Thursday, March 21, 2013 — I'm settling in

The tree I came home to

I always think I can just do it overnight. But that's never the way it goes. First of all, there's a little jet lag. But not enough to matter, you'd think. Then it's the three shopping bags full of mail plus the three packages on the side. I was at least so pleased that, even though they said they wouldn't keep my mail at the post office over six weeks, they did. Then I drove home with it and began my sorting chore. It turns out to be so shocking how much of that weight is wasteful paper. I ended up carrying out three huge piles to the recycling box. Then, there is the actual getting down to prioritizing and writing out the bills from the stack that didn't end up on the floor. I've conquered that pile now and feel like I've really done something! Actually, I didn't do such a bad job of it this year. I have a few more things
automatically withdrawn and made double payments to several of my cards and utilities. So, each year I vow I'll do a bit more of this preemptive paying and it seems to be making things a bit easier when I get home. Fewer complaints this year than last.

But I'm still feeling like I'm not completely here yet.  I know I am, and I go through all the motions as if it is all back to normal. As they say, "poco, poco." Went to a Pacific Textile Arts board meeting this afternoon and the only thing I forgot to take — the nice scarves and beach  rock jewelry I had carefully set out as gifts for this group of people I love so much and who did great things for our little non-profit while I was gone. They kept me informed as the news came in while I was in Oaxaca that our grant proposal to the Community Foundation had made the first cut and they ushered the site inspection team from the Foundation through our property and helped fill in the answers to all the questions. I received the news that we had been awarded the grant several days before I left Oaxaca for Puerto Vallarta for my meeting with Kathy — some mother/daughter fun and relaxation. I had actually studied Spanish pretty diligently at the Institute for a month, so it was like getting a prize at the end of the stay. Now PTA will have to make some tough decisions about how we're going to be able to accomplish our goals while lacking the full amount it will take to complete the task in the best way. — It's called — back to reality. And I'll love being part of the team working to solve the next problems and make the necessary decisions. I guess, as every hour goes by I come a little closer to feeling like I'm home and happy to be here.

I finished the Barbara Kingsolver I spoke of the other day but can't comment for fear of telling you too much about the ending. She does it for me every time. Bravo, Barbara.

I'm now  reading a book about which I may come back to you for consultation. I need to get a little further before making any rash statements, but I'm finding myself way out of my comfort zone at the moment. Tomorrow I'm being led on several hikes along the Land Trust holdings on the coast. Definitely looking forward to seeing them for the first time and getting some good exercise in the deal.  After that, I'm planning on  dinner at the Caspar Community Center and then, also at the center, a night of Celtic music from Cape Breton. This is the gorgeous place I'm happy to call home. I'm feeling better about being back with every hour that passes.