[springfield]

We sold or donated most of our "stuff." One of the first things to go was a big old collection of silver, crystal, and antique china. I was tired of polishing and hand washing. I did not want to do that in my new life. Rather than taking what I thought I loved, I tried to visualize where it would go in our new home.

It was fun when we got down here last July to find treasures to feather our new nest, kind of like we did as newly weds. In retrospect, I did regret getting rid of a few things, and some of the things I brought did not fit.

We also really purged our clothes. Life down here is just different. The suits, heels, and fancy things are gone. My husband, who always dressed beautifully for work, actually forgot for a moment, how to tie a tie when we went to a wedding!

Mayflower charged us .50 a pound to move. I would hold something and ask myself if it was worth that .50 a pound. If it cost $5.00 to move and $3 to replace, it was gone. Have fun with your move. Try to breathe, and enjoy this new exciting adventure. Be sure to check out the "nuts and Bolts" section of totv qwhich has lots of helful info for newbies.