Happy Earth Day or Whatever…

 

Happy Earth Day - NC Parks

I was a student on the first Earth Day. It was a movement born in part as a response to Rachel Carson’s book, Silent Spring. Carson noticed a reduction of birdsong in the springtime.  Pesticide use provided a direct threat to birds and many other species and we needed to act immediately to halt the threat. It resonated with me to my core and I have lived my life consciously trying to care for Mother Earth. I tried to live small, buy sustainable or used products or do without. 

North Carolina is killing me.

Joyeuses Pâques or Happy Easter

Over the past few weeks, life has been like a bunny, hopping up and down and alternately leaving a poop or an egg, but isn’t that life?

Halfway and One More Step

All our worldly possessions. We actually did it!

Have you ever watched Amazon Prime’s “Patriot”? It is a darkly funny, slow spy story. John Tavner, the story’s hero, often finds himself in scary, tortuous situations. When asked how he does it, he says, “I just go halfway and one more step.”  His point being, from that point forward, it is less painful than going back.

Today, we have reached halfway and one more step.

And Then God Laughs

Back to the adage, “The more you plan, the harder God laughs.” 

Our plan for February was to apply for our visas with the goal to arrive in France April 1. God, “Hahahaha…”

And This is Where Things Go Off the Rails a Bit…

Four days until closing…

My dear friend offered to rent us her family home while we wrapped up our lives in Salem. Unbeknownst to her and us, as it sat empty for a year, Mother Nature moved in.

So, We’ve Been a Bit Busy…

December 5th we arrived home and fell into bed at 8 pm. At 3 am, our eyes popped open and our brains began spinning…so much to do and so little time! We haven’t stopped moving or started sleeping since then.

 

We created self-imposed deadlines of: 

Declutter, prep the house in December,

List in January, 

Sell in February, 

Visa in March,

France in April.

The more you plan, the harder God laughs.

Sad to Leave

 After much deliberation at the Delta counter this morning, I was finally permitted to fly. I was chastised for not having my maiden name in any ID…like any of that was my choice! Something, something patriarchy.

We were advised to arrive four hours before the flight and that didn’t leave much wiggle room! The terminal has some choke points in the flow, but it is mostly empty. I dread the days of crowded travel yet long for the freedom and openness of Covid-free life.

The TSA agent was puzzled as to my lack of a belt. (?) I explained that thanks to pastries, I didn’t need one. Ahh, he laughed and waved me on.

Here at the gate, we begin our readjustment to American life. The voices are louder and people are more gregarious. 

Some final photos as we prepare for our flight to Seattle. 

Truth in advertising? I don’t think I would trust “Adequate “ condoms.

A plant wall in the terminal.

The down arrow indicates straight ahead. It took us a while to learn that. Many unnecessary trips down stairs and escalators!!

Excited to see planes.

Empty!!