(Mostly) Happy Pup

Admittedly, this guy has not had the easiest time adjusting to the move. He looks at us a lot as if to say, "Hey, this has been a fun vacation, but when are we going home?" And, when we get ready to leave for work, or errands, or dinner, or whatever, he often gives us a look that says, "Hey, wait, don't forget me! I want to go home too! Don't leave me here!" 

In between woeful looks, he does give us some happy faces. Especially when he's playing with his yellow ball or his bone.

He's going to make it and we are confident that at some point he will realize that we are "home" and that we aren't leaving him forever when we go to the grocery store.

Reality

I think it's finally starting to set in. It happened today after dropping my mom off at the airport. I've been expecting it, but wasn't quite sure when it would actually hit-- I live very far away from almost everyone I know.

I told the Engineer I was just waiting for a "sad day" to come along. I knew when we decided to move that it would be exciting and fun, but I also knew it would be hard and that there would be days I was "homesick" and sad. In three weeks time I didn't have one single day where I felt sad. (Of course I have not really slowed down long enough to think about whether I missed our old home or was sad or not...)

Today, though, it sort of sunk in. When I dropped my mom off at the airport and we said goodbye it seemed real. That it really would be months before I saw her in person again. It was sort of strange and overwhelming and sad at the same time. I was sad to say goodbye to my mom, but I think this departure represented the whole of friends and family and the realization that they are all very far away and that I won't see them again for months or maybe longer.

On top of reality setting in about the move and the changes I also finished a book that really made me think pretty hard about some things. As it shapes-up into a cohesive thought I'll share it. For now it's just one of the many things swirling about in my head.

Filthy Paws

This guy...

...had some fun this afternoon digging holes in his new backyard and... he forgot to wipe his feet...

After a day of light rain the sun is actually peeking out from behind the clouds. It was in the upper 60s today, which wasn't bad even in the rain. Of course I could be seen sporting a jacket most of the day. Upper 60s is a bit cool where I came from.

The need for the jacket in "great weather" is one of the many things I'm finding that make us stand out here. I noticed a lot of them today while dealing with lots of government agencies. More on that later!