...

Hi Pat, I'm so glad you got across the country to your new home in Colorado safely. You certainly had all kinds of weather to go through to get there! I'm sorry for the loss of your husband's co-worker. I hope your grandchildren are feeling much better. I will look forward to seeing your new posts of your new state. Such an exciting time for you all. Blessings to you for strength as you unpack and I pray you don't get the flu and that your daughter will have a beautiful healthy baby. Hugs, Pamela

Lynn said...

Sounds like an eventful but overall good trip! I wish you much happiness in your new home Pat-enjoy:@)

Anonymous said...


It was lovely to accompany you on your journey to your new life, although I was so sorry to hear of the loss of your friend.

I am so looking forward to hearing all about your new adventures!

With my very best wishes. x

Old Kitty said...

My goodness!!! What a journey!! What a road trip!! What a story to tell your soon to be granddaughter of how grandma and grandpa and cat, Bo travel through rain, snow, fog and more snow to be with her!! How fantastic!

Awww but I am so sorry to read about your dear friend's passing. My deepest condolences to his family.

And I do hope your gorgeous grandsons are getting better! Oh my goodness!

And getting stopped by the police! LOL!! Sorry but that's so bizarre!! You and hubby and Bo the cat are so lovely that you all getting stopped by cops just does not enter into the equation! :-)

Thank you for sharing your amazing journey!!

YOU'RE FINALLY HOME!

Take care
x

Snap said...

What a trip!!! Sad to hear of the passing of your friend. Welcome home! Stay safe and warm!

Helen said...

Aside from the illness and sadness, I can't tell you how much I enjoyed your post. Reminds me of the drive west to Bend Oregon all the way from Orlando Florida ... in 2005! It took me a bit longer as I was the solo driver, but I felt like I had accomplished something grand ... I know you and your husband did too. Welcome to Denver! Welcome to the west!

Michelle said...

Glad to hear that you made the trip safely! Best of luck with all of your new adventures!

Sara at Come Away With Me said...

Hooray, you made it safely. I enjoyed all the sights you showed us of your drive west. Welcome to your new home, and I look forward to more posts from Denver.

Sarah said...

Pat, it's good news to know that you are safely in Denver. I know this adventure will be full of exciting opportunities. A fresh new start! Take it slow. You don't have to unpack all the boxes at once. Enjoy the process.
Welcome Home!

Barbara F. said...

Good luck in your new home. You will be settled in before you know it. You saw some amazing scenery along the way. Love the header. xo

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

That was quite some move! Glad you made it safely. Take your time to get unpacked and settled in. I am looking forward to the posts of your new home and state.
Hugs,
Penny

Lacey R said...

Glad to hear you made it to Colorado safely! Sorry to hear about your husband's co-worker. Hope everything goes well with the unpacking and settling in!

nanny said...

I am so happy that you arrived, safely. The whiteout would have stalled me until spring....very scary.

Your pictures are wonderful as usual and I enjoyed the trip with you!!

black eyed susans kitchen said...

This is all so exciting Pat! I can't wait to see Colorado through your eyes.

Sue said...

We travel on many of those roads that you were just on when we make yearly trips from Ohio to New Mexico. Driving across Nebraska and eastern Colorado can be pretty boring and barren. And we've encountered our share of all-out blizzards blowing on those desolate plains! We got stopped in Illinois, too. We were driving with new tires that were the wrong size for the car- even though the speedometer said we were going the speed limit, we really weren't. The trooper verified that they were the wrong size tires but still issued a ticket. Geez..... thought he would have given us a break- knowing that we weren't blatantly speeding!
Hope you get settled soon so you can start enjoying your family and that gorgeous state. :-)

Jo said...

Welcome home! I am so glad you made it there safely ... it looks like hard driving to me ... I hope you get a chance to grab a bit of rest and take some time in settling in.

Lora @ my blessed life said...

Congratulations on your big move! I enjoyed your photo blogging of your drive:) Moving in winter is risky, isn't it?!

I know your children and grandchildren must be thrilled for you to be there though. This past fall my parents and sister all moved from AR to KY to be close to us and we are so happy to have them nearby! It's such a blessing!

Jeannelle said...

Fun to see your trip through the photos. Glad to hear you arrived safely.

