Everyday Life

When someone hears that we’re retiring to Ecuador, one of the first questions that we’re asked is what will you do all day? Won’t you get bored? Our reply is always multi-faceted. The plan is to enjoy ourselves and enjoy the company of each other. In the process of taking care of the first part of the plan, we will encounter new faces and develop new friendships. (We’ve already met some wonderful people during are brief time in Cuenca.) Also we are expecting further exploration of Ecuador and beyond. We also tell those who ask that we will continue with everyday life; that is essential in a normal existence.

This week amidst an array of lists, everyday life has continued. There have been appointments to keep. Nick has been to daycare, felt poorly yesterday, and returned to daycare today. Mick has already had to make two trips to Lexington. We’ve had every day, ordinary tasks and we expect ordinary tasks to be a part of our lives in Cuenca.

One of the appointments this week was for a haircut. It’s always a treat to go to the salon. I know it’s a woman thing, but there’s just something special about getting your hair done. I have known Dean Wike for probably 17 years. He has a top notch salon in Concord called “It’s All About You”. Dean and his partner usually travel to Europe, but we would not be surprised to see them visiting Cuenca in the future.



One of the items on our “to do list” for today was to pick up boxes. Denis and I are going to pack non-breakables to give more of a semblance of order. The shipping office is in Rock Hill, SC, we drove over and met with our shippers and received the revised quotes. Joan Dratch handles everything about setting up the shipment. Michael Wright is the representative who has been to our house revising this and that, making suggestions. They work as a team and we feel confident that our personal items will make it safely to Cuenca.

The boxes and packing material fit nicely in the back of the truck.

One of the major issues with disposing of our household has been the books. I began selling books on Amazon more than a year ago; however, they have a way of replenishing the supply. This week another load went to Goodwill. Included in the box that went were a couple of my old handbooks, Lange’s Handbook of Chemistry and the CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, the Bibles of science. This is the first time in more than 35 years that I’ve been without a handbook. It may seem ridiculous, but it’s just something that you have. I will not relinquish my scientific calculator.

Today we had lunch with Dale and Joan Lance; that was delicious and fun. They’re good company; we’re still expecting them in February or March. Joan is having some fun at the dentist tomorrow and we wish her luck with that.

There is so much to do; however, even though we are not yet in Cuenca, we are taking care of the first part of our plan. We are enjoying just being with each other. Mick has always been my north star, giving me direction and keeping me focused. Without his direction, the move would not come together in the midst of everyday life.

Until next time,

Mick and Kathy

Accomplishments, Thank You's, and Good-byes

Once again it has been a productive week, one of marking things off the "to do"list. Many things have been accomplished. We finally had to opportunity to sit down with a calendar and take a look at deadlines. All pending deadlines will be completed by August 23. We have booked passage for August 25 to Guayaquil; this includes Nikolas. Mick has made a reservation for that night at the Hilton and Carlos will pick us up on the morning of August 26 to take us to Cuenca. We're coming home!

After booking the tickets, arrangements had to be made to get the documentation for Nikolas. In order to import a pet into Ecuador, there is a 10 day window that must be adhered to. First, there is a physical, along with a health certificate that must be done by a USDA certified vet. The health certificate, along with shot records and a $35 fee, must be endorsed by the USDA. This must then be legalized by the Ecuadorian Embassy for a fee of $50. From the time the documentation is begun until Nick sets foot in Ecuador, it can be no more than 10 days.

After reviewing the required vaccines, there was one that was unfamiliar, the corona vaccine. I called Stoney Creek and was told that they no longer administer that because the disease had been irradicated. Because he MUST have this, they assured me that they would find the vaccine and have it by the next day.

Nick received his vaccination on Friday. On August 16, he has his exam and papers done first thing in the morning. Mick and I have an appointment that afternoon in Raleigh at the USDA. Previously we have dealt with the embassy in Washington, however, there is a consular office in Atlanta. Mick said that it would be better if I hand deliver the documents to the embassy. Once again, I spoke with Marco Farfan at the embassy in DC, who assured me that no appointment was necessary. I also had a call into Atlanta that was not returned. However, the consul did call this afternoon and said that she could take care of it and set up an appointment for August 18.

Nick's friend, Coco, came over on Thursday evening along with his Mom for a little romp. Nick was obviously unaffected by the stress his Mom had dealt with regarding him that afternoon.

