We tried to keep our house in Missouri (mostly) intact until the kids left after Christmas. That was December 29. Tomorrow will mark a month of not really knowing where anything is. The time has come to restore a calm environment. So today's mission: get things put somewhere. I have been my own worst enemy in this...yesterday was largely spent RE-arranging things I had already done. While I made some good improvements, I need to get back to basic box unpacking. Although there are a million things I want to be doing, I am too preoccupied with making our home to enjoy much else. So, nose to the grindstone-let's do it!
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Friday, January 27, 2012
shopping in the attic
In the run up to the move, we did a lot of what my friend Pat calls "de-accessioning." I would guess that we sold or gave away more than half of our stuff. And since we moved from a house with over 3000 square feet (plus basement, large attic, 3 car garage and shed) into 1350 square feet (with no garage or basement or shed) that is definitely a good thing!
And thank goodness for the small attic space we DO have! There, we created our very own strip mall yesterday. Everything useful that we want to keep but don't have room for in the house is being categorized and placed into the appropriate "store," complete with its own sign. So far, we have ToysRUs, Linens and Things, Memorobilia Matters, The Christmas Tree Shop, Travel Treasures and The Golf Shop.
Upon entering the short door to the attic (even I have to bend down to go through!) there is a floored area about 11x 15 square feet, some of it only a few feet high and all of it affected by varying degrees by rafters. The shops are around the periphery, and in the center is the "anchor store," TJMiriam (named after my mother, the shopper), containing 3 garment boxes which we may never open and lots of boxes of clothing and shoes we may never wear. As a side note, those who know Rich will be amused to know he just willingly went up to measure the space for the benefit of blog accuracy. He knows how I tend to exaggerate!
So the idea for the strip mall is this: whenever we think we need something, we go shop in the attic first. Old stuff has a way of looking new when you haven't seen it for awhile. Although there are so many wonderful new shops around here which I will enjoy checking out, Rich and I have agreed that we are going to try REALLY hard not to bring more stuff into the house unless we REALLY need it and we REALLY can't find something we already have that will serve the purpose. So, if anyone is even THINKING about giving us a house warming present, please don't.
I have to say, it really wasn't that hard to part with our stuff. Most of the things we liked went to people we care about who were able to actually USE it. And although they are way too much work for the money they produce, I kind of love having a good garage sale. There is something exhilarating about watching someone's face light up when they find something that makes them happy and only costs a quarter (my standard garage sale prices are a quarter or a dollar). I think of it as participatory recycling.
I reached a point of exhaustion before we moved when I was tempted to just chuck everything. I am so glad I didn't. I have the stuff I have because it suits me and makes me smile. For the most part, I have been happy to see most everything we have unpacked. And, with a fresh perspective, it is easier to identify the stuff I DON'T love in time to give it away before it becomes ingrained here. I can only think of one thing I got rid of that I regret: a little match holder my great aunt Mary gave me. I had never used it and thought I probably never would, so it went into a pile. What I realize now is that the reason I love most of my things is that they remind me of someone I love. They don't necessary have to DO anything, they are just trigger for fond memories.
And thank goodness for the small attic space we DO have! There, we created our very own strip mall yesterday. Everything useful that we want to keep but don't have room for in the house is being categorized and placed into the appropriate "store," complete with its own sign. So far, we have ToysRUs, Linens and Things, Memorobilia Matters, The Christmas Tree Shop, Travel Treasures and The Golf Shop.
Upon entering the short door to the attic (even I have to bend down to go through!) there is a floored area about 11x 15 square feet, some of it only a few feet high and all of it affected by varying degrees by rafters. The shops are around the periphery, and in the center is the "anchor store," TJMiriam (named after my mother, the shopper), containing 3 garment boxes which we may never open and lots of boxes of clothing and shoes we may never wear. As a side note, those who know Rich will be amused to know he just willingly went up to measure the space for the benefit of blog accuracy. He knows how I tend to exaggerate!
