The RV”
That is the response Rob likes to provide when people we meet inquire how we ended up in Davidson
Short answer: North Carolina is one of several states that would not tax our federal pension.
Long answer: After we sold our dwelling in late March of 2019, we sold, donated or simply tossed much of our accumulated possessions. The remains were put in a climate controlled storage unit while we embarked on an epic seven month cross country journey.
Our epic seven month (April – October) cross country trip included stops at state and national parks as well as visits with loved ones and friends we met along the way.
Fall 2019:With the arrival of fall and it’s cooler temperatures, our plan was to locate a temporary furnished place to rent for the winter months while we shopped for a more permanent dwelling that would suit us. Even though we lived in coastal Virginia for over two decades, we seldom went to the beach. We prefer cool mountain breezes and fresh water lakes over salt and sand of the ocean.
Waynesville, NC, intrigued us. We happened to be there for a fall craft vendors fair. We liked the surrounding mountainous landscape only to learn that there were no rentals available. After a week of crisscrossing the state, we were surprised as well as discouraged to realize that there simply was nothing available to rent anywhere. We also were becoming anxious as our RV is not suitable for cold weather camping. We realized we needed to adjust our parameters and remove the “furnished” filter from our requirements.
Finally, in Statesville, we found a local real estate office that showed us four unfurnished… rentals. We still shiver when we think about the sub standard options we were shown.
Our luck changed, the following day when we followed a recommendation from a close friend who suggested we have a look at Davidson. A real estate agent was able to show us four unfurnished, suitable rentals, all reasonably priced within our budget. We settled on an eight month lease for a two story brick townhouse. Our thinking was, we would “try the town on for size” before we made a longer commitment.
Linda had a punch list of priorities for where we wanted to settle as empty nesters. Top of the list was a walkable community was a high priority. Not only are there ample greenways and nature trails in which to walk, but we so enjoy the tree lined sidewalks that make for a pleasant stroll as well.
A conveniently located library was another must.
We also wanted a college with in close proximity was desirable.
Prior to the pandemic, we were able to begin to enjoy the perks of living in a college town. We started visiting with weekly regularity Davidson College Presbyterian Church and participating in the wide variety of opportunities it’s congregation has to offer.
Our real estate agent, gifted us a ticket to see the men’s basketball game. We also got to hear Bryan Stevenson’s lecture and the Russian Ballet performed Swan Lake.
When we emptied our storage unit in Virginia and relocated it’s contents to Davidson, we realized in our “purge” the only furniture we still owned was our bedroom set and a single chair.
However, the universe provided us with two kitchen stools; the day we moved into the townhouse, a neighbor coincidentally was getting rid of two kitchen counter stools. We spent the first month sitting on camp chairs.
Four months into our eight month rental, covid put a halt on our plans and goals. One of our 2020 goals was to eat our way down Main Street at the myriad of restaurant choices. We only got as far as the pizza joint and The Flat Iron before the covid pandemic altered those plans.
Fall of 2020, our luck paid off. Our offer on a 3 bedroom ground floor condominium across the street from the brick townhouse rental was accepted. We closed in time to take occupancy prior to Thanksgiving 2020.
Although we miss our friends in Chesapeake, we have grown fond of the friends we have made here. We have several fine neighbors who stop in for an occasional visit.
Rob enjoys photographing both flora and wildlife. Our eclectic, tropical – succulent themed patio fulfills Rob’s itch to putter with plants. Just a few steps beyond our colorful patio and he can cast his fishing pole and catch several catfish.
Linda has turned the bedroom that gets the most sunlight into a creative home studio where she pursues watercolor painting, sewing, weaving.
After we recently learned how to play Mahjong, we pulled out Rob’s grandma Sis’ bakelight mahjong set out of the closet. Now we have a weekly Mahjong date with each other.
Our latest passion has been playing in clay at a nearby art studio. We are thoroughly enjoying the benefits of this creative outlet.
We love hosting guest that stop in when they are nearby or in the vicinity.
We have a lake view every day and frequently are dazzled by evening sunsets.
The road to a friends house is never long.
LEAVING FOOTPRINTS & TAKING PICTURES 