From Overseas to Small-Town Virginia: Our Story
From Bill’s Perspective – The Journey Begins
I’ll begin this short story in Billings, Montana, a great place to grow up. At 18 years old, I was anxious to get my life started. So, I joined the Navy “to see the world,” but all I saw was the sea— 🌊 until we made port in Naples, Italy. There, much to my surprise— or divine providence— I met the love of my life, Laraine. She was from Queens Village, New York, but lived in Naples for a year while on mission for her church.
We married in 1976, after my term in the Navy. The ceremony was in New York surrounded by friends and family, and then we drove to Billings to start our new life! ❤️
Finding Home Together
I was surprised to find that Laraine was experiencing culture shock— having moved from a city of 8 million to a state of 0.8 million. 😂 But then we moved from a town of 80 thousand to Bozeman— a town of 20 thousand (when college was in session). Needless to say, after four years, we needed to move to a city again. So, we moved to Dallas/Fort Worth where her sister, Linda, lived. Coincidentally, Linda also married a Montanan (Bob). We stayed in the Dallas area a while, had two kids (Billy and Bobbi), and enjoyed time with Linda, Bob, and their son Mikey.
In the early 1990s, we moved to Idaho Falls, Idaho, for one year due to my career. We then moved closer to Laraine’s home in the northeast (Ashburn, VA), where I worked as a consultant and later started Team Analysis, Inc.
The Move to Purcellville
After decades in populated areas, it was my turn to plan our next— and final— move. I chose the “countryside” in Purcellville, Virginia, albeit in the old downtown district. (I had no idea everybody in and around Ashburn would later follow me here.)
This time it was my kids who had culture shock when they saw the 100-year-old frame house in need of repair— and realized they were expected to help me. So, my kids and later my grandkids helped us refurbish the house and rebuild the outbuilding to create what is now The Carriage House.
My family has enjoyed the game room and guest rooms for decades now, and in our retirement we decided to open them to the community. Please feel at home during your stay and explore the small town we’ve all fallen in love with over the last 25+ years. 🏡