"...With a Little Help from Our Friends"

Humans are a strange species. Yet they follow the habits of a variety of others. There are those, who like the bongos and bushbucks that live in the same forest their entire lives. Others tend to have the migratory habits as the Canada goose or the ruby-throated hummingbird. They leave for several months and then return to the area where they were hatched. Gorillas are nomadic, traveling as needed to find the necessities for survival. We have encountered people from all of the above categories throughout our lives and have always fallen into the migratory species.

Even before Mick and I met, we both had the wonder lust. There would be trips, but always to return home. Now the habitat is changing and I’m coming to the realization that those with the nomadic gene are to actually to be commended on their ability for traveling light and having the ability to detach themselves from “stuff”.

Packing has always been an ordeal. I’m one of those who chose to move as little as possible; therefore enabling the hoarding instinct that I strive to hide. Mick and I both had longevity with current and previous dwellings. As far as trips, luggage has always been massive. If you’re a pack rat, you always think “I might need that”.

Yesterday, we collected the things we want to take down this week. We’re taking extra to leave, less for the crate. With the weather being chilly, we’re trying to accommodate for that, yet with the temperature outside in Charlotte approaching the 100 mark with high humidity, you think, well it may get warmer. Mick said, “Pack it tomorrow. I’m leaving; get it done. I’m not participating.” He had to go to court in Lexington regarding the estate today, and the target date for closing is August 15. Good for you Mick for expediting the legalities.

Denis and her sister, Centhia, came to help today. I don’t know what I would have done without them. It had to be done today and they came through for us, as usual. Their folding expertise was extraordinary. The shirts looked as they did in the store. They folded, packed, lifted luggage, weighed luggage, everything, in addition to the usual tasks of the house. Denis and Centhia, I thank you so very much and Mick especially thanks you for keeping me on task.

Everything is packed and we’re ready. Tomorrow, last minute things will be done. The next day, Nick goes to camp and we go to the airport. We’ll be in Quito around 10 PM. We’ll be looking at apartments next week. Once again, we so greatly appreciate the Goodwill Ambassadors of Cuenca, Brian and Shelley for their help, contacts, and suggestions. The excitement continues to build!

Until next time,

Mick and Kathy