Week 6 - REALLY?!

The dog is barking at the condo-hood dogs. I guess he found his "voice" when he realized how many more dogs there are in the world. It's a sweet bark, so we don't mind. Reggie has become quite a delight to our whole family - yes! even Gary!. Gary has always asked, "Why would anyone want an animal dwelling in the same building with them?" Today, however, he invited our precious little mutt to come cuddle in bed with him! What a miracle!

Tomorrow Reggie will, Lord willing, get a little brother - a feline brother. The girls have continued to miss our Joseph-kitty, and so even though they really love the pup, we're going to become a 2 pet family.

What else? Well, things continue to move forward on the home we are purchasing. Inspection is done. Appraisal came in a little low, so the owner is having to lower the price (yes, I'm serious), and schools are allowing us to register with papers that show we will soon have permanent housing. That is wonderful!

We love our big pink "boat," especially on the highway up to Santa Barbara, where the road is so bumpy, we have a blast enjoying the suspension (or lack thereof?) in this old towncar.

Emotionally? Again, I am realizing that slowing down on the intensity of it all is allowing all of us to realize what we miss. Funny, but very, very little of it has anything to do with "stuff." The kids are really coming to grips with losing their neighborhood playmates, the easy walks to the CVS and post office, and Gary and I are missing neighbors and just the feel of "home," meaning Ventura. We are being as strategic as possible to make sure that all of us stay connected - finally feeling like we are breathing enough to have the energy to do so.

We are comfortable with the fact that most of our immediate needs are now covered...from here we will fill in some of the "wants." Things like boogie boards, a surfboard, a yard swing, and a few more "toys" to give us back the sense of having hobbies. We will soon find some additional chairs for our patio set (1/2 burned), maybe a dresser or two, and a couple of bookshelves. I know Craigslist has gotten quite a reputation, but it's a great place to find a player piano (even though it's green).

The new home is feeling more exciting as we go too. We found out the other day that the two big palms in our backyard are actully BANANA trees! How happy is that?! And there are oranges, lemons, tangerines (or cuties - what's the difference?), and even some sage - or was it thyme? Our "garden" has already been planted, so now we get to care for it and enjoy.

Sounds a bit more normal, doesn't it? We think so too.

Please, when we are settled, come by - even those who are far away! We would so enjoy your company!