So the idea for the strip mall is this: whenever we think we need something, we go shop in the attic first. Old stuff has a way of looking new when you haven't seen it for awhile. Although there are so many wonderful new shops around here which I will enjoy checking out, Rich and I have agreed that we are going to try REALLY hard not to bring more stuff into the house unless we REALLY need it and we REALLY can't find something we already have that will serve the purpose. So, if anyone is even THINKING about giving us a house warming present, please don't.
I have to say, it really wasn't that hard to part with our stuff. Most of the things we liked went to people we care about who were able to actually USE it. And although they are way too much work for the money they produce, I kind of love having a good garage sale. There is something exhilarating about watching someone's face light up when they find something that makes them happy and only costs a quarter (my standard garage sale prices are a quarter or a dollar). I think of it as participatory recycling.
I reached a point of exhaustion before we moved when I was tempted to just chuck everything. I am so glad I didn't. I have the stuff I have because it suits me and makes me smile. For the most part, I have been happy to see most everything we have unpacked. And, with a fresh perspective, it is easier to identify the stuff I DON'T love in time to give it away before it becomes ingrained here. I can only think of one thing I got rid of that I regret: a little match holder my great aunt Mary gave me. I had never used it and thought I probably never would, so it went into a pile. What I realize now is that the reason I love most of my things is that they remind me of someone I love. They don't necessary have to DO anything, they are just trigger for fond memories.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
breakthrough day!
There comes a point in every move where a critical mass of things find their place. Suddenly, with little warning, it becomes possible to make progress without moving another item elsewhere to do so. Yesterday was the day the log jam opened! The living and dining room now looks like a living and dining room, just with a few boxes on the floor. And I am proud to say there are no longer ANY boxes on the bathroom floor! I can now see change with each passing hour.
The other "first" for yesterday was that Rich played his first round of golf in a couple of months. For those who know him, you know what a big deal that is! He played with a group at his new course, and really enjoyed himself. About half the golfers here walk the course, so that is a good thing for Rich.
But the REALLY GREAT thing about yesterday is that I got to talk with my dear friend Ginny in Missouri who is being really brave about a really challenging illness. She sounded just like the darling woman she is! I slept much more peacefully after hearing her voice.
My big step for this morning: I listed myself on JAMA's Career Center. I am excited to see what, if anything, happens from that. I cannot believe I am doing all this computer stuff! Wish me luck...
The other "first" for yesterday was that Rich played his first round of golf in a couple of months. For those who know him, you know what a big deal that is! He played with a group at his new course, and really enjoyed himself. About half the golfers here walk the course, so that is a good thing for Rich.
But the REALLY GREAT thing about yesterday is that I got to talk with my dear friend Ginny in Missouri who is being really brave about a really challenging illness. She sounded just like the darling woman she is! I slept much more peacefully after hearing her voice.
My big step for this morning: I listed myself on JAMA's Career Center. I am excited to see what, if anything, happens from that. I cannot believe I am doing all this computer stuff! Wish me luck...
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
a pleasant sort of chaos
We are in that funny stage of moving where there is no room to sit anything on any surface yet without moving something else. A bit tiresome at times, but overall we are enjoying seeing our things again and helping them find their new home in our new home. By golly, we almost have a functioning kitchen! I went to 2 great new places, a shop around the corner called "Greenspaces" and a kitchen store downtown called "Chefworks." Definitely will be returning to both.
Among yesterday's accomplishments:
-installing a new retractable clothesline in the backyard
-designing a pot rack for over the stove out of odds and ends and hanging it
-finding a beautiful wooden dish drainer
-posting our empty boxes on craigslist "free" site for the next desperate movers to use
-beginning the process of stocking staples in the kitchen
My dish cupboard has those darling cup hooks in it, just the right number for my white tea cups. And there are 2 cutting boards which pull out of the cabinets. I love discovering the old house details, complete with lots of hooks everywhere: my favorite!
