Tuesday, May 16, 2006

WE ARE HERE!

Wow, we are really here. We had a long day yesterday but everything went really well. The cats turned out to be very good travelers. They did not make a peep, and when we had to take them out of their carriers for security at both ends, they behaved very well and did not try to escape. We had dinner at our favorite restaurant last night - a few steps from our new home - right on the beach where we could watch the moon and the breakers hit the shore. Fabulously balmy and warm with a slight breeze stirring. Our dream. Hard to believe that it has happened.

We went grocery shopping today and bought Jerry some shoes because he didn't bring any sandals (don't even ask). Everything is certainly different - as we expected. We have lots of adventures ahead of us...

Tuesday, May 09, 2006

Our stuff is on its way!


Two 200-cubic foot containers of our memories and everyday essentials were filled and sealed in this moving van yesterday. No furniture - we can buy new furniture in Mexico (and many homes are sold furnished). Jerry sent most of his tools (even his drill press) and I could not imagine parting with my Kitchenaid, Cuisinart, espresso machine, etc. We sent a few cool-weather clothes to wear when we come back to Oregon for a visit. We sent a few boxes of books, lots of DVDs, CDs, art supplies, artwork, computer, TV, stereo and lots of family memorabilia. It will arrive in 3-4 weeks following its very complicated journey through the border and customs processes. One of the huge advantages of hiring a company experienced in international moves is that they take care of all the paperwork. Fret-free. We hope and trust. The cost, for those who are interested? $5200, plus any customs charges and fees.

Saturday, May 06, 2006

Our house is sold....

One of our most stressful remaining "loose ends" was the house. We didn't put it on the market until two weeks before we were scheduled to leave. We had so many little finishing touches we wanted to complete - like Jerry's ambitious fence with four gates. It was on the market for five hours before we got a full asking price offer. It will close after we leave, but we have a friend who will act on our behalf to sign papers with a power of attorney. Whew.

The movers come in two days to pack us up. We are sending about 400 cubic feet of our belongings - about 10% of what we had when we started. This has been the most challenging part of our whople project...do you keep the birthday card Aunt Helen gave you in fourth grade? What about that first valentine you ever received? And this book that a boyfriend gave you in college - look, he even wrote a poem inside the front cover! Difficult decisions, but we got pretty ruthless before it was over. We scanned lots and lots of old documents and pictures, then recycled the originals. All of our important documents (passports, FM3s) are also scanned as a backup.

We find ourselves at loose ends. We are saying lots of goodbyes - many lunches and dinners. I said goodbye to my dear sister yesterday - she lives 300 miles away and we met halfway. That was the hardest thing yet, but I look forward to seeing her in Mexico when they visit (soon, I hope).

Eight more days.