A forgotten post: Back from our first New Jersey exploration

Just found this forgotten post while going through my drafts…seems like yesterday and forever ago at the same time.

Ashley and I have returned from our first trip to New Jersey. We explored several towns to familiarize ourselves with areas where we might live. We looked in the very urban Jersey City (a possibility if I work in Manhattan), and more suburban areas such as West Orange, Montclair, Maplewood, and further south a lovely town named Westfield. Each area had its attraction; so, once I land a job we will decide which area is best suited for both of our commutes. Thank you, Margaret Nelson for showing us some of the areas, and thanks to Judy Rothman for showing us some properties.
Enormous thank you to John and Diana Sands who challenged the notion of “southern hospitality” by completely opening their home to us, feeding us, showing us around, and really making what could be a very stressful time into one where we can see all the good things to come. John and Diana, Ashley and I eternally grateful.