Editorial Thoughts


Michele

Michele Pesula Kuegler is the founder of PeKu Publications and chief foodie at Think Tasty. She runs this one-woman show focusing on creating new recipes to delight her family, friends, and herself.


A Year on the Road

by Michele Pesula Kuegler on January 21st, 2020

As this article publishes, my home is probably empty or nearly empty. Today is the day that the movers come and take everything to storage.

Storage?

Yes, you read that correctly. In 2019 my husband and I were supposed to determine where we wanted to live in the coming years. Although New Hampshire has been a wonderful home for us, we decided it was time for us to live somewhere new. The reasons for this are multiple. First, we are empty nesters. None of our children live here nor plan to live here after college. Second, we own racehorses, who run in many locations but not in New Hampshire (or New England for that matter). Third, I’ve lived in New Hampshire since I was in third grade, and I’m ready to live somewhere else.

However, in 2019 we didn’t figure out where we wanted to live. We spent a month in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and enjoyed that. We spent a week in Saratoga Springs, New York, and enjoyed that as well. We still weren’t sure. So, last summer I suggested that in January we put everything in storage and spent multiple months in a few locations.

And here we are.

Some of our locations will be based around our horses. Our first stop is once again Hot Springs, Arkansas. Our summer will be spent in Lexington, Kentucky. The end of the year is still up for debate. We’re considering one other horse location for half of it and a wine location for the other half. There are so many options.

All of this is, like many life changes, bittersweet. I’m utterly excited to spend the year exploring new places and figuring out what works well for us. I’m also excited to be doing this with my husband; he really is a great travel partner (once the long car ride is done). I’m also a little sad. I’ll be leaving friends, who are so very dear. I also know that come end of semester I will truly be an empty nester. Yes, we’ve lived that role for almost four years now, but this time no one will come home for the summer. My time of a being parent of a child at home is fully done. However, since they’re spreading their wings and starting their careers, it’s exciting also.

As I sit in my home and look at the boxes and piles of to-be-packed items, I know how fortunate I am. To be able to take on this journey, due to the jobs we have, is amazing. With much gratitude, a lot of excitement and a small lump in my throat, I’m ready to take on this big adventure.


Michele



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