If you’ve followed along for a while, you know that my life is split between Maine and Houston. I enjoy both places, but transitioning into Houston does have its challenges.
There are some highlights, including coming home to the house I love.
The first few minutes are spent wandering from room to room reacquainting myself with each one.
Even before bags are unpacked, I go to buy foodstuffs. Now, that is one of the joys of being in Houston. Costco and Trader Joe’s are just a few minutes away as well as a grocery store that has everything and then some. Between the three the pantry is well stocked and bunches of flowers make it seem like home.
Now for the hard part. Compared to Rockport, Houston is a behemoth! What that means is traffic, lots of it. Already I’ve had to do some freeway driving and after traveling mostly two lane roads for the last few months, six lanes of cars moving at fast speeds is a trifle scary.
Houston has been home for many years, and I do have good friends here that I am anxious to see. I appreciate the amenities this big city offers, but I miss the simple life and the natural beauty in Maine. Heck, I even miss shopping at TJ Maxx!
I especially miss opening my eyes every morning and looking out to see how Rockport Harbor is welcoming the day. Here, when I turn my head all I see is the wooden fence that separates us from the neighbors.
Oh well, it’s a good life and I am very grateful for all that each place affords.
i so appreciate your visit and the comments you leave behind
Lulu's Musings 
Having recently gone through transitioning, I understand your journey. I am still trying to find things that I thought were here but must be in Maine. My closet looks like a tornado may have touched down. I am not as organized as you are. Like Scarlett, I’ll worry about it tomorrow.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Tomorrow is soon enough to worry about all that needs to be done!
Isn’t it fun to have such different and contrasting environments for your 2 homes! I feel the same way about my homes, even though they are much closer together than yours {4 hour drive} Birmingham is a sprawling city, with lots of traffic, but with the lovely conveniences of great stores and restaurants, but life on the coast is slow, casual and easy, with the glorious water views… Do you have someone that checks on things for you during the times you are away? The only downside to 2 homes is constant maintenance!
Jenna
How right you are about the maintenance and that is the primary reason we are relocating in Houston. The constant care is wearing us out. We blew through Alabama on the way home, and I always think of you when I’m in the state.
Aw, thanks, so you are going to sell that beautiful home?
How lucky you are to have the best of both worlds! Your home looks lovely! I have never been to Houston before. I know Lexi is loving it.
Do you know her from the WP community?
Houston is an easy place to like is so many ways, so I’m not surprised Lexi, who I do not know, is happy here.
Good to see you back in H-town yesterday. I feel the same way when we come back from the Hill Country every time. Both places have their advantages. I never forget to be grateful that we have the privilege of being able to enjoy both.
Two totally different worlds…it always takes a little while to adjust to the changes.
Yes, and you do know the difference between my two places.
Linda, you have much to enjoy about both homes. The harbor is definitely a stunning view.
I keep the view as a mind picture!
Really a ‘world’ of difference! Seems like you have the best of both worlds! We lived in Houston many years ago, and were back there for a short visit recently. Things had changed a lot, and we sure don’t regret that our winter home is north of Phoenix Arizona, not somewhere around Houston. Not that Houston would have been a bad choice – it’s just that sometimes you can’t go back and recapture the past.
Houston is not a retirement place, but it is a good place to live for a big city.
I know that views of the harbor cannot be beat. BUT you have a backyard here that is so inviting and full of eye candy.
The best of both worlds……:)
Thank you for the reminder, Susan.
Oh my! Not sure what to say! I actually drove in Houston last week. Praying that your transition goes well. Trusting you are where you think you should for this time!
Transition takes a few days but when push comes to shove, I’d rather be in Houston in winter.
Boy! Your house in Houston is about as far as anything could be architecturally from Maine. And of course, so is the “mental/emotional architecture.” As a native Texan born and raised, I left right after college and spent 40 years of my adult life in New York and Connecticut. Retired back to San Antonio (because of family obligations), but it hasn’t been easy. Still have to go to the Northeast once a year or so to “get my fix.”
Enjoy your commentary and photos.
Yep, our Houston house would have a hard time fitting in Maine! Houston has been home for so long and I do enjoy being here, but I am very grateful to have the privilege of spending time in my much loved Maine.
I get it for sure! I love the mountains and Houston. If we could move to the mountains full-time I think I would like that. But that is not going to happen for the foreseeable future.
At least you enjoy when you can.
And we miss you1
So fabulous that you can enjoy both of these worlds. We’ll be traveling back to Seattle the beginning of December for a long weekend and I’m not looking forward to the traffic but am looking forward to seeing several loved ones. Welcome back to Houston!
Thanks, Ellen. I’m still settling in but with temperatures dropping in Maine I do appreciate the warmer Houston weather.
Beautiful Houston home! We miss you here in Maine!
I always feel the same way when I start driving in DC after a tranquil summer in Maine! Happy transition!!!
Sometimes in Maine traffic does get jammed up because of all the tourists and I laugh when that happens thinking of a friend who calls it gridlock!
Sounds like you get the best of both worlds!
I think so, Jan.