It is s'posed to be around 70 today, more of the same happy puttering for me. This afternoon Rich will play his new course for the same time with a group of guys he has met there. I checked the distance to the beach from our house yesterday: just about a mile. Smiling broadly!
Among yesterday's accomplishments:
-installing a new retractable clothesline in the backyard
-designing a pot rack for over the stove out of odds and ends and hanging it
-finding a beautiful wooden dish drainer
-posting our empty boxes on craigslist "free" site for the next desperate movers to use
-beginning the process of stocking staples in the kitchen
My dish cupboard has those darling cup hooks in it, just the right number for my white tea cups. And there are 2 cutting boards which pull out of the cabinets. I love discovering the old house details, complete with lots of hooks everywhere: my favorite!
It is s'posed to be around 70 today, more of the same happy puttering for me. This afternoon Rich will play his new course for the same time with a group of guys he has met there. I checked the distance to the beach from our house yesterday: just about a mile. Smiling broadly!
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
new moon
Two weeks ago, almost to the minute, we left Missouri under a full moon. Last night we gathered ourselves and our things together in our new home under a new moon. Now is the time for planting, for beginning new things.
I am up early, unable to sleep with so many things I want to do. And with the dawn will come a new day in our new world. I am eager!
I am up early, unable to sleep with so many things I want to do. And with the dawn will come a new day in our new world. I am eager!
Friday, January 20, 2012
no longer homeless
Yesterday morning we signed a lease agreement on our new home: a 2 bedroom bungalow in a neighborhood of East Santa Cruz called Seabright. We love it! It was a Victorian cottage when it was built in the 19-teens, then was "remodeled" in the 40's. It has the kind of old house quirks and personality that make us feel right at home. We are camping out in the living room on a foam mattress (a gift from our new landlady), with 2 blankets we found in the trunk of the car and another one we bought at Goodwill for $3.25. Rich is opting for a pair of folded pants for his pillow. I went for the $2.25 number at Goodwill. Our makeshift bedroom is situated in front of the beautiful gas stove...very cozy even in today's cool rainy weather.
As we looked at dozens and dozens of places for rent, a pattern emerged: each time we found "the best one yet," I filled out an application and mentally moved in. Rich, luckily, showed better judgment. If it were not for his restraint, we would now be in a place half this size in a less desirable location for about the same money. On the other hand, if not for my motivating energy to keep searching (and my Aunt Kay's suggestion that we try this neighborhood), we would never have stumbled upon this house. If this family were a car, I would be the accelerator and Rich would be the brakes. Both necessary for the thing to work.
We saw lots of dumps and lots of places considered "nice" but lacking character. It seems to me that most all of the houses I have lived in since my 1st apartment in college have had similar features. I just like old houses! One of our short term goals is to find the camera so that we can take some pictures to share. Maybe this weekend...
The other trend I have noticed, which seems opposite the first, is that when it comes to short term situations, I am patient and Rich is not. He is the one that goes rushing out on an errand but forgets to take an essential item, or becomes irritated with traffic delays. In these situations, I am more measured. Balance reigns once again.
Things checked off the list:
-mailing address changed
-utilities transferred
-accounts opened at the Santa Cruz Community Credit Union (what a cool place!)
-library cards obtained
-4 grocery store options identified
-golfers found for 3 regular games weekly at Rich's new home course
Things still on the list:
-check out nearby yoga options
-find movers to help unload the truck (due to arrive Monday)
-find a table and chairs small enough to fit in the breakfast nook
-cancel old ATT internet service (still not accomplished after half an hour on line, half an hour on the phone, and a visit to an ATT store!)
-find a Humana primary care provider
-update CV and start job search
On the Missouri front, the house closing has hit a snag. It seems there was a mistake made in the title process when the initial owners of the house sold it to the couple who owned it before us. The mistake was not caught when we purchased the house, but needs to be corrected before the closing can proceed. The delay will not impede the new owners' move, we will just do a short term lease until it is straightened out. So THIS is why you have to have Title Insurance! Our old neighbor, Mr. Brock, was friends with the inital owners, and helped us locate their heirs. Poor things, they have gotten dragged into the legalities surrounding their family trust...but their involvement will make the "fix" much simpler.
