Thank you (Shoals Lover & MADDOG 20/20) for the replies. I am not affiliated with the BRAC crew although we live in Alexandria, VA near Arlington & just across the bridge from DC. Former resident of DC for about 5 years total, I am a few decades away from being retired. Don't mean to disappoint you guys, but MADDOG your premature assumptions of me are way off. "...Burden the area with school age children."??? Next to music working with children is one of my strongest passions (I have years of experience teaching & coaching students in elementary & high school levels in DC, MD & VA). Please don't judge a book by it's cover. Did you read my initial reply carefully? At your leisure, please read it with an open mind and heart (seriously). I understand where you are coming from with the grief in the area. Let's get through this thing together. Moreover, just because some of were blessed with opportunities away from home during a particular season in life does not mean we ever stopped feeling connected. My wife will tell you since I've opened this account with TimesDaily several years ago that I stay abreast of what's going in the Shoals (probably better than some local residents). Even though many of us are far away, we are there in spirit and know that our prayers are being answered. Everything will work out for the best. You will see.
Oh yeah, as for the time frame (Shoals Lover) we plan to arrive some time after Christmas, Dec 2006. We are expecting our first child, which explains in part why this move is so critical to us during this juncture in our life. Cannot see our kids growing up in the DC area with our (quality) standard of living. We enjoyed the area for what is was worth, but again there are just some things (you don't find everywhere) that are priceless on earth.
P.S. MADDOG 20/20 I am seriously trying to feel the love here? You are making me nervous...just kidding. Be encouraged buddy!!!