Moving is difficult, even when we make a decision to find a new dream home. But that is not what I am doing this time.

I had found a dream home in the 1970s on four acres—until we were able to buy three more! It came with a stable and a long driveway circling a small park leading to a large New-England-style home that fit this relocated New Englander to a T. At the time, I said the only way I would ever leave it would be in a box.

We named the property "Sherwood," which fit the Loxley family name and was kept even after I divorced Dr. Loxley in 1993. I was single until marrying Terry Barnard in 1997. The best-made plans can be changed.

I had to notify the good Lord that I had changed my mind and needed to downsize once we realized the property was more than two people could manage after the kids had grown up and moved out. We had begun to ride around seeking a new home.

We found just what we were looking for in Hickory Forest Estates. This neighborhood of 30 homes was only two years old at the time, and every home had at least three acres, some with horses on the property. We loved it and believed it would be our final home.

Terry and I were very happy to settle into our new neighborhood, just a mile from what became Edinburgh. We believed it was our final move. When Terry became ill last year and passed away in October, it was clear to almost everyone in the Loxley and Barnard families that I would need to move. Everyone but me.  

The neighbors in this small but spacious neighborhood are simply wonderful. I can't say just how many times they have mowed my three-plus acres, fixed my shower to make it safer, brought me soup, stopped by for a visit, and offered to be "on call" for any need.

"How can I leave this wonderful home and such caring neighbors?" I asked, day after day

Being a "people person," I did not want to live alone, especially in a 3,500-square-foot home. It took all of six months to convince me that I had to move. Donald Buckley was kind enough to suggest that Peggy Mathews urge me to consider moving to Lighthouse Pointe, the senior living community on Cedar Road that she had entered when her beloved husband Howie also passed away last October.

Peggy provided me the comfort of her kindness and, having also gone through what I had experienced, told me, "I love it here!"  I am very grateful and will be moving to the beautiful Lighthouse Pointe as you read this. Think positive thoughts...

At the beginning of 2024, I turned The Shopper over to Wendell Ward while keeping Doctor to Doctor Magazine to publish. I will also serve Wendell as an advisor, and I am pleased he asked me to continue with him. I have known Wendell since he was a teen and have such appreciation for his many skills in writing, managing, and now publishing The Shopper.  
     

And we still have the wonderful writing skills of our managing editor, Rob Lauer. Several of Rob's books are available on Amazon and deserve such lofty recognition.
 

Note: When you read this, I will be moving into the Lighthouse. Stay Tuned!