Since we have no kitchen things here yet, we are mostly bringing in prepared foods. Tonight is chicken enchiladas from Trader Joe's. We have made some tables by stacking emptied boxes, our only seating is in a window seat. Hopefully, we will have more restful sleep tonight!
As we looked at dozens and dozens of places for rent, a pattern emerged: each time we found "the best one yet," I filled out an application and mentally moved in. Rich, luckily, showed better judgment. If it were not for his restraint, we would now be in a place half this size in a less desirable location for about the same money. On the other hand, if not for my motivating energy to keep searching (and my Aunt Kay's suggestion that we try this neighborhood), we would never have stumbled upon this house. If this family were a car, I would be the accelerator and Rich would be the brakes. Both necessary for the thing to work.
We saw lots of dumps and lots of places considered "nice" but lacking character. It seems to me that most all of the houses I have lived in since my 1st apartment in college have had similar features. I just like old houses! One of our short term goals is to find the camera so that we can take some pictures to share. Maybe this weekend...
The other trend I have noticed, which seems opposite the first, is that when it comes to short term situations, I am patient and Rich is not. He is the one that goes rushing out on an errand but forgets to take an essential item, or becomes irritated with traffic delays. In these situations, I am more measured. Balance reigns once again.
Things checked off the list:
-mailing address changed
-utilities transferred
-accounts opened at the Santa Cruz Community Credit Union (what a cool place!)
-library cards obtained
-4 grocery store options identified
-golfers found for 3 regular games weekly at Rich's new home course
Things still on the list:
-check out nearby yoga options
-find movers to help unload the truck (due to arrive Monday)
-find a table and chairs small enough to fit in the breakfast nook
-cancel old ATT internet service (still not accomplished after half an hour on line, half an hour on the phone, and a visit to an ATT store!)
-find a Humana primary care provider
-update CV and start job search
On the Missouri front, the house closing has hit a snag. It seems there was a mistake made in the title process when the initial owners of the house sold it to the couple who owned it before us. The mistake was not caught when we purchased the house, but needs to be corrected before the closing can proceed. The delay will not impede the new owners' move, we will just do a short term lease until it is straightened out. So THIS is why you have to have Title Insurance! Our old neighbor, Mr. Brock, was friends with the inital owners, and helped us locate their heirs. Poor things, they have gotten dragged into the legalities surrounding their family trust...but their involvement will make the "fix" much simpler.
Since we have no kitchen things here yet, we are mostly bringing in prepared foods. Tonight is chicken enchiladas from Trader Joe's. We have made some tables by stacking emptied boxes, our only seating is in a window seat. Hopefully, we will have more restful sleep tonight!
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
which house where?
Whoa! Who knew you could be so busy when you are not working?
Things I can no longer count that have happened in the past couple of days:
-number of times checking craigslist for new rental listings
-number of times management companies have told me to drive by the property before I ask to see it
-number of times I have rinsed out styrofoam dishes
-number of times I have misplaced reading and/or sunglasses
-number of times we have turned around and/or cursed
-number of times we have stopped in questionable locations to pee
-number of times we have been misled by directions given by a computer
-number of times I have thought we found just the right place, if only for a moment
-number of times I have been glad we came here
We have looked at lots of places and have made application on 2 houses, 1 of which we have now ruled out. We have seen a lot of places we never want to live. We have gained a new appreciation for the amount of space money can buy in Missouri. We have mentally committed ourselves to several different neighborhoods. I guess the good news is that there are a lot of good choices.
We think we have narrowed it down to 3 different areas of Santa Cruz, and hope to pin it down further tomorrow.
