This is a patched together post from the past week or so:
Asheville Trip
I’m once again laying in a darkened hotel room, Lily and Sara are with me. We are on our way back from Asheville, where we had a last minute opportunity to visit a school I found for Lily. I’ve been very concerned about her school work this year, as she has resisted homework and frequently asked to miss school due to exhaustion and depression. I figured it was more important than ever to find the right place for her next year.
I surfed the internet for a couple of afternoons, researching what was available and found several interesting places to consider. After some emails and phone calls I settled on a place called “The Odyssey Community School.” With the experiences we’ve had of late, the very name seemed appropriate, and I liked the way the website described their approach.
The happy students and teachers at Odyssey.
So we took the 7 mile trip over to the campus and had a tour. Its a very laid back, quiet school, with just 99 students. Lily will be number 100. We worked it out for Lily to visit the following day and she stayed until 1:30, sending us home at 11 when we arrived to get her the first time. She made a new best friend, Skylar, and can’t wait for school to start.
I’m relieved to have made this decision. The main feelings I got from the school were community and kindness, and that’s what Lily needs now more than ever. That and encouragement.
Sara and I both managed to contract the worst cold in the world on the trip, and now I am back and trying to get better. Unbelievably bad cold! Sore throat, coughing, fever, etc. I haven’t been this sick in years.
We spent some time in Asheville with the contractor who is renovating Nancy’s house, Paul Tickle. He is a delightful guy, with a British accent and a great personality. I’m feeling a lot of trust in Paul, and its a good thing as we are practically gutting the house. It is in this house that Lily, Sara, and I will live until our big house is finished, which won’t be until Christmas, I’m afraid. We plan to move to NC around August 15. Don’t forget, Paul Tickle is the guy we met who was in Last of the Mohicans, and is easily recognizable as the only soldier who gets scalped. I love, love, love that movie! I’ve seen it a gazillion times. And yes, I asked, and yes, he says Daniel Day Lewis is a really nice guy.
Of course he is!
Sigh.
Here are some before pictures of the house for Nancy:
Front Porch
Living Room
Front Porch
We ran into a little problem with the City of Asheville concerning the way the houses are connected. Originally, we were going to have a covered walk across. Now we have to have an enclosed, 15 foot wide connector. So I had to frantically contact Ron Brenner, our architect, and ask him to come up with an idea that would help us meet the code requirements. He responded quickly, and I think the house looks even better:
New Connector
Lily at the Harbor Restaurant in Asheville
We went out to eat several days in Asheville, and even got some seafood, a real luxury for us. Sometimes food alone can make you love a place can’t it?
We made it home after stopping twice to sleep at hotels because we were so very sick. Poor Sara is in the throes of it now, while I am starting to get a little better. Lily has remained well, thank goodness. The trip was difficult and exhausting, but we got a lot done.
So we went to Asheville, and we looked over the edge of the cliff, and it looked pretty inviting. I guess its time to jump!
Wish us luck, friends.
We’ll meet you when we splash down.
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{ 3 comments }
Lisa: so sorry you and Sara are sick. Feel better soon! What a relief it must be to find a school for Lily. I am so happy to hear this because I know how concerned you have been about schools available in Asheville. Sure sounds like a good fit. I like the picture of the connection of the houses. All in all, given the wandering bears, this may really work out better especially if your parents should need you during the night. Can’t wait to see the finished product. You, Sara and Lily share a group hug from me.
Thanks Joan…
Closer every day to finally living in Asheville.
I’m so pleased about your comfort(and evidently Lily’s too) about the school situation. That will help a lot, I’m sure. It strikes me that peer groups (at least the non-virtual ones) have been a bit thin for both of you, and that this move offers you more of that as well as some new opportunities. Blessings on you as you continue this process…..
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