 |
| Black Watch India Cape |
I am exhausted mentally and physically and hurt for the millions of people who have lost so much from Helene and Milton. The devastation continues as rivers all over here are overflowing their banks. I'm sure you saw the crazy tornadoes on the East Coast of Florida from Milton. Just horrible.
I have now gone through four hurricanes and they are getting more frequent and stronger. I think weather is getting more extreme everywhere, but nowhere more than Florida.
I have been eyeing this gorgeous Black Watch Cape that sold out instantly and has just restocked. It will sell out again.
The Black Watch India Cape is the epitome of sophistication and elegance. With double breasted gold buttons, a tartan fabric, and a poncho silhouette, this look is perfect for elevating your cold-weather wardrobe. Wear on its own or over a sweater with black boots for a look that could be straight out of a Parisian cafe!
 |
| Black Watch Cape |
I am ordering this for myself as a little treat after all this trauma. Does it seem a bit wintry for Florida? Will I be wearing it in a Parisian cafe?
I have not shared this, but I made a decision in the last few months to go back to Virginia, which will forever feel like home to me. Three hurricanes this summer and another possibly on the way has just confirmed and solidified this decision. I was in Virginia for decades and never once thought I was going to lose my life or my home.
I love Charleston and Savannah and St. Augustine and had been considering them, but the flooding scares me. Then I was looking at Asheville, North Carolina, a place I love, and look what happened there with Helene. Truly devastating. It will take years or decades to recover. So those cities are now off my list.
I would like to go somewhere in Virginia a bit outside the metro DC area but still an easy drive to DC. I am looking at Charlottesville, Williamsburg, Richmond and others. Any other Virginia ideas for me? Please share.
So I will spend some time getting my property back in order and having the region recover and then plan a trip up North with the pups in the next few months to see family and friends and explore more in Virginia. Another adventure. A new CCC to decorate!
I hope you will follow along and share any ideas.
Please keep Florida in your prayers as we recover and volunteer to help or donate if you can.
I’ve lived in Williamsburg for the last 25 years and love it. Such a great community with easy access to Richmond, Charlottesville and the ocean. Its a 2 1/2 drive to DC which may be farther than you like but if I don’t feel like making that drive I hop on Amtrak.
ReplyDeleteI love Williamsburg and had intended to list that.
DeleteBeth, I can understand your decision! You can always vacation in Florida. NoVA has grown since you left! Looking for all the things you are (ease to get back to NoVA,, etc) and we can’t seem to find it. My husband a lot of his family are UVA. It’s become a baby NoVa, although college activities are a plus. Williamsburg is lovely, but dealing with 95 ~ 😳! Keep us posted and thanks for keeping us in the loop on the gorgeous plaids!
DeleteBless you and the pups. I pray for all affected by these catastrophic storms. You are making the right decision for you and I would choose the same.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteVienna Va. is a fabulous place.
DeleteLots of restaurants,close to Tysons Corner,and DC
I lived in Fairfax County for 20 years (Belle Haven Alexandria) and loved it.
ReplyDeleteSo happy to hear you are ok🙏 I totally understand your decision.. Good luck with everything ‼️🥲🤗
ReplyDeleteMy parents retired in Williamsburg - very pretty -fun little restaurants carrot tree and charlys (airport) - I live in NC now from VA- it’s hard to move back -after so many years - my aunt was in WNC w Helene only to drive back to Tampa condo for Milton… trying to figure it all out as well! Richmond is neat - Jefferson hotel is beautiful- keep us posted on your decision- as you always do!!
ReplyDeleteI don't blame you for leaving Florida. My nerves were shot just watching the before and after of each hurricane. So scary. Best wishes Beth! 🙏
ReplyDeleteDear Beth,
ReplyDeleteI had a feeling that as much as you have loved Florida, the stress, anxiety, and fear of these storms would return you North. I’m with you. I couldn’t imagine always wondering if my house would be next. You have been extremely lucky so far but…..Best of luck with your move. I’m excited to go on this new decorating adventure with you. May you and your pups stay in good health and remain safe. Onward!!!!!!
