We made it.
From our home of 17 years in Arizona to our new place in Minnesota, our move is complete.
Currently we’re residing in the house we’re in the process of buying. The owners agreed to let us rent until closing, keeping us from having to move a second time (my gratitude knows no bounds). And I’ve so much to tell you, I don’t know where to begin.
So to release my crowded thoughts and frozen fingers, I’ll start with the view from our sunroom, which we have designated my writing room…
I HAVE A WRITING ROOM!!!
A-hem
And now for a brief recap of our trip here. Picture us in a car with one 13-year old arthritic dog and one very anxious cat.
Shall we begin?
Last Day in Phoenix
The city decided to turn off our water a day early. We were nearly done loading the car, but I hadn’t cleaned the house yet. (Yes, I know I’m under no legal obligation to leave the house clean. Even so. I clean.)
Fortunately I had two packs of Scrubbing Bubbles Flushable Wipes. Which I couldn’t flush, but whatever. They got the job done.
You’ve not lived until you’ve mopped an entire kitchen floor with bathroom cleaning wipes.
Use this information carefully.
First Stop, Flagstaff
We purchase “calming treats” for Merricat and stopped in a park for me to take a call. After three treats (the last one I shoved down her throat), they took affect and Merricat became… well, not a happy traveler but a more compliant one.
Fast Forward to Nebraska
Now why would someone fast forward to Nebraska?
If you’ve ever traveled through Nebraska, you’ll know it’s flat and boring and nothing ever happens there. And that’s where you’re wrong.
The eastern portion of the state (perhaps others, I don’t know) is quite lovely. With rolling hills and charming farmhouses.
Not a place you expect a crisis to occur, but occur it did.
I’m telling you, until you’re trapped in a Toyota Corolla with a pet cat who just pooped, you don’t know the meaning of panic. Quick as a flash, Husband pulls over, doors are opened, fresh air sucked in… soiled pillow removed.
As an indication of our love for humanity and all creation, I want you to know we did not leave the soiled pillow by the side of the road.
Per Husband’s suggestion (he nixed my idea of burning it), we sealed it in a plastic bag and threw it in the first trash can we came across.
Back in car, Dog looking out window, Cat acting like nothing happened.
Stupid cat.
Minnesota at Last
The next day we arrive to our new home in Little Falls, Minnesota.
The listing agent for our house, Donny, is there to give us keys. He tells us about a band concert in the park that evening. They do it once a year; we happened to arrive on the right day.
The park is walking distance from our house (truthfully, most things are walking distance from our house) and the band, all local, was quite good. For some reason we expected something along the lines of an old-time Sousa band, instead we heard selections from Van Morrison, Chicago, and Steely Dan.
The park – Maple Island Park – is lovely. The Mississippi flows through it (the slogan for Little Falls is Where the Mississippi Pauses) and there are walkways and bike paths throughout.
By one of the bridges we came across a young girl trying her darnedest to catch a duckling.
“Last year my uncle caught me one,” she said.
I asked her if it was all grown up now.
“No. It died. That’s why I want another.”
Don’t worry, she didn’t catch one.
Days 1 Through 7
We beat our moving “pods” here. Meaning we’re without belongings, but worse yet, without internet. We buy an air mattress at Wal-Mart and a table and chairs at a thrift store. A neighbor (Jerry) offers his truck to haul the table. Another neighbor (Buddy) mows the lawn for us.
We get our internet fix at the library and coffee shops and occasionally by using our phones as hotspots. Husband orders cable & internet. Router and Modem are on their way.
Day 8
Two of our three pods arrive. Several church members come to help us unload.
Afterward we gather our chairs on the front lawn and have pizza.
We slept on a real bed for the first time it over a week. It was glorious. Still no internet. That bites.
Day 9
The third pod arrives. This one contains Husband’s motorcycle and both our bicycles, all in perfect condition.
Still no internet. I’m bereft.
Day 10, Arrival of Modem and Router
Remember the scene in the movie 2001, when the ape people stare at the monolith in awe and wonder?
That should give you an idea of what Husband and I looked like when we saw the soft light emanating from the router.
Now, one would think that since I was without internet for a whopping 10 days, I should have accomplished a lot.
Like, maybe, I don’t know… unpack things?
Sadly, no. From the looks of this place, you’d think I sat around and stared into space the whole time.
Well, no. Not into space. Just my backyard.
From my writing room.
I’VE GOT A WRITING ROOM!
A-hem.
PS: The call I took in Flagstaff was a job interview for a position at the hospital near our new home (you guessed it, within walking distance). I start on Monday.