Vee said...

Your daughter looks so beautiful wearing a bump. ☺ Welcome home, Dear Girl. Oh my...what a trip, fraught with lots of excitement and such sorrow. The stuff of life. So sorry that the grands have been ill with the flu. You take care and get settled in and I shall see you soon.

From Beyond My Kitchen Window said...

I'm glad to hear you have arrived at your new home safely. What a long drive, especially in the winter time. I am looking forward to learning all kinds of interesting facts about your new state. Take your time getting unpacked and settled in. We will be patiently awaiting your next post.

The Gathering Place said...

Welcome to the West! I'm glad you survived the trip with all the winter weather. In Utah we have had snow and freezing cold temperatures so you were pretty lucky. Good luck getting set up in your new place. Can't wait to learn more about Denver!

Arlene Delloro said...

So glad you made it safely to your new home, Pat. What an exciting time awaits you!

Cindy said...

What a wonderful odyssey to read! You are an amazing story teller and I'm riveted to my screen reading this. I loved seeing all of your photos, you are in one of the prettiest states in the USA, in my humble opinion. I love Montana, Idaho, Wyoming and Colorado. I would live in one of those states if I ever had the chance.
I pray that all goes well and I look forward to reading more as time permits you to write.
And I sure hope your little grandsons are well very soon.
Love and hugs, Cindy

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Hi Cutie, I enjoyed following you across the country on FB... That was SO neat...

Sounds like an 'interesting' trip--but glad you made it safely with no problems.

Now--just relax and do things gradually --as you settle into the new life in Colorado.

Hugs,
Betsy

Sea Witch said...

Oh Pat. I have so enjoyed this post as I have made that same road trip when we moved from New Jersey to Minnesota and then from Illinois to Flagstaff. The snow can be a little frightening on the highways but you learn to adjust quickly. How wonderful that you will be surrounded by family. My son and his lovely wife and their three children live in Aurora. I visit twice a year and divide my time with my other three grandchildren in NY...soon to be Alaska. Our seventh just arrived and lives in Japan. Seems like I am always at the airport these days but it is so worth it. Blessings to you and those you love and enjoy your home in Colorado.

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

Happy about your safe arrival! I enjoyed seeing the travel up-dates and smiled as you passed through Kearney, Nebraska where my parents were married while my dad was stationed at a base there during WWII.

Many years ago we visited a dear friend living in Littleton.

Best wishes as you and your sweetheart make your new home warm and cozy!

Buttercup said...

Enjoyed your cross country trip and so glad to see your Colorado home. Will miss your pictures of New York, but excited to see the west through your eyes.

Betsy Brock said...

What a fun post! Glad you made it safely! Ohio through Illinois is SO flat, isn't it? But we do have gorgeous sunsets! So fun to see you get to those mountains. I'd never tire of looking at those.

We get that frost here...it's called hoar frost. It is magical!

Have fun getting settled!

SavoringTime in the Kitchen said...

Glad to hear you've arrived safely! I know the weather in Denver was dreadfully cold last weekend but I also know how beautiful it is most of the year :) Congratulations on so many new beginnings :)

Patricia @ ButterYum said...

When we left NYC, we moved to a Denver suburb. There was a little bit of culture shock, and we really, really, really missed the bread and bagels (this was 30 years ago), but overall, we loved living in Colorado. The sunsets are stunning. And you have to go to the mountains in the middle of summer and make snowballs :).

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

My husband and I both read this post. I'm so glad you got there safe and sound. It sure was an eventful trip with all kinds of weather. The photos of the icy snow are beautiful! I hope you get settled in and the grandkids feel better soon! I'm keeping you all in my prayers. Sweet hugs, Diane

Anonymous said...

Pat I am slap happy tickled for yall.
Thanks for sharing these great cross country photo's
~Jo @ LoblollyLane

The Quintessential Magpie said...

I am crying with you and smiling with you, Pat. May you be blessed beyond all measure with you framily and your new home!

XO,

Sheila

steviewren said...

I'm glad you made it Pat. And now...on to your next great adventure!

Kris said...

Welcome home Pat! You have been so very much in my thoughts and prayers, as you were traveling to your new home state. I was so sorry to read about the loss of your friend. How sad to get such news. And hopefully, your two grandsons will recover quickly from their flu, and you can squeeze them like Grandmas do.
Hugs,
Kris

Willow said...

