One Month and Counting

Sometimes it seems you wait your whole life for one event, it is finally within reach and then after waiting, there simply isn't enough time. Years ago "Dear Abby" printed a little tale in her column about the stages of life. The jist of it was that people have a tendency to overlook the present because they're so focused on the next major stage of their lives. For us, the present and the next stage of our lives has collided. One month from today we will embark on the greatest adventure we've ever encountered. Sometimes adventures are dumped into our laps and we take advantage. This one is planned, which lends to the excitement. In one month, we will be leaving life as we know it. We will be leaving our house of 23 years. We will be leaving our comfort zone. Most of our possessions have already been dispersed. Lists are important these days. A fleeting thought may end up being something crucial; therefore, it is imperative to jot it down. Not surprisingly, the lists have a reciprocal effect on our crate stuff. It's indirectly proportional; as the list decreases, the mountain increases. Mick is on the verge of panic because he's at the point that he is doubtful of 2 crates having enough space. The mountain below is just some of the items going. Somethings have not even arrived yet. The clothes still need to be boxed. We've got less than 3 weeks before the movers come. Nick peruses occasionally.

Again, a major task was accomplished today. We began packing the luggage, so at least a portion will be out of the way. Of the 6-70 pound pieces that we're allowed, 5 were done, with very little wiggle room. We have one more to pack plus the carry-on and that's what we'll live out of from August 12 until we get to Cuenca on August 26. There's quite a bit of clothing in the storage unit at the apartment.

Considering what we have already sold and given away, it seems that there is still a good bit in the house. People have already called “dibbs” on a number of the remaining things. I suggested another yard sale; Mick immediately negated that thought. He said that at this point, the piles are to “take”, give away”, or “throw away”; so be it.

Tomorrow, the boy across the street has been hired to empty the attics, we’re blessed with not one, but two. The temperature in Charlotte has been excruciating since our return. This afternoon, the temperature exceeded 100 in the shade in our backyard, and then a heat index is factored in. Young people are more durable to handle attics in the summer. Mick and I will be taking care of the stuff when it comes down.

Things are coming together, which is a very good thing since the day of our departure is getting closer. Amidst the bustle of discarding, packing, and list making, we are enjoying our last days in Charlotte. We’ve been meeting friends for lunch and dinner, enjoying their company and extending invitations to Cuenca.

We're one month and counting!

Until next time,

Mick and Kathy