Stoney Creek Animal Hospital has been such a part of our lives for a number of years; however, since adopting Nick, it has become more so. The staff are not only employees of the clinic, but we consider them our friends. An essential part of the clinic, Dennis Rapp, who has served as hospital manager for the past 7 1/2 years, resigned this week and his last day was yesterday. Anytime that we've been away, Dennis has graciously kept us up to date with Nick and even sent pictures. Dennis has done what ever has been needed of him in order for the clinic to run smoothly, from business affairs to spraying the trees for cankor worms. He will be greatly missed.

There was a send off for Dennis and his wife, Stacie, last night at Wild Wings Cafe-University. Most of the staff was present and Mick and I had been invited. Below is Sarah and her husband, Chris, as they were leaving.

Of course, Renee and her husband, Larry were there.

At the end of the table are the guests of honor.

This is Dr. Rick Beldegreen, the owner of Stoney Creek. Rick is a talented surgeon, a member of World Vets and has conducted spay-neuter clinics in Central America. He has just returned from Ecuador and the Galapagos.

This is Linda, one of the vet techs that has been so dear to us in difficult times. Linda loves to travel also.

Robin, Cheryl, DJ, Angie, and Sandra, all of these have helped take care of Nick at sometime or other, as well as Jake.

This is Stacie and Dennis. Someone once said that home is in the heart,not a place on a map. Stacey's heart is in Pennsylvania, which is where her family is. They have purchased a 1909 farm house to rennovate. Surprisingly, they are actually moving next week. Mick and I wish them the very best. They have an open invitation to visit us in Cuenca. We're expecting them in the spring.

The affair took place on the terrace. The day had been typically sweltering. Mick looks a bit wilted.

The picture below is of Joanna Gelfman and Jill Pascarella, Nick's vet. Both are expecting. Good luck to both!

This is Sandra, Nicole, and Susan. Guess who are twins.

Sipping the soda is Amanda, who works in daycare. She is so kind and gentle.

Standing is Angie, a vet tech, who has always been there for our puppies' problems. We had been drinking Baby Guiness's. Sandra was finishing one.

The evening was fun and Mick and I were happy to have been included. These are people that we see every day that have become a part of our lives. All of them are invited to visit us in Cuenca. We will always have an open door because they all have very special jobs. They take care of those little guys who can't speak for themselves.

Throughout life, we encounter people that enter our lives for a short time. Sometime even though it is brief, it is deep. The staff of Stoney Creek will be missed by us, but we are focusing on all those new relationships that we will develop through the years in the next phase of our lives in Ecuador.

Until next time,

Mick and Kathy

Achieving Equilibrium

Throughout life there is a continuous flow of high to low and back again in an attempt to achieve an equilibrium. It's that equilibrium, that stability, that we usually consider our everyday lives. Mick and I have had many highs and extreme lows during our blended lives; the highs you always relish and the trials are there to make us stronger. For now, and hopefully a long time to come, we are once again on the proverbial mountain top. There is so much excitement flowing through our veins that it is truly beyond description. It seems that every day there is something that must be accomplished in order to make our deadline for departure. Currently, the deadline, in itself, is somewhat of a moving target. Mick made the announcement this morning that he thinks we can be in Cuenca by the end of August! Moving targets are always difficult to hit but, perhaps this is feasible.

A few days ago we made a list of Cuenca things: things to take, things to ship, things for Nick, things to buy. Last night I began concentrating on the list of things to buy. Our "to buy list" included 2 Kindles, those should be here by the end of the week. The list for Nikolas is a bit more important. Nikolas demands very little of us in the way of things; however, he is enamoured by a special freeze dried beef liver treat. Yes, it smells as badly as it sounds; but to Nick, it is far superior to filet mignon. I've ordered four large tubs of the tidbits. His food can be purchased at the vet before leaving. We've picked up a collapsible house to use at restaurants, plus other items for our little one.

Another thing on the "to buy list" was a grill. Gas grills can be purchased in Cuenca; however, the quality did not seem to be quite that of a Weber. Mick decided to get one to go in the crate and we picked it up this afternoon. This crate may turn into a container.

