Hello, Postcard Jar friends! We wanted you, our loyal readers, to be among the first to know about our next adventure. After announcing the sale of our beloved Crete, Neb., home last week, we’re ready to reveal where we’re headed. This move is a big, exciting leap, and we can’t wait to tell you why we’re packing up, what drew us to our new hometown, and what this means for our future adventures. So, grab a cup of coffee, and let’s dive in.
Why We’re Leaving Crete, Nebraska
Our Crete home at 915 Dundee Ct. has been the heart of our story since we moved in the day after our wedding on August 28, 2011. When we bought this house, it had no grass or landscaping, no trees, an unfinished basement, cheap carpet, and the walls were all painted a buttery yellow. We’ve spent the last 14 years making improvements, planting trees and flowers, and creating what has become a beautiful, private retreat to us.
This is where we built our marriage and our life together, hosted college ministry gatherings, and sipped coffee on the deck planning our next trip. But over the past few years, we’ve felt a shift. Steve left his job as a middle school principal at Crete Public Schools and while our enormous yard was a blessing for so many years, it became more work than we had time for when we were at home. We’ve found ourselves traveling more than ever and our new jobs as travel advisors can be done from anywhere. So why not explore our options?
And, to be honest, we’ve felt less connected to Crete as time has gone on. As much as we’ve loved this town—where Ann grew up, Steve worked, and where we raised our daughter, Meghan—it felt like our season here was drawing to a close. Finding a buyer for our home the day it went on the market confirmed that it was time for a new adventure.
Where We’re Going
It won’t be much of a surprise to our longtime readers of our blog that we’re moving to Rochester, Minn. Yes, we know it’s even colder there in the winter than it is in Nebraska. But Rochester has been a special place for us since we started traveling there in 2014. We began visiting when Ann was diagnosed with rare inflammatory heart disease and other illnesses. She was referred by her local doctors to the Mayo Clinic for specialized, world-class care. We’ve spent a lot of time there and in fact, we published our very first blog post from the executive lounge of a hotel in downtown Rochester. Who knew that more than 10 years later, we’d be calling Rochester home.
The exceptional medical team, caring community, and welcoming feel of Rochester won us over from the start. We’ve loved exploring its diverse restaurants, scenic trails, and vibrant, inclusive atmosphere during our many trips over the years. We found a church we loved attending while there, made friends, and did meet-ups with followers of our blog and social media.
Moving Closer to our Daughter
Then, about three and a half years ago, our daughter Meghan moved to Rochester to work as a nurse at the Mayo Clinic. At 31, she’s thriving in her career and has fallen in love with the city as much as we have. She plans to stay for the foreseeable future, and we’re beyond excited to live closer to her for the first time since she left for college at 17. While we’ve made it a priority to see each other every few months, we’ve missed the little moments—grabbing lunch, taking walks, helping with things around her house, and mother/daughter TJ Maxx runs. Life is short, and the chance to share more of these everyday joys with Meghan is a gift we’re all eager to embrace.
In addition, Steve has cousins in the Twin Cities and Ann’s brother and his family are also there. Steve’s mom grew up in Minnesota, so he has lots of fond memories and connections there, as well.
We Love Life in the Midwest
Rochester also keeps us in the Midwest, which we both love. It has an international airport and will be just about an hour’s drive to MSP for non-stop flights to international destinations. There’s lots of year-round outdoor recreation in Rochester, plenty of grocery stores with healthy options, and so many great ethnic restaurants to choose from. As empty nesters who are still trying to live and travel well, Rochester is a great fit for this stage of life. While the winters can be brutal, we’re planning to travel some of the winter to warmer places just as we have the last few years.
We Quickly Found a House in Rochester
It didn’t take us long to find the perfect house in Rochester. The city has a plethora of great housing and more is being built every day. Our local realtor, Kelly Domaille, helped us secure a home that has a fantastic chef’s kitchen, a cozy three-seasons room, plenty of room to host guests, and a lower-maintenance yard. Oh, and a heated bathroom floor. Yay! We can’t wait to show it to you, so stay tuned.
What’s Next for Postcard Jar and Dream Vacations?
Rest assured, this move won’t slow down Postcard Jar or our work as Dream Vacations travel advisors! Our passion for helping you plan unforgettable trips—whether it’s a luxurious Regent Seven Seas cruise or a cozy getaway to a hidden gem—remains unchanged. We’ll continue sharing travel tips, stories, and inspiration from our new home base in Rochester. In fact, we’re already dreaming up blog posts about Minnesota’s charming small towns, scenic trails, and maybe even a few new favorite restaurants and activities!
Since we’ve found a home we love in Rochester and have it (and our current home) under contract, we’re planning to head north by late November or early December.
Selling Our Home in Crete
The process of selling our Crete home was a team effort, and we’re so grateful for the help we received. A huge thank you to our realtor, Pam Leupold of Home Real Estate, who guided us with her expertise – from preparing our home for showings to creating a stellar marketing plan with us that led to a quick sale. We’re also grateful to our friend Ann Williams, who helped us clean, organize, and downsize every room to make our home shine. Tracy Hoffman was the photographer and drone operator who captured the uniqueness of our property so well. RAFA Roofing and Exteriors did an incredible job with our new roof, exterior paint, and deck renovation, while Carlos Martinez of Chapin Lawncare and Yard Boss kept our yard pristine with expert weed control. And we can’t say enough about our amazing cul-de-sac neighbors, who made (and continue to make) our neighborhood so special and desirable.
