Moved In, At Last

During the past six months we have been moving. It seems everyday was devoted to moving. First, preparing for and moving out of the old house consumed our days, and some nights. Then there was concurrently looking for, and buying a new place. Finally, there was preparing and moving into the new place.

The final result was downsizing from a big house to a smaller condo. Each step in the process seemed difficult. The sorting and disposing of excess things was tough both physically and emotionally, but it was finally finished, we thought.

Looking for and deciding on a new place was time consuming, both the actual going to and looking at process, but also the time it took to study the "full disclosure" forms required in today's real estate market. Due diligence is especially important when buying a condo since there may be problems that aren't easily seen during an inspection but show up during a careful reading of the required forms.

After we chose our new home, there was painting and cleaning to prepare for moving in. Then we had to buy furniture to fit the new place. Then came the moving van with more furniture and boxes than would fit in the new place. Again we had to sort, choose and dispose of the excess that just wouldn't fit.

Finally, two months after our furniture and packing boxes were delivered, we are getting settled in. We broke out some Christmas decorations and put ornaments on a a tree.

Christmas tree guarded by Kuro's overstuffed friend.

The second bedroom finally gave up the last of the boxes stored there and became functional and my tools were cleared out of the second bathroom which had served as a temporary mini-shop during the move-in period.

Looking back at how we finally got mostly settled, I think a large part of the process was developing new habits. Which drawer held silverware and which had pot holders. Where to find coffee cups and which way to turn when getting up in the night to visit the bathroom.

Old habits discarded and new ones formed make a person comfortable in new surroundings. We are now at the stage where most of the daily decisions are made by rote. Only occasionally do we ponder where to find something.

Sometimes the simple things make a big difference. Our old house had a dog door so Kuro could come and go at will. No such thing in the condo so he (and we) are learning the new routine of walks, at least three times a day. Of course, I and sometimes Ikuko benefit from the increased level of human exercise so that's a good thing.

Kuro relaxing in a snow free spot under a tree after a romp in the snow
Christmas morning

I've missed posting entries to my blog, and I've missed, even more, having the spare time to write those entries. There are still paintings to hang, minor repairs and improvements to make but now, finally, I feel free to take time to spend on this blog.