There and Back Again – A Nomad’s Tale

“Not all who wander are lost”
-Gandalf

Future me may refer to these last few months as the Winter of Waiting. It certainly has been a time of waiting and upheaval and confusion and waiting and changed plans and unknowns and more waiting. We started in Kansas, expecting to wait and work there a few months and then travel to Phoenix. That job got cancelled and we were sent to Ohio. We expected to be here a few months while waiting for the next assignment – which happened to be Wisconsin. At the last minute that position was given to another employee, and we were told to wait in Ohio for an undetermined amount of time. Then suddenly the news came – we were heading back to New York. Honestly, we hesitated a bit to announce our latest destination – we felt so uncertain that it would actually come to pass.
But now the waiting is over, the team meeting is complete, housing has been arranged, and in 24 hours we will be on the road. I believe I can say with some confidence, we are moving back to Rochester, New York!

We enjoyed our time in Rochester last year, and exploring all around upstate New York, and both Barry and I are excited to move back to where we started our nomadic journey together. Maybe it’s the comforting embrace of the familiar and the opportunity to revisit favorite haunts, or the hopeful anticipation of finding new adventures. Going for walks on the river or having a picnic on the beach, reconnecting with the regional Jeep club and old friends, visiting the farmer’s market and the local dairy, bonsai bar date nights, baseball games and hockey matches – these are all activities we are already entertaining in our minds and conversations.
The project Barry will be working on is a longer term one; we were told we would be in Rochester until the end of 2026. What a paradigm shift! The thought that we might be in one location for almost 2 years adds a new layer to our nomadic journey, and a welcome one. Having a chance to settle in, to know our neighbors, to be able to relax and breathe for a minute, to make some plans… this will be a delightful reprieve from the upheaval and uncertainty. Hopefully…
If I’ve learned anything the last two years, it’s that all plans are subject to change, so please don’t be surprised if I write again in two weeks with a completely different story!

For now, the cars are being packed, and we will be in Rochester, at least for a while. since I didn’t do this the first time around, here are your interesting facts about New York:

• The first American chess tournament was held in New York in 1843.
• New York City was the first capital of the United States.
• The Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan is the only school in the world offering a Bachelor of Science Degree with a Major in Cosmetics and Fragrance Marketing.
• Rochester is known as both the Flour City and the Flower City. The community is home to the first abolitionist group, bloomers, marshmallows, Jell-O, French’s Mustard, baby shoes, gold teeth and the mail chute.
• New York stands second only to Vermont for maple syrup.
• The apple muffin was chosen as the state muffin in 1987. (who knew there were state muffins???)
• The potato chip was invented in Saratoga, NY
• Pinball was illegal in New York until 1976
• The largest kaleidoscope in the world (60 feet) is located in Shandaken NY
• It’s illegal to honk your horn in Manhattan (having been to the city, I can tell you that is one law that is NOT enforced!)

Living in Ohio has been dispiriting for many reasons. We are ready to move on, and somehow Rochester feels like a fresh start, even though we’ve been there before.
“Onward and Upward! To Narnia and the North!” This quote from C.S. Lewis’s The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is a call to adventure and a reminder to keep moving forward, even in challenging circumstances. It fits perfectly with New York’s motto: “Excelsior” which means “Ever Upward”. And we’re moving north… to upstate New York… get it? 😉

Ok, it’s way past the hour for me to go to bed! Much love to you all, and your prayers are always appreciated!
Til next time, shine bright friends!
-Dawn 🌻