Pat, I've moved many times and for me it's always exciting when I arrive at my new home! Blessings to you in Denver. Also, I felt like I was seeing again many of the same farms and fields I've viewed as we've traveled back and forth across the US. In fact, we spent one night in Kearney, Nebraska.

Ola said...

good to hear that the journey was safe, this is going to be a big change I guess:)
Blog about life and travelling
Blog about cooking

eileeninmd said...

Wow, Pat, that was some drive. I would have been scared silly in the fog and snow. I am so happy to say welcome home. I know you will enjoy your new home and being close to your grandchildren. I am looking forward to see many new post from your new home. I wish everyone get well wishes. Have a happy day!

My name is Riet said...

Hi Pat. I sit here with my heart beating so fast after reading all that you went through driving that far in snow an fog. I am glad you made it safely.Hopefully your grandsons will be better soon . I wish you all the luck in your new home and world my friend.
Riet

Sam Hoffer / My Carolina Kitchen said...

What a great documentary of your trip Pat. We've moved so many times in our lives. I wish I had thought of doing this. I've been following your trip on your FB page and enjoyed that as well.

So glad you are getting settled in. When we had cats, we used to open all of the cabinet doors in the new house so they could sniff everything out. It's amazing how fast they adjust.
Sam

From the Kitchen said...

I'm so glad that you are home! That was quite a trek! I'm used to seeing I-80 always bumper-to-bumper and not thinking of it east or west of Chicago. I hope your belongings arrive in good order. Let the hands-on grandparenting begin!

Best,
Bonnie

Tanna said...

Welcome HOME!! I know that was a physically and emotionally draining trip. Especially getting all that bad news in Kansas. I'm so sorry for the loss of your friend/husband's co-worker. And, I hope the boys are feeling better SOON! You are going to love being near them. =D blessings ~ tanna

Viki said...

Best wishes in your new home!!

Pondside said...

What a trip, Pat! I'm so glad to read that you are safely in your new house and well on the way to making it 'home'. You have begun a whole new chapter in your life, one that is taking courage and an adventurous spirit - quite inspiring!

pam said...

I am so glad to see a post. I have wondered about your travels. Of course we use I70 to travel across Kansas and into Colorado and ALWAYS winter is a gamble in western Kansas and eastern Colorado. Snow storms can be crazy in those flat lands. So thankful you arrived safely. You had quite a journey, praying His comfort over the loss of your hubby's work friend...wow. Our lives are touched so profoundly by others and we are graced with intense gratitude for their presence in our lives for that season.
You have made quite a change in life....so thankful God has gone before you and prepared the way. Who can even imagine all the new adventures in your life to come. Day by day, peace to you my friend!

Judy said...

Welcome home, Pat! I enjoyed your well-documented trip west...and could picture it well. So sorry to hear of the bad news you received along the way...putting a little damper on your journey, I'm sure. Blessings to your family...as you begin to enjoy life together in Colorado.

Beth said...

I'm so happy for you and your family, Pat! I know you will love being close to your daughters and their families, and you have chosen a beautiful place to live. My best to you!
Beth

La Petite Gallery said...

Pat, great photo's I felt I was on the road with you. Too bad about your bad news, well you are there safe and sound. Now you will have culture shock for a while.it's hard to leave Miami and arrive here in Rockland Maine. Can you believe I was afraid to drive in Miami. Gosh I lived there 30 years. Congrats hope you make a few nice friends. yvonne

Claudia said...

Oh Pat -my heart pittered and pattered following you on the trip. Winter roads can be scary. So can winter fog! Glad you are safe and sound and at home - even with heavy hearts for awhile. How wonderful that you can do this - now. Hoping the wee ones make a speedy recovery - the flu season has also been scary. Love the arrival into Denver - the sunshine looked as if it was welcoming you.

Thoughts on Life and Millinery. said...

What a adventure. We always had our cars shipped when relocating; the emotional rocketing from old to new was perhaps made worse that way. I'd love to know what the NY city kitty is going to make of life in the wilds of Colorado.

Cheryl @ TFD said...