In the midst of house hunting, we were making long distance arrangements for our stuff to be moved here. A wonderful new friend of ours named Eric loaded a moving truck for us today and in about 5 days our furnishings will arrive in a terminal in San Jose. Today, this involved several phone calls and faxing of documents, not to mention getting permission for Eric to UN-load 2 rugs which were supposed to stay at our Missouri house for the new owners. This is one day that technology has actually helped me accomplish my goals.
In addition to having dinner at 2 new restaurants I adore last night and the night before, we had a delicious home cooked meal made by my Aunt Kay this evening. She and my Uncle Ben divorced when I was a child, and by our best recollection it has been 46 years since we saw one another. She and her husband Frank live on some of the most beautiful land I have ever seen, with redwoods everywhere in a wonderful 1930's home which is now solar powered. My cousin, Steve, had dinner with us. What a treat! I hope it will be the first of many good times together.
Time to get some rest before powering up for another unreal day in the realty world of northern California!
Things I can no longer count that have happened in the past couple of days:
-number of times checking craigslist for new rental listings
-number of times management companies have told me to drive by the property before I ask to see it
-number of times I have rinsed out styrofoam dishes
-number of times I have misplaced reading and/or sunglasses
-number of times we have turned around and/or cursed
-number of times we have stopped in questionable locations to pee
-number of times we have been misled by directions given by a computer
-number of times I have thought we found just the right place, if only for a moment
-number of times I have been glad we came here
We have looked at lots of places and have made application on 2 houses, 1 of which we have now ruled out. We have seen a lot of places we never want to live. We have gained a new appreciation for the amount of space money can buy in Missouri. We have mentally committed ourselves to several different neighborhoods. I guess the good news is that there are a lot of good choices.
We think we have narrowed it down to 3 different areas of Santa Cruz, and hope to pin it down further tomorrow.
In the midst of house hunting, we were making long distance arrangements for our stuff to be moved here. A wonderful new friend of ours named Eric loaded a moving truck for us today and in about 5 days our furnishings will arrive in a terminal in San Jose. Today, this involved several phone calls and faxing of documents, not to mention getting permission for Eric to UN-load 2 rugs which were supposed to stay at our Missouri house for the new owners. This is one day that technology has actually helped me accomplish my goals.
In addition to having dinner at 2 new restaurants I adore last night and the night before, we had a delicious home cooked meal made by my Aunt Kay this evening. She and my Uncle Ben divorced when I was a child, and by our best recollection it has been 46 years since we saw one another. She and her husband Frank live on some of the most beautiful land I have ever seen, with redwoods everywhere in a wonderful 1930's home which is now solar powered. My cousin, Steve, had dinner with us. What a treat! I hope it will be the first of many good times together.
Time to get some rest before powering up for another unreal day in the realty world of northern California!
Sunday, January 15, 2012
CRUZ-in' up the highway
Today was our best day yet! We started out (after our high fiber breakfast, of course!) by crossing Monterey to look at the town of Pacific Grove, which is right on the point of the peninsula. It was easily the most charming and best looking community we have visited so far, though I don't know much about the substance behind its appearance. There is a decent community course there with ocean views, but the whole picture seemed a bit staid.
So we took off for Santa Cruz, passing through several smaller communities en route, including the huge agricultural center of Watsonville, known for strawberries and artichokes. Upon our arrival in "Surf City" we visited an excellent public course. Built in 1970 in a park near the mountains, it had unbelievable redwoods everywhere. Rich talked with a 70 year old player there and the setting felt like a good fit. We were then off to explore the community, including a more suburban course, which had water views and redwoods, but was not of the same caliber. After lots of driving and looking we found our motel-of-the-day and again "moved in." We ended up downtown for dinner at a Mexican place in a fabulous old hotel building with high arched ceilings. Heavenly. The downtown crowd was as eclectic as the books say, and there was live street music on every corner. I am now remembering why I wanted to do this!
Tomorrow, a big step: check out housing!
