Retirement Is a Lot of Work

It's surprising at how much can transpire in a few days. Blogging has been limited due to our move. The last week in Charlotte involved legalizing Nikolas, disposing of last minute things, and saying good-byes. Our last Saturday night was spent with our friends, Dale and Joan, at Sullivan's.
Dale and Joan are planning a visit to Cuenca in February. We'll be settled in and the guest room will be ready by then. Dale and Joannie, come on down!

Mick's cousin's family came down on Sunday to pick up some of the things. This is Debbie with her new grandson, Braedon. Nick was fascinated with the baby. He had never been in such close proximity.

Our last two nights in Charlotte were spent at a hotel because things were picked up early and the house had to be cleaned. Dale took us to the airport on Wednesday and everything went smoothly. We had 10 checked bags at 70+ pounds each, a carry on, and Nick and his carrier. There was no hassle over luggage and we actually arrived in Guayaquil early. Even though we had jumped through hoops for Nick, no one asked for his documents. The Hilton van was waiting for us and we arrived at our room well before midnight.

The next morning, Thursday, we were picked up by Fernando, a friend of Carlos Machuca, for the trip to Cuenca. There is road construction, so the trip took close to four hours. Fernando's truck barely accommodated all the luggage.

We finally arrived at the apartment after stopping at Chordeleg to purchase a microwave and coffeemaker. I was left with the luggage and Mick and Fernando left to begin the quest for the essentials.

The appliances and bedroom furniture had been delivered the previous week. However, the dryer had a scratch so Carlos did not accept it. Another was delivered but not installed. The technician came to install the dryer but did not want to vent it outside. Mick returned with a list of accomplishments and light bulbs. We would not be in the dark. The apartment had been cleaned, but inadequately, by Gabriella. In addition to the unpacking, there was cleaning to be done.

Friday was another day. I had to finish the unpacking. Laundry was done; Gabriella ironed. Where is Denis when you need her? The satellite was to be connected. The technicians came and informed us that we did not have enough cables. An additional cable was needed and it required the permission of the building administrator and the original electrician had to do it. We had TV, but a cable was run from the bedroom to the living room.

Mick came home with the news that he had found the perfect furniture for the terrace. It was being delivered that afternoon. Fernando finished everything up and we had dinner with Brian and Shelley. Nick and Fredi met for the first time. The company was great and the puppies played really well together. They were both exhausted before we called it an evening.

Nick seems quite at home these days. The days have been a little early for him, but that will change.

Below is the view from our kitchen window. With a view like that, it makes washing dishes a delight.


The weekend was spent shopping and cleaning. There would be time for socializing later. We purchased living room and dining room furniture over the weekend and finally took the time to go grocery shopping.

On Monday, Mick had his agenda and mine was to stay home for service people. The internet technician came and said that he also had to see the administrator and would return in the afternoon. Gabriella came to work and brought her six year old who had too much energy. Things were not going well. The electricians came to install the cable. This was a major undertaking apparently since it involved a group of four armed with ladders and wires. Every skylight along with some of the lights were removed. Below is our bathroom during the ordeal.

After the electricians left, the TV fellows returned and completed the job. The internet tech returned to install the internet. When he arrived, I gave him the wireless router, which he set aside. He was continuously in and out of the apartment. At one point he had one of the lap tops, which he connected a cable to. He then announced that he was finished. We were not happy. Everything was suppose to be wireless; he insisted that it had to be this way that he could not make it wireless. I refused to sign his paperwork and he left in a huff. At least we could finallly check our e-mail.

On Tuesday, the day began with multiple trips to the electric company, with whom we have internet. After a number of trips, the router was reprogrammed and we would be wireless. We bought tables for the living room and desk chairs. All the furniture from Collineal was delivered on Tuesday afternoon. Mick's desk was also delivered. In the midst of deliveries, three fellows from Centrosur, came to install the internet and made the corrections on the Sony laptop that the first fellow had programmed.

We managed to have dinner with Ed and Tresa at Tiesto's. It was a fun evening and we were very glad to see them again. Mick and Ed met a new best friend outside.

Below is a picture of the terrace furniture and the view.

This is the dining room.

The office.

Our bedroom, the mattress sleeps great. Unfortuately, the suitcases (there's one on the other side of the bed also) will be there for about a month. Nick needs a boost to get on the bed and the chest will not be ready for several weeks.

Below is a partial view of the living room.

There are still a few things left to find. Our crate should now be in Guayaquil. We're holding off on the guest room until after the crate arrives. The guest room will be ready by the time Dale and Joan get here. We now have most of the creature comforts and it is beginning to feel like home. It hasn't been easy, but a tremendous amount has been accomplished in a short period of time. We're almost at the point that we can relax and isn't that what retirement is about?

Until next time,

Mick and Kathy