Although we have only been documenting our little adventure for a brief period, we've surprisingly been contacted by quite a few interested souls; some have even been in our own area. Today we had lunch with a couple from Mooresville, NC that had contacted us while we were in Cuenca. We met at Azteca for a delightful lunch. The couple is Dale and Joan Lance. Both are on the verge of retiring and are extremely interested in Cuenca. They were really good company and we'll see them again before our departure. Then we'll see them in Cuenca in February, when they are planning to come down to peruse the area. Below is Dale, Joan, and Mick outside the restaurant.

In the past few days we have had many moments of reflection on the past year. The reflection included many things. Last July we were in Brasil, planning on making the permanent move there. Things happen. We don't always understand why or how, but there is a an unknown force driving the sequence of events. If there is interference at any step, the outcome would be different. Last July, Cuenca was not an option; but look where fate has directed us. As a result, our lives have been enriched by our many new friends and acquaintances. Our baseline for life has been raised and as a result, the peak is becoming the equilibrium.

Until next time,

Mick and Kathy

If you have one, they will come!

"If you build it they will come." The classic line from "Field of Dreams" applies to an auction. If you have one, they will come. They came in droves. The estate/our personal auction was yesterday, a day long ordeal full of an array of emotions in the midst of 95 degree heat. It was a huge success! Our belongings decreased exponentially yesterday.

I had been given the task of selecting the realtor and auction company. If it was a failure, then, obviously I had selected the wrong company. After a number of interviews, Yokely's, from Lexington was chosen. One of the realtors who had been interivewed said, "Keith has a huge following." What did that mean? How does an auctioneer have "a huge following"? We're not sure exactly how it happens, but it does.

Mick and I arrived around 7:30 and Keith Yokely and his crew and already unloaded our things from Charlotte and were setting out estate items. Shortly after we arrived, the participants began to drive in. Mick had hired a deputy sheriff to be on the premises in case there were any issues, he can be seen behind the ladder.

Here's Mick sitting for the last time at our kitchen table, with his trusty Weber in the background.

There was a concession stand that included homemade ice cream.

Items were displayed at all the out buildings, inside, outside, in the basement, everywhere. It was going to be a long day.

As the 10th hour approached, the crowd increased. As people watchers, we observed what is apparently a subculture about which we were unaware. We have been to a couple of auctions through the years, but merely in passing. These were serious "auctionites". They came armed with chairs, coolers, and battery operated fans. They came by car, truck, and golf cart (which is a major mode of transportation in the area). They came from all over the Piedmont of North Carolina. Yes, Keith did have a following!

Above is Mick being obscure and blending into the crowd.

Below is Keith demonstrating the Massey-Ferguson that went for a very good price. It was a "man's auction" I was told.

We were quite flabbergasted at the price of things. Examples include a 410 over and under shotgun that Mick had paid $79, sold for $215. Bob had every kind of knife known to man, large pocket knives with gadgets, not a Leatherman, but just a knife were going for $20 each. His mom's upright piano sold for $5 and his blonde mahogany bedroom suite including a highboy from his youth, went for the grand total of $10. There was no rhyme or reason. A couple of women got in a bidding war over a pair of junk twin beds of Bob's and they were sold for $150. Yet this truly beautiful vintage, mint-condition, blonde mahogany bedroom suite sold for $10. I had previously tried to talk Mick into our keeping it for the guest bedroom in Cuenca, but that was when we were shipping a container.

Some of the items were emotional. Being carried off to its new home above is my Hull piggy bank that our neighbor gave to me as a baby present. When it was brought up, I said I was going to bid on it, Mick gave a brief lecture about "stuff" and "moving"; I let it go.

There were many people there. A total of 206 registered to bid; we were told that is a good crowd. A few months ago, an estate was sold on the same road and there were 52 bidders registered.

The property sold for more than Mick was expecting to get; the property is actually worth twice the value, but this is not a perfect world. It was a long day. The auction lasted, non stop, until almost 3:30. Everyone seemed to be a happy camper. The buyers had their bargains. the concession lady had charged premium prices and had made a killing. Keith was all smiles and so were we!

In the winter when we were planning how to liquidate, we had contacted an estate liquidator. She perused our belongings, said that she could sell it for 40% and we would end up with probably $1800. Although we were realistic, regarding our things being used and the economic situation, but we found that to be very insulting and disheartening. You like to think that what you have accumulated is worth just a bit more than that. A couple of things were sold on Craig's List and some china sold on e-bay. It was time consuming. With the few things that we did sell and yesterday's results, we've already quadrupled that initial figure. The auction worked for us. Perhaps it is not the answer for everyone that is leaving 99% of their possessions, but it was right for us.