Beth, that is such a wise decision. Having lived in Fairfax for many years, and family in Old Town, I would have no problem moving back. Charlottesville being my first choice. Shortpump outside Richmond is another place to consider. Of course Richmond itself. Moving to VA will be like coming home to your old stomping ground even if it isn't Alex. I can name a lot of places, but I think you know the Northern Virginia area so well, you'll find the right place.
ReplyDeleteThe future for you looks bright. Wishing you only the best. Moving is daunting. Moving cross country is doubly so.
K
The cape is fabulous. Thanks Beth.
Fredericksburg/Stafford county if you’d like to stay out of the DMV traffic. Maybe Warrenton with easy access to the Valley? And, of course, Fairfax. I’ve been here since 1950 and have no plans to leave anytime soon!
ReplyDeleteAn afternoon in Georgetown, shopping at Tuckernuck and tea at the Four Seasons sounds like something we all look forward to hearing about.
ReplyDeleteKeep a stiff upper. House hunting is, well....you know... both exciting and a chore.
K
Closer to DC than Richmond or Charlottesville would be Middleburg, Warrenton or closer still, Clifton -- as you know, these are in horse country, where that black watch cape with riding boots would be fabulous. Another thought would be Belmont Bay, which is a lovely development on the Occoquan River & the Potomac. Farther from DC than Belmont Bay is the charming city of Fredericksburg & the gorgeous community of Fawn Lake. Old Town has changed with lots of new modern buildings, ugh.
ReplyDeletebefore we were married, my husband lived in Fairfax, and it was lovely.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you and your pups are safe and your house sustained only minimal damage. I hear you, Beth. I think I commented on a previous post that my life would be changing before too long, and was seriously considering moving from CA to FL or elsewhere in the south, but I don't think I could now. Such a terrible thing to happen to that state and to it's residents. It's going to take a very long time to put things back together. I'm praying for Floridians and everyone who has been impacted by this massive natural disaster. You said Virginia will forever feel like home to you. Home is where your heart is.
ReplyDeleteWe would be delighted to welcome you back to NOVA! A friend who is a realator specializing in helping buyers (only) find homes in gated communities in the cental to northern ( https://www.owl55.com) might be of help. But so happy to learn you and the dogs are safe and sound.
ReplyDeleteI am glad to hear you are safe and your home in dry and intact. I understand the relief. We are in Naples and in evacuation zone A. Our first hurricane was Irma and I hear you when you say it doesn't get any easier and how painful it is knowing that others were not as fortunate this time around.
ReplyDeleteI know Virginia is beautiful, & I am glad you're moving to a safer place. I doubt you will be alone in this venture. Best wishes Beth & I am glad you & your pups are safe. Melissa M.
ReplyDeleteI have read so many friends on FB say they can’t take living there anymore either, including my daughter. She is literally packing boxes as we speak. I am fearing there may be a glut of real estate on the market, especially if another hurricane comes that way this season. Luckily, our house didn’t receive any damage either for either storm, but apparently our yard is a disaster and we lost our fence. Glad your property was virtually unscathed. By the way, before we decided on Michigan when we moved, we were seriously looking at Virginia, too. Such a beautiful area.
ReplyDeleteCertainly understand your decision. I hope your beautiful home sells quickly when you are ready.
ReplyDeleteBeth, I am so glad to hear you were safe and your property. I’ve mentioned before visits to my darling MIL in Sarasota for 50 years. When she was stranded for 3 days with no power in her 3rd floor condo at age 93, we moved her to Upstate SC ( she has since passed). Now we went 4 days with no power or water. Grew up in Charleston and lived in Houston, can’t get away from hurricanes. It will be a grand adventure for you to find a new place, and we will happily follow along. Prayers continue for the devastation in the mountains (and now cold weather is settling in) and for FL.
ReplyDeleteWasn't crazy about the alligator at your front door!
