Granny Hat is a California Girl through and through, born in Santa Barbara just blocks from the Pacific Ocean tides. She has lived up and down the Golden State seashore, hugged redwood trees and planted golden California poppies in her flower garden. She hiked in the Sierra Nevada, raised five kids on the Central Coast and thanked God every day for those Monterey Bay ocean breezes that allowed beautiful lettuces, boysenberries and walnuts to grow.
the sweet peas of San Juan 
Rio Del Mar 
Wilderness Trail Pinnacles National Park
Yes, Granny has loved California for many years and lived on her current farm for 38 of those trips around the sun. Sadly, Granny Hat and her BFF state just don’t see eye to eye these days so maybe its time to sing ” na na na na, hey hey goodbye”. They say breaking up is hard to do though and Granny Hat can tell you THIS IS TRUE. The memories with family and friends, the unparalleled beauty of the golden state all weigh heavy on her heart.
In February, the last of Granny’s kids drove into the sunrise with teary “Tennessee or Bust” smiles on their faces. (go east young family! buy a house!) By the time Granny’s better half returned from helping with the move, she had 100 boxes packed.
Granny Hat and Dad have chosen a new adventure and a new state, Montana! Years ago they took the kids on a trip around the USA and that Big Sky got their attention. They said afterwards that if they ever had to move away from the Golden Gate, they could live there in “God’s Country”. God blessed them by leading one of their daughters and her family to move there first and Granny took that as a sign! If she has to leave her beloved Pacific Ocean, trading it in for mountain views helps, it helps a lot.
Granny has shed many tears and laid awake at nights tossing and turning over where to begin. Follow Granny Hat while she reveals the WINS and the FAILS in this moving experience. Here is Granny’s flow chart:
First! Get rid of everything! While you pack, sort into piles. KEEP! THRIFT! SELL! (Oh, and one more pile – the BEG DAD TO PART WITH IT pile, this includes old clothes, tools, bottles, maps, National Geographics etc.) Does anyone have the contact information for American Pickers?
Granny Hat and some of her friends had a multi family yard sale and that was a hoot. They sold piles of things and by day three were practically paying people to take it all away but they had a blast reminiscing and crying and promising to stay in touch.
The WIN! Granny’s hoarding days are over, she really means it this time!
The FAIL! Too many years went by without a proper spring cleaning. That would have saved Granny’s back and even her emotions. Her advice to young people, BRING SPRING CLEANING BACK!
Stay tuned for the next phase! PACK SMART!
Granny Hat 