Well it has officially been a week in little old New Bern. A week of adjustments, sleeping on an air mattress, unpacking boxes, visiting the downtown shops, and frequenting Cookout for the perfect milkshake.
Ben arrived in New Bern mid afternoon last Friday after graduating from Air Intelligence Officer Course (proud of you, Ben!) and I pulled up shortly after. When Ben arrived at our new abode the sun was shining, birds were chirping, and all was well. As soon as my tires hit the bridge towards New Bern a cloud of death came over the city and the heavens opened up. It rained just long enough for us to unpack my car and then the sun came right back out. How nice of you New Bern, quite the welcome you gave me.
We spent the evening unpacking what little we had and blew up the air mattress for our fist night in our new little abode. Ben and I passed the ole “put together furniture with obscure instructions and 100 pieces at midnight” test with flying colors. So what if we had to take the dresser apart at the end and start over because we missed a crucial part, we still ended with a new dresser, two chairs, bed, and desk so I will mark it as a win in our book.
Below is what we get to wake up to. New Bern might be very small and it may not have a lot to offer but the sunrise over the river is breathtaking and the sun set over the town paints the sky all sorts of colors.
Saturday morning was more unpacking more trips to Walmart and a trip to one of the two local coffee shops. 
I am certain the sweet older lady in the right hand corner, along with her pups, are regulars. This is certainly the type of town you become a “regular” in. Just like how the kind lady at Cookout noticed that we are “that couple again” who ordered the peanut butter fudge/Reese/banana/Oreo milkshake and yes we want that all mixed in together and sure we will let you know if it tastes good. (Spoiler alert: it’s the best combination, don’t knock it till you try it)
Behold, my new office! It’s only partially set up and the rest of the room is empty, but I mean look at the view! 
Ben has been a champ this week. He doesn’t start work until Friday so he’s checked off our to do list left and right. While I was working, he came up the spiral staircase with HOMEMADE SWEET POTATO CHIPS. I picked a good one. 
Each evening we have wandered around downtown and down to the water front. It is quite lovely, but also quite sleepy.
Here is a little history lesson for you. Sweet little New Bern was founded in 1710 and was apparently named in honor of the founders’ home, Bern, Switzerland, which was named for the first animal they came upon whilst hunting, a bear. Bern=old Germanic word for Bear=New Bern’s proud symbol. That bear is every where you look. Every store name, every corner, every flag. 
This past Saturday we hit the road early for a day trip to Wilmington. We hit up Flaming Amy’s on the way in for the best burrito and salsa bar. 
We headed downtown to stop in and out of the shops and treat ourselves to an ice cream cone at Kilwins Ice Cream before strolling along the River Walk.
It felt so good to be traveling together again. Even if it was just a quick trip to Wilmington it felt like we were back to our old selves again. 
Before heading back home we figured we might as well hit up the beach. 
This next month will be prime time for weekend beach visits. The sun is still shinning, the tourists are gone, and the temperature is just right.
We hit the road back home just in time to watch the Tigers play. We plugged in our TV quickly and set it on the coffee table to make it work. I would have done just about anything to be in Death Valley, but jumping up in down on the couch while screaming at the TV with Ben in little ole New Bern was a nice second option.
Sunday was home improvement day. We stained our dining room table and bench, hung up paintings, reorganized, and planned more projects. Making this place a home will take time, but I am enjoying the process of doing it together with Ben.
Coming up this week? The pumpkin patch, Mumfest, and swing dancing at the local ballroom. Here’s to small town living.
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