Moving on… — BC + WW

We moved to Wilmington NC in November of 2021 with a new job at a local architecture firm and Wayne, well who cares, he always worked remote anyways! But, this move marked the beginning of the next phase of our lives, looking toward retirement. We visited Wilmington a few times prior as we held Thanksgiving weeks over in Oak Island, and found Wilmington to have small town charm, a neat historic district, and small business variety. After renting for a year, we found a new build in the historic district. We jumped on it! Coming with a garage and apartment, we were thinking long term for a possible mother-in-law suite and some income from VRBO. We were sold!

Wayne felt great that he could be closer to his family up in Raleigh. A quick trip for the day was feasible, for the holidays, for birthdays, or just saying hello. Wayne’s family was able to see more of us!

We couldn’t have asked for better neighbors, next door and behind, as we ate, drank, and celebrated together. The porch allowed us to say high to passers-by and of course, wine happy hour. Our pup, Chase, become a porch puppy! Always hanging out and saying hi to anyone who passed by. Our immediate purchase was 4 rocking chairs, a southern requirement.

Bobby spent the few years gardening in the front, the side, the rear, everywhere that a plant could be planted! And even planting in the air in the rear! He learned his love for gardening, and in fact, followed that path a bit later. Another southern requirement? A magnolia tree, a little gem, probably still planted too close to the house out back.

Wayne became accustomed to watching the world pass as he worked in the front office, viewing everything out the front window. This included the antics of our next-door neighbors, throwing shoes around trying to rid the block of murder hornets! He also kept attuned to the squirrels out the front and side window, the dogs who visited the church parking lot next door, and Chase keeping him company.

In the first year of our home, we were asked to participate in the Old Wilmington Candlelight Tour. We said yes and our house became a Christmas explosion! Every room was decorated; we had 5 Christmas trees, the table was set, arches lined with greenery and lights, the outside was draped with more greenery and lights, and the cheer filled the house as visitors dropped by. Wayne even had his sister come down to help fill the house with more!

We adopted our lives to a bit slower paced, not the same as DC where we lived prior. Drivers drove slower, retail attendants talked more, people planned their lives around a longer stay, and we found new places to hang out, such as Fly Trap brewery, and got accustomed to the various food trucks! Chase loved his new home and loved the weekly trips on Fridays to the dog park! He spread out his little feet to cope with the sand.

With our new home, we increased our travels! London, France, Scotland, Italy; and Bobby insisted that a painting be bought at every trip! Soon our home was filled with visual, artistic reminders of places we’ve visited. Our home was feeling like a place to record memories.

Move forward to 2024 when Bobby lost his job after challenging a local politician on social media.

Thing is, in a small city, you get noticed more. So, instead of moving to a new city so Bobby could get another design job, he decided to go back to school. Cape Fear Community College had a horticulture and gardening associate degree, so, off he went back to school. He enjoyed the daily classes with infield work. He then started helping his neighbors with their gardening!

After a year in the gardening path, Bobby found out that the program was ending. What to do? Let’s pack up and go to Florida and continue the degree at another college. And hey, is this a place we want to retire as well? Let’s find out!

So, that takes us to the next phase of our lives. Moving to Florida! Orlando specifically. We don’t know if this is our final place, but it’s what our lives call for next. Stay tuned.