Random Thoughts after Three Weeks in Carolina

Three weeks later and we are still unpacking! Since I began packing back in December 2006 – the contents of some of the boxes are a total surprise. What I can feel good about is that the mountain of cardboard is all being recycled. On one of our first days here, we asked a neighbor what day garbage pickup was. His answer was just a blank stare. Story is that if you don’t live in the city limits (the “city” being Pickens), you have to haul your own trash to the dump. The “dump” turned out to be the most efficient recycling center I have ever seen AND it is only about two miles from our house. Since you have to take your trash there anyway, there is really no reason to NOT recycle. The center is staffed with friendly guys in orange shirts emblazoned with “Inmate” across the back (seriously, they are very helpful) and takes everything imaginable from tires, motor oil, paint cans, construction debris to the more mundane glass, paper and plastic. Going to the dump has become an event - one of John’s favorite chores. Good thing, because I’ve lost count of the number of trips we’ve made there!

We’ve found that the house plan really works beautifully for the way we live (thanks, Rick!) and we are very pleased with the structure. Now the property is another story. The last thing we wanted was a lawn, let alone a two acre one. The drought seems to have broken, and we have an ocean of MUD with a little straw and grass seed mixed in. I have been occupying myself (when it’s not raining), picking up miscellaneous building materials (siding hangers, nails, plastic, scraps of trim) and rocks (we have an abundance of rocks.) Though I love the physical labor in the out-of-doors, today the analogy hit me – it’s like trying to empty the ocean with a teaspoon. Even if that grass seed all sprouts like we’ve been hoping for, we will never be able to mow it, since the ground is all ruts and rocks. It is time for some serious help! I have two landscaping people coming out this week for consultation.

Anyway, I have other ways to get my exercise – John and I joined the Pickens County Y. This was our second big surprise. I honestly had my chin on my chest the entire time we toured the Y. It is a gorgeous facility and has newer and more high-tech equipment than any gym I’ve seen. I am excited about getting back in an exercise routine and am pleased to have cycling and yoga classes available to me.

The painter finally finished up on our porch on Friday, so we were able to get the porches cleaned and the furniture moved into place this weekend. So –at long last- I got to do what I have been waiting for, just sit on the porch. It’s all good.