A Bittersweet Goodbye and a Bright Future
Leaving Crete is bittersweet. This town and our home have been the backdrop to countless memories, from anniversary photos to holiday celebrations. But as we pack up, we’re carrying those moments with us, ready to create new ones in Rochester. We’re excited to explore our new city, see Meghan more, and continue sharing our journey with you. Whether you’re dreaming of your next vacation or just love following along with our adventures, we’d love to hear from you! Drop a comment below with your moving tips or let us know if you want to plan a trip—call us at 402.575.9624 to book your next getaway.
Thank you for being part of our Postcard Jar community. Here’s to new horizons, fresh stories, and the joy of the journey ahead!
Travel well,
Ann & Steve Teget
Ann and Steve, Crete will never be the same after you leave. I am so happy that everything worked out for you guys and Megan. We will miss you here, but will find a way to see you and stay in touch. The world has become so much smaller. Many many blessings to the three of you.
Yay! I am so excited for the two of you to be closer to your daughter! I moved “home” almost 4 years ago and it’s so nice to do those little things with my parents. CHEERS to new Minnesota adventures! 🙂 Happy for you both!!
So happy for you and for Meghan! Looking forward to seeing your new home and hearing about new adventures around Minnesota! Sounds like the perfect move for y’all 😊
We can’t wait to be closer to her. And, there are so many wonderful outdoor activities in Minnesota year round. Thanks for coming along on our journey.
Welcome to Minnesota! So excited to hear you’re moving to Rochester! My sister and her family live there ~she also works at Mayo (who doesn’t?). If you get the chance in the middle of your move you should plan on going to the historic Mantorville Opera House for the Mantorville Theater production of “Away In The Basement; A Church Basement Ladies Christmas”. Guaranteed to be hilarious! A perfect evening includes eating at The Hubbell House before hand!
That sounds like a great event! Thanks for the recommendation.
How exciting to be close to your daughter. She, and both of you, will like that. I was wondering if that is where you were headed.
Good luck on the new house. Can’t wait for the tour.
Thanks, Joni. We found a wonderful home and look forward to showing it to you!
Thanks, Cheryl! We’re excited for this move and next stage of life. It was so good to see you and Andy this summer. You’ll have to come for a visit.
Wayne and I spent 40 years at Mayo Clinic. Yes, Rochester is a very nice town. We were there when they had to close clinic for a couple of days because the blizzard winds would not let automatic doors open. We were told the only month that there never was any snow was July. We explored north, south, east and west of the city in our time out of clinic. However, we saw that the Minnesota people always knew how to dress for winter. So go buy heavier coats, boots, fur caps etc. Have a good life in your new home.
The summers are spectacular in Minnesota and we’re excited to get there. As for winter, we’ll prepare properly, don’t worry.
So excited for you to be closer to your daughter. A lot of good changes.
Thanks so much, Susan. We’re excited, as well.
What a wonderful new adventure for you two and how exciting for Meghan! We look forward to reading about your adventures exploring Minnesota’s small towns and backroads. Now that you’ll be close, let’s meet up at Bleu Duck for dinner! Best of luck with the move!
Thanks, Jon and Sandy. We’re very excited to be closer to you and maybe we can explore Minnesota together some. Looking forward to getting there.
Wishing you both all the best in your new home! It’s always special to be closer to your daughter, and it sounds like a perfect move! Much happiness and good health to all of you!
Thanks so much, Harriet. Just know that we’ll likely be cruising the Caribbean a bit more in the winters now. 🙂
Wishing you both all the best in your new home! It’s always special to be closer to your daughter, and it sounds like a perfect move! Much happiness and good health to all of you!
Excited for your next chapter in MN with strong hopes our paths with now be able to cross as we live in Spring Valley and are in Rochester often!
That would be wonderful! We’d love to meet you there. We’ll have to do a little meet up when get settled.
Happy you found a home and looking forward to your new adventures. I figured you be moving closer to Megan and it’s perfect since all your doctors are there also. Same I am here in Pa as long as my mom is still around. Happy trails as John would say
Thanks so much, Gail. I can just hear John saying, “Happy trails.” Miss him lots.
I have happy tears, and the good bye tears! But this all makes sense! Megan will love having you two close for all those spur of the moments shopping trips! And you’re both familiar with Rochester. It’ll be a wonderful place for you to live. I’m so thankful for Facebook and all your blog post ! I will still feel so connected!!!. Take care, and big Hugs!!!🙏❤️
Same. Thanks so much, Linda. We’ll definitely have to keep in touch. And, if you’re ever inclined to visit Minnesota, we’ll have a nice guest room for you.
So happy for you two. Life is a book and each new phase is a chapter. You love traveling and sharing your knowledge. Our traveling days are over but we love traveling with you on the adventures you share.
Thank you so much, Loretta! What a lovely sentiment. And know that we’re glad to have you “along” on our adventures. 😊