Life Is Better In Flip Flops

A transplant from Vermont, life has changed dramatically for me in the last year. After living my entire 35 years in multiple parts of New England, I’m now Southern by Design.

Moving for my family and I has had its ups and downs. Most would say, “What could be better than the beach?” I will tell you, raising two kids in the same place for their entire lives and then uprooting them as teenagers… Well, are teens ever happy? Seriously though, we are creating some amazing memories, sunrises on the beach, hunting for seashells, walks on the shore and my fave– sand in every nook and cranny!

Our choice for moving south was one of need, the need to get out of northern living! Snow and sub-zero temps for weeks and months takes its toll. But, the lack of sun was by far the hardest! In comparison, there are on average 100 more days a year of sun in South Carolina! 100 MORE, yes that is what you read!  Don’t get me wrong, Vermont is a gorgeous state! There are the beautiful mountains and landscape (that I sometimes miss), the foliage, maple syrup, Lake Champlain and if you enjoy winter activities it is perfect. However, one year without the snow, frigid temperatures and sun almost daily– I am a whole new person!

My dream for years had been beach living, usually that conversation ended with, “…when we retire.” Then, we decided that we were outgrowing our home of 14 years. Somewhere in the middle of fixing-up our house and selling, the dream of starting over in the south became a reality. Maybe it was when my husband was asked by someone visiting from out-of-town, “What keeps everyone here, is there an invisible fence?” Or perhaps the many life events and changes (a story for another day) that had occurred in the past few years all “moved” us in this direction. In thee end though, I know, God worked in many ways to get us to this place! I wake up daily feeling blessed and thankful that I get to call the south my new home.

Beach, blessed & family obsessed!