One year in Virginia

We have been living in Virginia for a year now! Where has the time gone? The east is a lot different then the west. We have learned a lot, found new things to enjoy, and miss a lot of things as well.

When we lived in Idaho, I used to look forward to visiting California, not just for family but for the scenery. Idaho was very flat. We had mountains close by but not too close. The area in which we lived was very, very flat!! I loved going back home to California and seeing the rolling hills covered in trees. However, after living on the east I have learned that California is really not that hilly and there are hardly any trees. Living in the east is like living in the forest. Actually we are living in the forest! I can’t believe how many trees there are here in Virginia and I hear other eastern states are even more thickly populated with trees. We have grown to love the greenery here. The scenery is gorgeous, especially in the fall. And the town is full of hills. There is no such thing as flat here; I’m not sure how much I enjoy that. It is hard to find places for the kids to ride their bikes, but a simple neighborhood walk makes for a wonderful workout.

The thunderstorms are better here as well. We had some great storms in Idaho but nothing compared to here in Virginia. Summer storms are much more frequent. The rain pounds, the thunder is loud, and the flashes are bright. Sadly with all the trees, we hardly get a good view of the beauty of a lighting bolt. That was a plus in Idaho.

The storms are very welcoming here. The bugs die down a little, the grass gets watered, and the temperature drops slightly, and occasionally a refreshing breeze is enjoyed. We have learned that nobody waters their lawns here. The rain storms and the humidity keep the lawns in good shape. We have has a few dry spells and patches of lawn will turn brown. But even so they bounce right back in the next storm.

We have discovered what true humidity feels like and have allowed the AC to be our best friend. The humidity really doesn’t bother me too much, as long as the friendly AC is close by. I have learned to put yard work on hold for hot and humid days. We have learned that cool summer nights don’t exist in the east. That is one thing we definitely miss. There is no such thing as opening your windows and airing out your house in the summer.

We have learned far more about bugs then we care too. Centipedes love the basements, mosquitoes love our blood. I have learned what a tic looks like, where is find them on my kids and how to pull them off. We have learned the awful itch of a chigger bite and have been impressed with the songs of cicada. We have discovered the awesomeness of fireflies!

I have learned that wisteria is very high maintenance and walnut trees make a huge mess. We have enjoyed the fact that we can swim in the ocean with out a wet suit. We miss real good Mexican food and having a nearby zoo. We miss having family close by. We love the friendships we have made. And we enjoy being on the East. It has been an enjoyable year. We look forward to many more experiences here in Virginia.