A rooster, frogs, mystery fruit and do I actually need all my clothes?

Aloha!

We woke to our rooster. We have a rooster! And a chicken, both of which baffle the dog. The rooster has taken note of the eight different time zones I keep track of and, helpfully, announces them throughout the day. 

We'd gone to sleep to a frog chorus, which sounded like a flock of birds. It’s a change from seaplanes and roadworks, and I’ll take it! Unfortunately, they are an invasive species and a pest, so The Husband has plans for a Coqui-removing Dalek. 

Thanks to being on a Seattle body clock, we woke up at around 4:00 am but were too excited to get back to sleep. It was still dark, so after making coffee, we stepped outside. So many stars were visible; it was stunning. I haven't seen that many since New Zealand. 

By 6:00, we were at Walmart. I’ve never actually been in one. Despite much evidence to the contrary, in my head, I was moving to a town with nothing but a 7-11 and a gas station and was anticipating Nordstrom withdrawal. Walmart is awesome! 

TH got tired of me walking around and listing all the departments in wondrous surprise like an enthusiastic Walmartian tour guide. Great selection of Japanese food, too.

Back at the house, it was light enough to appreciate how thoughtful our housesitter had been. We’d installed her (another Kiwi, found her on a local FB group) to avoid more squatters (separate blog), and she’d not only commissioned a beach towel for Milo and gifted him a soft toy, but she’d also left food for us all, along with a spotless house. 

The dog and I went for another walk around the section (you’ll need hiking boots when you visit) and returned with the mystery fruit above. Googling revealed they are Pamplemousse (yellow things the size of my head) and Cheese Fruit (alien-looking things that smell disgusting). Speaking of walking, our hill is so steep it would make an excellent grass ski slope - and is also ideal for zoomies—the dog, not me. I’m the one doubled over, sucking wind and wishing I’d done more cardio at the gym. 

Having just left Seattle grey, I bounced off the walls due to the sunshine. Being here is the result of a long-held dream. Regardless of what you think of Elon Musk, TH's working for him has paid for this, so mahalo, Kekius Maximus. 

We'd lived in a rental in Redmond for five months as part of moving out of and selling our Bellevue lake view house. I'd packed a lot in the first shipping container and added a Comfort Suitcase. What's a Comfort Suitcase? It's one you send on ahead, with all you need for the first night and the next day, to make you feel cherished (by yourself). In this case, Milo's dry food and a favorite toy, dog puzzles, blanket and treats, my favorite toiletries, PJs, and some basic summer clothes and other bits and pieces in case I had an emotional hangover. Towards the end of our stay in Redmong, I boxed up the rest, which would arrive in February, leaving Milo and me with a suitcase and a carry-on.

If you know me, you’ll know clothes are a huge part of my identity. They’re my art gallery, hobby, source of joy and entertainment, and, briefly, a business. After several years in Seattle, TH built me an in-home boutique - see below. You can’t see it all; there were shelves to the side, and I’d taken over the closet downstairs. The one on the right is what I have now, and I'm sharing it with TH.

And you know what? It’s OK. No more four seasons and a different lifestyle. I think my need to express myself that way is going to shift. 

Miss you and mahalo, 

Erin