With our goodbyes and gatherings behind us, this past week has been all about one final task — clearing out the rental. What began as a quick tidy-up somehow turned into another full weekend of sorting, lifting, and decision-making.
We decided to hold a garage sale for two days, hoping to lighten the load and perhaps make a little extra pocket money for the journey ahead. After all the effort of setting up, organizing, and watching a few folks browse politely before wandering off, our grand total came to a whopping $50!
By Sunday morning, we had to laugh. There’s a certain freedom in letting go — so we did just that. We put up a simple sign that read “Free — help yourself!” and left early for the day. When we returned on Monday, about 75% of everything was gone, and the rest fit neatly into a single car load for the local charity shop. It was the easiest clean-out we’ve ever done.
Stephen and Maria came up on Saturday to lend a hand (and moral support), which made the weekend so much more enjoyable. After a long day of work, we rewarded ourselves with pizza, a few beers, and a game of Bocce ball. The evening was filled with laughter — a reminder that even in the midst of letting go, there’s joy to be found in simply being together.
Now the house stands empty once again, waiting for a new tenant to make it their own. It’s comforting to know it will begin a new chapter, just as we’re about to start ours. The Shadyland house remains on the market, though with only a few showings so far — it may eventually transition to a long-term rental as well.
We also squeezed in one last trivia night with friends at Union Jacks. Laughter, friendly rivalry, and shared memories made it a perfect farewell to our local haunts — another reminder of all the little moments that have made this chapter of our lives so special and we even came away with second place!
These past few days have been a blur of packing and repacking, trying to make everything fit into two suitcases that stay underweight for the flight to New York. We’ve somehow ended up with three checked bags and two carry-ons, despite our best intentions. The weather has turned, and the rain has been falling steadily — as if Tennessee itself is seeing us off.
On Monday, we gathered for one final meal with Bex, Laura, Olivia, Stephen, and our dear friend Mark. So many emotions in one evening — laughter, tears, and that quiet understanding that life is changing for all of us.
Then on Tuesday, we cooked fish and chips for our wonderful friends Janet and Arnold, who have once again opened their home to us for these final few nights before we leave. Their kindness and friendship have meant the world.
And so, here we are — Today we head to New York, and then on Friday, we’ll finally set sail on the Queen Mary 2 to begin our next adventure.
We just learned of the passing of Prunella Scales, used to love watching Fawlty Towers and more recently Great Canal Journeys with her husband Tim West. RIP.
The next blog will be all about our time aboard and our adventures on the high seas — the start of our new life And Away!
Dont forget to follow our journey via the vlog!!
youtube.com/@nbandaway
And Away... 
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