"So, how do you like it here?"

Today's music score = "Put Up a Parking Lot" by Joni Mitchell

Most disliked sign: Right lane must turn right

Today's grateful list:
I'm grateful for the internet, income, and knee socks.

Recent spats = none. Survival is essential.


FYI
Some of you, wonderful Fans, have been sending us messages wondering where we are now. We've been in Columbia, MD, for two weeks now where Allen started his new job as of yesterday. We are still stuck in a less-than satisfactory hotel efficiency, hoping to be in an apartment this weekend. Since we're in temporary circumstances, we've not sent out a new address, yet. We are a bit tired of eating out, especially tired of sitting in booths with broken benches, and shopping for furnishings with less than usual enthusiasm. These are sure signs that we have moved too often -- and we know this is not the last time.

Columbia, supposedly, is a "planned community" or was -- back in the '60s. There are miles of walking paths hidden somewhere behind the zillions of townhome and apartment communities. The roads have driven us -- crazy. Thank heavens for GPS! Imagine a child fingerpainting on paper -- now call those roads and stick thousands of multi-family dwellings down in the blank spaces. Some of the roads end in split-hairs -- instead of right angles to other roads. Some just go off into hidden spaces like capillaries. The main "arteries" may travel from NE to SW, or NW to SE, but they'll be labeled only "north" or "south", maybe "east" or "west". Parkways run into other parkways. I think the flunkies of road-design schools practiced here. Perhaps, some sadistic group just wanted to increase the potential for auto accidents. There is also ample mass transit, but I don't know who is using it or who knows how to use it. Hope I'll meet someone who will enlighten me.

My final words for those who ask, "How do you like it here?" -- there is no comparison with Oceanside, CA, a beautiful experience. We will, with all of your good wishes, make the best of our current opportunity by spending more time with family and keeping positive thoughts for the future.

Watch for the EpiBLOGue and photos after we get settled....