So we took off for Santa Cruz, passing through several smaller communities en route, including the huge agricultural center of Watsonville, known for strawberries and artichokes. Upon our arrival in "Surf City" we visited an excellent public course. Built in 1970 in a park near the mountains, it had unbelievable redwoods everywhere. Rich talked with a 70 year old player there and the setting felt like a good fit. We were then off to explore the community, including a more suburban course, which had water views and redwoods, but was not of the same caliber. After lots of driving and looking we found our motel-of-the-day and again "moved in." We ended up downtown for dinner at a Mexican place in a fabulous old hotel building with high arched ceilings. Heavenly. The downtown crowd was as eclectic as the books say, and there was live street music on every corner. I am now remembering why I wanted to do this!
Tomorrow, a big step: check out housing!
Saturday, January 14, 2012
monterey bay
This morning, we decided to proceed north to the Monterey Bay area. Our first stop was Salinas, "the salad bowl of the world." Rich checked out a public course there before we headed toward the coast. He has had his eye on a course outside Monterey near Cal State Monterey Bay. He really liked the course, but the residential communities on either side not so much. I liked what I read about the direction of that campus of Cal State, but was disappointed that the campus was so spread out and car dependent.
We took route 1 into Monterey, and checked out the visitor's center there. We got a place to stay---this time the Sand Castle, staying with our "sand" theme. It is interesting to see how some of the older AAA motels are struggling agains't the chains, even though they are well maintained and have more personality.
We went for an early dinner, and could tell we were getting near San Frandcisco by the local fans glued to the Raiders/Saints play-off game at the restaurant. What a wild game! We could follow what was happening by the groans and cheers of the local crowd.
I am finding all this new sensory input exhausting! Lots to digest each day, so anxious for sorting it all out in dreamland. We are thinking we will wonder around Pacific Grove tomorrow, perhaps. Will better know when the new day dawns.
We took route 1 into Monterey, and checked out the visitor's center there. We got a place to stay---this time the Sand Castle, staying with our "sand" theme. It is interesting to see how some of the older AAA motels are struggling agains't the chains, even though they are well maintained and have more personality.
We went for an early dinner, and could tell we were getting near San Frandcisco by the local fans glued to the Raiders/Saints play-off game at the restaurant. What a wild game! We could follow what was happening by the groans and cheers of the local crowd.
I am finding all this new sensory input exhausting! Lots to digest each day, so anxious for sorting it all out in dreamland. We are thinking we will wonder around Pacific Grove tomorrow, perhaps. Will better know when the new day dawns.
Friday, January 13, 2012
trying out SLO
I was feeling very positive about taking highway 58 across the state from Bakersfield to San Luis Obispo because my birth year is 1958. It was a most challenging drive. I can only liken in to downhill snow skiing, except that the back and forth turns happened going up AND going down. Rich and I were both green by the time we reached Santa Margarita, where we would south toward our destination. We decided to celebrate our survival by eating a huge breakfast at Tina's Place on the main drag of this wanna-be-western town. Skim milk? You have GOT to be kidding!
While we ate, we looked at the 1-12-12 edition of the San Luis Opispo (SLO) paper, which Rich has been getting on-line for months. Today's headline: Plastic bags banned in SLO county! There was a picture on the front page of 2 people testifying before the county commission with a year's worth of plastic bags attached to their bodies like feathers! This must be THE place!
The short drive into SLO was gorgeous, with spectacular mountain and ocean views. We checked in to the Sands Motel, a locally owned business, and happily unpacked our hastily and poorly packed car. What a lot of junk we had in there! At least now it is organized junk.
Rich was itching to begin his search for an everyday golf course, and I headed out to explore the town and rent a bike. It is a small, darling, lively town. We ended the day by riding the trolley to downtown for the regular Thursday night Farmers Market. It was nice, but this is NOT Paris. Too many Americans who think the farmer's market is for entertainment instead of food shopping!