ReplyDeleteFlorida has so many ways to die......
DeleteYour response to the alligator comment is priceless. LOL. I needed that.
DeleteThanks Beth.
K
My daughter lived in The Fan District in Richmond. We were impressed by all the great restaurants in Richmond! A lot of chefs are priced out of real estate in DC and NYC and have relocated to Richmond where they can own and operate their own restaurants.
ReplyDeleteThe Fan has coop garden plots in Scuffletown and she could walk to the art museum where they had free jazz concerts and wine during the week. Shopping is glorious throughout VA!
The biggest change in moving to VA, will be living in neighborhoods full of young people. Well heeled, but young. The retirees will have set down roots. This is great as FL is a place where people come and go.
I live not too far from Ft. Hunt. I have been looking for a few years for when I retire soon. I haven't found too many options between Alexandria and Richmond. A lot of people are choosing Richmond. Your alligator comment was wonderful. I will be eager to see where you end up. Glad you and your house are okay.
ReplyDeleteBeth-five years ago we purchased what we thought would be our forever home in Boca Raton, which was our getaway sanctuary during Covid. Then our older son announced his intent to move back to the NYC area from Seattle with his family. Last August, I opened an $18,000 homeowners bill. Our home had tripled in value but so did the insurance. We were eyewitnesses to the global warming which had escalated at a far more rapid pace than we had anticipated, having had an Aventura condo for 30 years. Long story short, we took the money and ran. I miss that gorgeous home but not the acute anxiety in hurricane season. We simply couldn’t justify having such a valuable property as a second home and seeing the grandchildren is far more important! I had hoped, for your sake, that Venice’s good fortune in hurricanes would last but apparently that luck has run out. I just spent a long weekend in DC at the National Archives and Supreme Court with my fellow law school classmates. It was inspirational. So many options in Virginia and you will be home again!! Best, Ruth
ReplyDeleteSo glad you are safe, Beth. -linda, nyc
ReplyDeleteWe were thinking of Florida but now that is out. Went to Asheville this past summer and looked at housing but not now. So sitting tight in Illinois and maybe renting next winter in Florida. Agree it sounds like Virginia is home for you. So exciting and praying for all those affected by these storms.
ReplyDeleteI live in Richmond, and have for most of my life. I do love it. One thing we Don't have here are Big Name Stores/Shopping -lost our Nordstrom when it downsized, but have lovely boutiques and specialty shops. Several updated nice mall for those who enjoy that and Great restaurants, museums, cultural and
ReplyDeletefun events. I order alot online these days like so many do, and can always go to DC area to shop at the Nordstrom's etc type stores in person that we don't have.
The best thing is we don't have the northern Virginia DC traffic-that can be unbelievable and stressful at times.We are two hours from DC, two hours from the mountains, one hour from Charlottesville in Richmond, and lovely places to live here.. There are so many choices here in our state of Virginia and you can always vacation in warmer places but come back home and not worry about all the hurricanes . God bless all the people who have lost so much during this horrible time. My heart hurts every time I see another story. All my best to you-take your time- you will make the right decision for you. I just moved after 20 years in my last home-to a condo where everything is done. I too lost my husband and didn't want to worry about all the things that go along with a house so now I will travel more, enjoy painting, cooking, classes, etc. This is another chapter in our lives as we take our experiences with us along our journey . Blessings to you on your next journey.
Lived in RVA for decades until relocating to Charleston five years ago. RVA is okay if you live in the right area. Fan is a great place to visit but would not want to live there. Windsor Farms, Moreland Farms, Chatham Square, and along the River Road corridor are good choices. The river is the “great divide” and the nicer areas are in the West End vs the south side.
ReplyDeleteI live in Charlottesville. Although this town has a lot going for it, at this empty nester stage of my life, I wonder if I would prefer Richmond. We have UVA, great hospitals, mountain views, not much traffic, etc. but there is likely more to do in Richmond in terms of cultural events, museums and shopping. Just a thought.
ReplyDelete