I'm so glad to read that you made it to your new home safe and sound! You will love it there with your family close by. I hope your grandsons are feeling better already. I know they are anxious to welcome you home!

Unknown said...

This is so exciting for you Pat. I love how you shared the drive with us. I hope everyone enjoys wonderful health soon so that you can all enjoy getting settled in your new home.

I found your blog always so exciting to read about where I used to live. Now you'll be sharing about a part of the country I have never been to, and that is truly exciting.

Enjoy getting settled in, and Welcome Home.

Karen

Miss Jean said...

Welcome to Colorado! We moved here last May just south east of Denver and I know you are going to love it.

podso said...

Wow Pat, I enjoyed the journey with you! What an adventure and amazing that you were stopped by that officer! I'm sure you are glad to be there now and settling in with many great adventures awaiting you! Thanks for your kind comments about my mother, she is still with us!

Donna said...

So happy to hear you made it safely, Pat. What an adventure. Take your time and settle in slowly.

Hugs,
Donna

Ciao Chow Linda said...

Rosemary is a sweetheart. I'm sure she'll miss you terribly. Who wouldn't love having you as a friend. What a lot of mixed emotions for you on this move. I wish you and your family all the best on the move.

Karen Harris said...

Welcome to Colorado! What a trip. How happy you must be to be near your daughter and that new baby. Looks like you have lots of help, but if you have any questions or need any suggestions, drop me a line.

Kathleen said...

That was some trip! I actually have friends in Maumee, Ohio, they are originally from Garden City!

Beautiful pictures of the hoar frost.

Good luck dear , Pat. NY will miss you! I have never lived more than an hour away from where I grew up except for college in Ohio and grad school at Villanova. I missed LI, have to be near the water!

I wish you many happy healthy years in your new home!

Tracy said...

WELCOME HOME, Pat! So glad you made it safe, and all is good! LOVED tales & pics from your trip. Fun to see Bo all ready snug at home. And how wonderful to see baby bump grand-daughter...aaawww... Enjoy these new days in your new home. :o) ((HUGS))

Ivy, Phyllis and Me! said...

Good Evening Pat, What an amazing adventure travelling all those miles, through wind, rain, fog and snow. But, you are finally home. Have a wonderful new life in Colorado and enjoy the feeling of your new home. With warmest wishes to you.
Daphne

AdriBarr said...

All the best to you in your new home! What wonderful photos. I look forward to dispatches from the Rockies. By the way, you are now half way to California!

GailO said...

Congratulations on your move Pat! Love the photos you took on the road...it gave me a real feel of the entire trip across country in the winter...and most of it was beautiful if not completely safe:) Love the frost on the trees shots!

Hope your grandsons get well soon...Charlie was in the ER with the flu too...so sad to see the little ones sick.

Catherine said...

I`m so happy for you! We made that same trip many times when we lived in Colorado and drove home on leave to my in-laws in Buffalo NY in the winter!

mrs. c said...

You will love living in Colo. We are thinking about moving from Tennessee to Boise when I retire. I think you are starting on a new adventure and with your family nearby it's going to be a blast. Colorado is lucky to have you!!

Ocean Breezes and Country Sneezes said...

So happy you had a safe trip, & I'm sorry for your loss. Thankfully your grandson is on the mend too! XO

Yvette said...

What a trip!! I'm glad you both took your time and made it safely home through all the changes in weather and road conditions and bad news and good.

Can't wait to see your new home and read about your new adventures in Colorado. :)

God Bless.

Yvette said...

Oh, LOVE your new header, too, Pat. Fabulous. I wondered how you were going to do it and you hit a home run. :)

Shirleyanne said...

Wow!!! What a journey, + quite a life change, but with the family around you, it will be such a blessing!
Hope you begin to settle in soon;)

Lorrie said...

Dear Pat,
What fun to travel along with you as you drove across the country to your new home. Leaving a place you love is hard, but knowing there is love waiting on the other end is a comfort.
I hope you settle in well and quickly, and that your grandsons are both much better by now. I'm sorry for the loss of your husband's colleague.

Annesphamily said...

Such a journey! Glad you are both here and safe and sound! Those little grands being sick! Makes me sad. This flu is wicked this year. We have so many patients cancelling appointments because of it! Glad they are better now. Now your new journey begins!