The few remaining essentials that we have in the house already have buyers. A couple of things are being given to friends. The crate is scheduled to ship on August 12. Tomorrow, the Allied representative is returning for some last minute instructions.

Yesterday was exhausting. We were tired, but it was a happy tired. We were happy because the estate had been liquidated. We were happy because our things sold easily and we now have an almost empty house. We were happy because Ecuador gets closer every day. We were happy because the day was a tremendous success. Mick gave me a thumbs up for making the right decision on auction companies.

Not only were Mick and I tired, but Nikolas was with us and he was such a trooper. He was so calm in the midst of the crowd. We feel as if the hardest and most involved part of the move is behind us. If you have one, they will come.

Until next time,

Mick and Kathy

Order from Chaos

The natural order of the universe is chaos. As chaos decreases to achieve order, energy is expended. The measure of this energy is known as entropy. Less chaos means more energy is used up. Since returning from Ecuador, much energy has been used in an attempt to maintain some sense of order amidst the chaos. It will get better!

This is Renee, who is an avid cook and baker and receptionist at daycare. She came yesterday to pick up all the cookbooks that we've acquired through the years. Renee did not want her picture taken after the feat of getting them all in the truck, so I copied her photo from the Stoney Creek website

I think she was overwhelmed by the enormity of the collection. The back of the truck was full when she left.

We also cleaned out the liquor cabinet of all the presents through the years that went unused. Renee was a happy camper when she left.

The chaos continued. There were boxes and stacks of this and that. The goal was to have everything ready for the auction people.

This morning at 7:30, 2 large trucks rolled onto our street. they worked like Trojans carrying furniture. They had obviously done this before. With their actions, the energy increased and the chaos decreased. We had to do nothing except watch, which was good for our backs.

The last truck was packed and ready to go. All of our "stuff" was taken to Lexington for the auction on Saturday.

All of our lives, we've heard, "you can't have too much stuff". You CAN have too much stuff. They are very optimistic that it will be a success. We were told that the web listing for our auction is the most viewed of North Carolina auctions for the week.

We have kept the things that are necessary until our departure. We still have the appliances, our bed, a single bed that Nick uses for window viewing, our computer desks, our computers, and two bar stools. It somehow still seems like a lot of stuff, but, it's much less than there was this morning. There are bins around the walls with our clothes. We will manage with the remaining chaos, because order will come in Cuenca.

Until next time,

Mick and Kathy

The Packing REALLY Begins

Denis and Centhia were here bright and early on Saturday morning to begin the packing. All the things that had been sorted out to be sold were carefullly packed in boxes and placed on the truck to transport to Lexington for the auction. While they packed, I continued to gather things. By the time they had finished, the truck was full..

Mick refused to participate and read his morning paper. He's a very wise man.

On Sunday morning, Mick, Nikolas, and I made the trip to Lexington to drop off everything. We will take another load on Wednesday and then on Thursday, the auction company will bring a couple of trailers down to carry the furniture to Lexington. After Thursday, most of the house will be empty. Hopefully then things will be a little more relaxing. I've told Denis that as chores disappear, she can pick up with the Mexican cooking lessons again. I will hopefully be a decent Mexican cook by the time we return to Cuenca in September.

Until next time,

Mick and Kathy

Pictureless and Handcuffed

Since arriving in Cuenca, the blogs have been specific regarding the progression of business matters required for our permanent stay. Many pictures of everyday life were being held for an entry containing the pictures and explanations. That entry has been nixed.

Our goals for this trip were: 1) find an apartment, 2) purchase those items immediately necessary for Day 1 of our return, 3) leave most of the clothes that we brought down at the new apartment. All of those goals were accomplished. We were elated and love our new home. We brought back far less than we went with. One of the items left in the bodega was the new laptop that Mick purchased just before the trip. He insisted that that would be one less item to bring as a carry on. I had downloaded all the pictures to the computer. Even my precious flash drive is there.

Our trip was wonderful and truly seems surreal. We have met some great new friends. Tuesday we met Brian and Shelley for lunch at Ramypampa. Afterwards, we went to the 10 de Augusto market. The fruits and veggies looked great! This is the market that serves the roast pig that Brian is always talking about. It looked delicious. We then received bus training (I road the bus in DC about 25 years ago and Mick road a bus in Charlotte many years ago to pick up his car at Toyota.

