Making a New Home

Well, it's been a week, and I think we're settling into our new home quite well. We've been going to the pool and park just about every day, and making friends in the neighborhood. It's a bit of an adjustment, considering we're used to having a Target and other amenities right around the corner, and now we have to drive 10 minutes to get our every day essentials. But maybe that isn't a bad thing…it'll certainly keep me from spending money unnecessarily! And maybe it'll encourage me to start making lists, so I don't forget anything that I need…. Ha! I doubt that'll happen, but it's something to strive for. Anyway, while getting settled I had some time off from work, and I'm a little anxious to get back. I'm a busy-body, and I get bored easily. With that said, having a full week off is more than I'm used to, and this busy-body is ready to be busy again!

I thought I'd start off this week by talking about my new neighbors. I was sad to leave my neighborhood in NE Minneapolis, because I had some awesome neighbors. There were older women living on either side of my, who were a little bit eccentric, incredibly nice, and they adored Charley. One of Charley's best friends also lived on our block, and I'd become friends with his parents over the last two years. So, I was hoping that I'd meet some nice people in my new neighborhood. As it turns out, I think I've hit the neighborhood jackpot for a parent of a toddler! On our second day here, our water heater went out. We were outside waiting for the plumber to come fix it, and we got to meet our next door neighbors. They're a young couple, with an adorable little boy, and they were very friendly. I told them that the water heater had gone out, and the guy immediately asked, "You're not paying anyone to fix it are you? I'll come fix it for you right now, if you want." It was very nice! Now, my landlord had called the plumber and was responsible for the cost, so I just let the plumber handle it, but it's nice to have a next door neighbor who's fairly handy! We chatted for awhile, while the kids played, and I felt really good about having them next door.

The first time we ventured to the pool, Charley made instant friends with the other kids playing in the kiddie pool, and I just sat back, relaxed, and enjoyed the afternoon. That's one thing I love about Charley, by the way… She makes friends wherever she goes! On our second trip to the pool, Charley started playing with a little boy, and I started talking with his mom. We talked for about an hour, about a variety of things, and before we left, we exchanged phone numbers, and Charley and I had received an invitation to dinner! There's something to be said for living in a small town…the people certainly are friendly!

Charley and the gang. 

The 4th of July was the first holiday we celebrated here in Hugo, and it came along fairly quickly after we'd moved in. I decided on Thursday evening that we would go to the parade in Forest Lake, because Charley hasn't really been to a parade before. Let's just say, it'll be awhile before we go to another parade. The parade itself was fantastic! There were lots of participants, and things to see (including my friend and her two kids on a fire truck). But Charley wasn't in the mood, and wanted to go home, before the parade even started! She was into it for about 10 minutes after she saw her friends on the fire truck, but then said, "I want to go home." She stuck it out for a few more minutes, and then we walked alongside the parade (totally embarrassing, by the way) to where our car was parked, several blocks away.  Of course on the way back to the car, I ran into several of my students, and stopped to talk with them for a few minutes. By the time we got loaded in the car, Charley was wiped out, and fell asleep almost immediately. We drove home, and made sure the house was clean, because we were having a bit of an impromptu gathering, with a couple of friends and their kids. It was great! Not terribly organized, because it was so last minute…but great! First, one of my friends showed up with her two kids, and we went to the pool right away. The kids played at the park and pool for close to 2 hours, before we headed back to my house for drinks and snacks. When we got home, another friend showed up with his two kids (Charley's best friends from gymnastics), and joined the fun. The kids ate, played, and ate some more, before we decided to walk back to the park. They looked like a little gang, all walking together. The kids played for awhile, then some of us went to the pool, while others went home. All-in-all, it was a great day. It was long, and busy…but that's how I prefer things, I think. Besides that, Charley went to bed early and slept like a rock!

Charley got busted sneaking S'mores dip.
Brilliant idea, but recipe needs tweaking!

Today, Charley and I have pretty much just been bumming around. She's got a little bit of a cold, mixed with some allergies, so we ran errands this morning, and have been at home ever since. She's perfectly content sitting on the couch watching TV all day (only because she's not feeling well), but of course, I'm bored out of my mind. A girl can only watch so much Phineas and Ferb and Barbie's Dream House before she totally loses it. Anyway, after a long day of sitting on the couch, I'm looking forward to getting back to work this week. Have a great week!