This morning, we made a trip along the coast to check out the more southern beach towns in the county, and visited a couple of courses. Nice courses, but too "golf-community-ish" for Rich's taste. In the afternoon he tried again (with similar results) while I biked around town. By the end of the day we had agreed: this is a good place but probably not the one for us.
We had dinner by the creek that runs through the town. There is a great story about the CalPoly students convincing the city to preserve the creek, making it, along with the San Luis mission, a destination. Boy, were they right! It is lovely, and very well designed!
On tomorrow's agenda: another day here or head up to the Monteray Bay area. We will sleep on it, tummies full of fish and local berries!
While we ate, we looked at the 1-12-12 edition of the San Luis Opispo (SLO) paper, which Rich has been getting on-line for months. Today's headline: Plastic bags banned in SLO county! There was a picture on the front page of 2 people testifying before the county commission with a year's worth of plastic bags attached to their bodies like feathers! This must be THE place!
The short drive into SLO was gorgeous, with spectacular mountain and ocean views. We checked in to the Sands Motel, a locally owned business, and happily unpacked our hastily and poorly packed car. What a lot of junk we had in there! At least now it is organized junk.
Rich was itching to begin his search for an everyday golf course, and I headed out to explore the town and rent a bike. It is a small, darling, lively town. We ended the day by riding the trolley to downtown for the regular Thursday night Farmers Market. It was nice, but this is NOT Paris. Too many Americans who think the farmer's market is for entertainment instead of food shopping!
This morning, we made a trip along the coast to check out the more southern beach towns in the county, and visited a couple of courses. Nice courses, but too "golf-community-ish" for Rich's taste. In the afternoon he tried again (with similar results) while I biked around town. By the end of the day we had agreed: this is a good place but probably not the one for us.
We had dinner by the creek that runs through the town. There is a great story about the CalPoly students convincing the city to preserve the creek, making it, along with the San Luis mission, a destination. Boy, were they right! It is lovely, and very well designed!
On tomorrow's agenda: another day here or head up to the Monteray Bay area. We will sleep on it, tummies full of fish and local berries!
Thursday, January 12, 2012
greetings from California to anyone patient enough to still be trying to look at this! I just figured out I needed to "punch that save button" before I post...so hopefully am now on track. "technologically challenged" doesn't begin to capture it.
we finally got on the road early Tuesday morning. it was still dark in Springfield, and the full moon was beautiful and directly in our path west. we have been thinking of it as a sign of our full family life waning as we move toward a new life together. maybe by the time the new moon rises in a couple of weeks we will have an idea where that new life will be.
we are thinking that being totally exhausted is a good precursor to my sitting in a car for a few days. as a famously
fidgety rider, having no energy stores served me well. we had spent the prior 10 days packing, 2 days before that having a moving sale, and the week before that going to daily family holiday gatherings. none of my many previous moves prepared me for the physical and emotional work of clearing out our family home for a cross country move. the parade of possessions seemed endless, and as time went on I got more ruthless in my downsizing. a couple of days before we left I chucked a whole box of high school mementos without blinking.
2 words for how we spent our first day: Oklahoma and Texas. in stark contrast to the bleak scenery of the day, our evening entry into new mexico was magical. an amazing pink and orange sunset faded into blues and purples, then sparking lights at the foot of the mountains guided us to our planned stop in Albuquerque.
we were on the road early again Wednesday, and enjoyed the lovely desert terrain of new Mexico and Arizona. rich is a champion driver, and did the heavy lifting of the trip with me spelling him just in the middle of of our long driving days. when we crossed into California in the afternoon it was as if we had suddenly gone into a second world cow try. the sleek Arizona roads became potholes and the impoverishment of Needles was a striking change.things slowly normalized as we crossed the dessert, and we stopped in Bakersfield to sleep. lost items so far in the car: rich's medicine, spare keys, my Bluetooth. we are anxious to be in one spot for more than a few hours, and have our sights set on San Luis obispo for today. only 2 or 3 hours in the car!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)