Stephen and I grew up on opposite sides of the country…he is from Pennsylvania and I am from California. After we met and married in Washington D.C. , we planned to live near family but an unexpected job offer took us to Minnesota. We raised our family in Apple Valley (a suburb of Minneapolis) and over the course of twenty-five years we created a life with a wonderful circle of friends and meaningful work.
Now that our children are grown and living in other states, we decided it was time to move further west. It was a tough decision to leave Minnesota but we ultimately wanted a warmer climate. Last week we loaded our personal belongings in a U-Pack container and shipped the crate to Southern Arizona.
Before we departed Minnesota, we returned to some of our favorite spots and said farewell to friends. Even though we have moved across the country, a part of our hearts will always remain in Minnesota.
The Hometown Airline
And now it’s official, we are Arizonans… or is it Arizonians?
Queen Bed and a Kitchen 
We miss you already! And for the record, both are acceptable
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Thanks for researching the proper spelling.
Miss you too!
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Adorable pics from an adorable couple… All the best in AZ and please, maybe a few pics of the teardrop soon. 🙂
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Kevin….the next blog will have teardrop photos…I promise!
Thanks for the kind comments.
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It’s Arizonans. Welcome to SOAZ!
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Thanks!
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Noooooooooo! Julie! I’m going to miss you! I hope this won’t be the end of your “Queen bed and a kitchen” adventures. Your posts are always fun and inspiring. Arizona is lucky to have you and Stephen. I’m grateful we got a chance to know you. Please stay in touch! Big hugs!
Valerie
Btw, Justin graduated Summa Cum Laude from Metro State in May
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Valerie,
Thanks for the well wishes. We still have our Vistabule and I will continue to write. Setting up a new home is a LOT of work but we will be back in the camper next month.
Congratulations to Justin…what an accomplishment.
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Enjoy your new home. Dale, Jan & Bella
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Thanks Jan…we’re enjoying the new surroundings.
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Enjoy your transition and meeting new friends.
Blessings on both of your heads!
Love,
Jan R
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Thanks Jan.
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I loved your “Farewell to Minnesota” blog. Our son Doug came out here to get us to our 2nd Vaccine shot (hooray). He lives in Cincinnati now and has lots of Cicadas screaming right now – this group just rose from the ground after 17 years!
I know you will be happier with other Seniors in Arizona. When it gets too Hot you can go camping at a Lake etc. Take care and happy trails! Love Ann Bush
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Ann,
When we lived in Washington DC the cicadas we’re out…and the noise was unbearable.
I’m glad you finished with vaccines.
In mid-July we will camp in Colorado and stay at higher elevations to beat the heat.
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Dear Julie and Steve,
Thanks for keeping us posted on your whereabouts and welcome to the West, or Arizona.
Here in Oregon we are having a record heat wave with three days this weekend over 100 and setting some records. After you have been in Arizona that may seem cool to you.
Knowing you two, I wonder if you will stay put very long. Do you have travel plans already?
Love, Marvin
On Fri, Jun 25, 2021 at 7:28 AM Queen Bed and a Kitchen wrote:
> queenbedandakitchen posted: ” Stephen and I grew up on opposite sides of > the country…he is from Pennsylvania and I am from California. After we met > and married in Washington D.C. , we planned to live near family but an > unexpected job offer took us to Minnesota. We raised our family ” >
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Hello Marvin,
Just like you, we’ve had some incredibly hot days. Fortunately the pool is at the end of our street so I take a daily dip. It’s so refreshing and it’s a great way to meet my neighbors.
In mid July we will pick up the Vistabule in Grand Junction and travel through Colorado and New Mexico. If we stay at higher elevations the temps should be cooler.
I hope you have air conditioning to keep you comfortable.
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You and Stephan will make the very best of it. A whole new life awaits you to discover. Congratulations!!!!! Kathryn S
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Thanks Kathryn. ❤️
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Hope you enjoy your new digs. I remember when we met you at the church just shortly aft we had both moved here. Doesn’t seem so long ago……. Well, I guess your kidlets were kind of little then. We’ll miss you.
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Thanks Kathe. With the hot summer we’re sure to visit MN sometimes. All the best.
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Arizonans. Arizonians. How about…Hot Heads?
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Haha. You made me laugh. Thanks for your heartfelt communion meditation this morning.
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