Giving Dairy Queen its Due

One of the questions I've been asked when talking about our move to Vienna is:  "What will you miss most about living here?"  After the priorities are covered:  family, friends, our house, my career and the community, I usually add:  Dairy Queen.  This typically ends the conversation with a trailing "oh, well, hmm, well, good luck to you."

So, I am here to give Dairy Queen its due respect.  When I was growing up, I absolutely loved the trip to Dairy Queen in Morrisville, Pennsylvania.  Riding in the car down toward the Delaware River on a summer night, making that turn on Delmorr Ave, across the railroad tracks, to this DQ glowing in the hot and sticky night air.

Note the two walk-up windows.  Some nights the line would stretch to the street.  What a great place.

Now Dairy Queen and I have stayed in touch over the years.  Of course, there have been others.  Farrell's, Greenwood Dairy, Goodnoes, The Penn State Sub Shop and The Penn State Creamery, to name just a few.

When Mike and I were looking to buy in Tucson in 2000, we focused on the Tucson Country Club neighborhood because it had mid-century homes and was close to the golf club we joined.  All of this was nice, but I was giddy with the thought of the Diary Queen located at the entrance to the neighborhood.

We made many visits over the years, a quick drive through, sometimes a seat on the patio to watch the world go by or a cake ordered for a special occasion. Our final visit to Dairy Queen was after one of Jake's swim meets.  A hot night in the Tucson desert.  The perfect night for a DQ dessert.  

Estate of Affairs

We are having an Estate Sale. June 8. I thought preparing for the move was crazy.

As good fortune would have it, we have the assistance of Lynn Roberts at AZ Family Estate Sales and Appraisals, LLC. Lynn is my friend. I owe her a debt of gratitude for much more than the gritty job of running a sale at my house.

Actually, this is a tale of two friends. I have to include Stephanie here, she helped a wounded bird fly, as is her nature. She introduced me to Lynn because I like antiques/vintage and Lynn runs an Estate Sale business. Makes perfect sense.  I love the way Stephanie thinks.

Stephanie also helped me "dumpster dive" at the home of my former friend. Was this wrong, I ask?  No, I answer.  Not when the first trash bag was opened and a blue Tiffany box containing a Christmas gift I gave her from years past was at the top of the heap.  This former friend not only abandoned people who loved her, but left for garbage 3 dumpsters full of possessions. As the saying goes, trash became treasure and with Stephanie's help and good humor, retro.ranch.resale was founded in the back of a thrift shop.

Meanwhile, Lynn continued to let me to hang around her weekend estate sales.  I was hooked and she was patient with my questions, opinions and general chatter.  She is a hard worker.  I like examining items and thinking about the stories they silently carry.  That can be problematic when you have 50 years of "stuff" to organize for a sale and two weeks to do it.  Did I mention that Lynn is a hard worker?

One of our conversations led to a decision to become certified appraisers of antiques and residential contents through the International Society of Appraisers. I quickly learned how little I knew and how much I valued Lynn's expertise.  And how much fun I was having.  Maybe someday she will hire me into her successful business.

Now we come full circle.  Both Lynn and Stephanie will be working our Estate Sale this weekend, along with a crew of people whose kindness, support and hard work I greatly appreciate.  Stop by and see them.  I am proud to call them my friends.

Laurie and Lynn, ISA AM Appraisers

Madagascar

I'm sitting in my kitchen surrounded by boxes and movers carting our life away. The container arrives next, for all of the furniture. They tell me that it will all arrive in Vienna in 4-6 weeks, unless the container goes "Madagascar" on us.

A couple of tips for preparing for an international move:

1. A professional appraisal for replacement cost value. I now have photos, descriptions and replacement cost on our most valuable, fragile and treasured pieces. First review the insurance terms and conditions and have the appraisal prepared accordingly. Ours is valued in Euros, so check the currency requirement.

2. Prepare an inventory for everything being packed. Once the boxes close, you won't have to wonder if your lobster claw harmonica is on its way to the new house.

3. Organize a "jump kit". Buy a couple of expandable file folders for important papers and receipts. If you are hand carrying valuables or jewelry, purchase storage containers small enough for carry on luggage. Pack enough clothes and even some household items to have on hand until the overseas container arrives. Use space bags to maximize the room in luggage going with you.

4. Start a "move book". All of my lists are in a spiral notebook, never far from reach.

5. Wine. At the end of the day, even though you might be tempted to start drinking at breakfast.

This Spot On Earth

     This morning I shared a picture on Facebook of the Gloriette at Schonbrunn Palace.  The Palace is a favorite spot on Earth, for me.  You have those too, don't you?  That one place you've experienced and retained.  Retained for future reference, a mental calming spot, a place of beauty, a moment when you say, "this spot on Earth is a keeper".  And then, you never forget it.

Schonbrunn Palace, A View From The Great Parterre

     Our move is just about two months away.  I have a feeling I am going to need this pull out this spot on Earth for some mental calming, many times, until I get there.