Gemini Rising

Idaho?!

My husband and I have decided to move (for me, back) to New Hampshire when we retire. Retirement, for me, is not that far off - only FEB 2027. For him - FEB 2028. I've found myself exploring places in the area of the state we'd like to retire in which is the Lakes Region. I've found some houses I like while my husband is bit more picky. I can't complain. My husband's story about accepting the move to New Hampshire is funny. We met in Germany - In Butzbach of all places. We were sent there to take PLDC - Primary Leadership Development Course . At the time, we needed it to get promoted to E-5/Sergeant. It was Oct 1990.

My husband is from California - Simi Valley, not far from here. When we got together, he told me, "Steph, I can't live in snow." He'd only known 2 seasons for most of his life - Summer and Rainy-ass Autumn. Me? I grew up with four seasons so I said, "Okay, I'll move to California."

I'll be honest, I've never been a fan of living in this state. When I moved in 1997, I suppose it had a lot to offer. The taxes were reasonable and the weather. And California has such a range in climates. It gets cold and snowy in Yosemite and Big Bear, Sunny by the beach, and in northern California it rains a lot.

Anyhoo... This state has been going downhill for years. YEARS. So when my husband put in his paperwork to retire and go on DROP, (Deferred Retirement Option Plan) (FEB 2023) he announced we would be moving out of state when his retirement was official. I said, "Okay where?" I told him I was willing to go to Arizona or Nevada but to the greener parts of those states. He promptly told me: "Idaho."

"IDAHO?" I made a face. "Why Idaho?"

He replied: "All the cops go there."

(can you picture my eyes rolling)

I said, "You know Idaho has 4 seasons and snow."

He said, "Yeah."

Me: "I'm not going to Idaho. I don't know a soul in Idaho. I'm going back to New Hampshire. It has 4 seasons and snow and all my friends and family. I haven't had a meaningful relationship with my sister for over 20 years because I came out here and this is my chance to spend time with her."

He was quiet. The next day he was looking at houses in Canterbury, New Hampshire.