Newcomers to Charlotte

Well, us four newly North Carolinians are enjoying our fourth week here in Charlotte. Paul, me and the two birds had our first day that felt like the onset of fall. As one knowing native said, "The first of September is like flicking a switch." And he was right! Going from 90's to 70's was a great transition. Paul and I sat out on the porch of our new apartment and had cereal and orange juice. The birds came out too, and Clementine, our stinky parrot who is finicky about baths, asked for a shower today when she came outside by fanning out her feathers. We all had fun in the fresh air all day by having all the windows open and no airconditioning on. What a treat!



Today was kitchen setup day. We unpacked all our kitchen boxes, washed everything and managed to find a cupboard spot for nearly everything (our kitchen is slightly smaller in storage than our apartment in California). As we unpacked each box, we had a fun little note written by different members of my family that had packed the box in California. It was really fun reading all those notes which were pretty funny. One example by my expert poet mother, "Mashed potatoes are creamy, John Wayne is tall, it won't be long before you're saying y'all!"



We just finished getting all that put away and are heading out for the barbeque. Tomorrow is going to be a fun, no chore Labor Day!

Below are some pictures from our road trip two weeks ago and our new place:

Here's our home in California in packing mode.

We couldn't have done it all without the help of family and friends!

We left on our road trip from Mom and Dad's Tuesday afternoon, August 7.

On the road-- pit stop in the shade at a Subway in Utah. See the birds in the backseat?

The hotel shuffle with the birds was always interesting. The girls actually got quite good at it... and so did Paul.

The mobile office at the back of Hardee's (eastern version of Carl's Jr.). Paul was so busy with phone calls and home setup while we were on the road.

The only shade in Eastern Colorado! Arby's lunch break before the long drive through Kansas.

The Whistle Stop. On this lonely deserted road we saw this fun Kansas sign. As Paul was taking my picture a truck actually drove by! Not only that but they whistled at me.

Sunday afternoon, our first day in our new home!

Bedding that we bought at Costco that morning.

Dinner at last!