Henry came over late Tuesday afternoon to tell us goodbye. He seemed sad that we were leaving. Mick promised to make him Buffalo wings when we return. He dropped us off at La Vinca, where we were meeing Ed and Tresa for dinner. This was a new restaurant for us. Mick had a pizza and I had ravioli at Tresa's suggestion. You have a choice of sauces and since I've such great difficulty in making a decision, the waiter suggested making the dish a sample. When my plate arrived, there was sectioned off, each with a different sauce. My favorite was the mushroom sauce. It was a great day.

Gabriella worked Wednesday morning. She ironed while we went to California Kitchen for breakfast. We had brought grits, didn't use them all and were going to give them to Ed and Tresa. We were running short on time, so we ran into Woody, who is vacationing for a month with his wife, Janine, across the hall from Ed and Tresa. Woody said that he would drop the grits off for us.

Gabriella helped us take our things to the bodega. The apartment is going to be painted this month. Next month, Gabriella will clean the apartment. Carlos is in charge of the deliveries.

We left Cuenca on Wednesday for Quito. It was clear enough that we could see Cotatpaxi, a grand site. It was also visible from our room at the Hilton Colon. When we return in September, we will overnight again at the Hilton Colon. We were told repeatedly that Nikolas will be permitted to spend the night.

Things were so busy in Cuenca with big picture items that we had no time to check on smaller things. Thursday morning was spent at El Le Jardin Mall. There is a giant Sukasa there. It's similar to a chain that was once in Charlotte, Reading China and More. It had everything and seemed to be of good quality. Sukasa has 300 thread count sheets, good towels, open stock dishware, including Noritake. There are also small appliances, Black and Decker, Oster, Cuisinart, and Kitchen Aid. I was debating about transporting my Kitchen Aid mixer. The decision was made while at Sukasa. A Kitchen Aid stand mixer is almost $900. Microwaves are also expensive, $150-$200+. (I did see one for $93 at Coral Center).

As for electronics, there was not a huge difference in price between there and Best Buy. The difference is not worth wasting crate space to ship a TV and computer.

We left Quito Thursday night, late of course. Delta is NOT ready when you are! Check in went well at the airport, everything was under weight. Each gate has its own security. When we arrived at the gate, Mick was taken aside and searched, hand searched by a female security guard. We thought it strange. She was not inhibited in the least; she put her arms around him from the front and back. She felt his thighs and went up in the groin area, feeling everything. She felt of his butt cheeks. Mick asked if they were getting married. She smiled.

We took a seat and waited for boarding. Just before boarding, a list of names were called, one was Mick's, we went to the counter. Mick was told that he needed to go with the security person because the police were downstairs and wanted to open his luggage. Mick had no choice but to go with him. He was taken through a number of "Authorized Personnel Only" doors. When he reached downstairs where the luggage had been placed, he was handcuffed. Also, as he entered the room, he saw bricks of cocaine being removed from another suitcase, which had a handcuffed person in front of it. There were three other handcuffed people there, all were carrying cocaine. Mick new that when the luggage left our possession that it was clean; however, it had been out of our possession for hours. He just knew that this was going to be an episode from "Locked Up Abroad", starring him.

Mick was on the verge of panic. He was told by a very large black policeman that he was handcuffed for his own safety, as well as the safety of the policeman, who spoke broken English. He was told that the drug dog had picked the suitcase and he was never wrong. Everything was removed from the suitcase. It was checked for false bottoms. Our bottles of medicine were opened, checked, sniffed.

Meanwhile, back at the gate, I was also thinking of what I had seen on "Locked Up Abroad". I waited and waited. The other passengers were boarding, no Mick. The other passengers continued to board, no Mick. I was on the verge of panic. I had wanted to go with him, but was not allowed to do so. My imagination was running rampant. I had decided that if he did not come back, that my only option was to contact the embassy.

Before the boarding was complete, I saw Mick entering the gate area. He told me what had happened and how unnerving it was. He was at their mercy. The police finally conceded that the dog had made a mistake. The clothes were put back in the suitcase, it was locked and Mick was released.

We got to Charlotte on Friday morning. Nikolas had just been groomed and was elated to see Mommy and Daddy. Denis and Centhia came and unpacked for us. It was a wonderful time and we already miss Cuenca. Our new home awaits us.

Until next time,
Mick and Kathy