i didn't really disappear once i got to Texas (although it sort of feels like it, everything is so different), but i have just been REALLY tired and REALLY busy (in a very different way). the moving went pretty well, it was awesome to have Margaret come to help me, and i knew Betsy was thinking of me and wishing she were helping too (she sent $$ to help with gas and snacks and called us for moral support as we were cleaning the miniLoft the last night). having Margaret helped me be much less sad and stressed. all of the things i was so worried about went smoothly, despite the fact that i had a royal shaft from uHaul less than 24 hours before the move was to begin and had to find another truck/tow trailer right away. i did, with my local Penske guys, they were so good and helpful and i will probably never use a uHaul again. the truck was bigger than i wanted, but all was the same price, so i took all the rest of my stuff off craigslist and freecycle and kept it, since i knew it would fit.

the drive took FOREVER. but it was ok. even fun, with Margaret. and we did finally get here, well, i did. i detoured to the outskirts of Austin at midnight, where a friend picked her up, so i wouldn't have to get up at the crack of dawn, which was far too near, to take her back to Austin next day so she could catch up on her summer schoolwork.

next day was unloading tinaMerlot and unpacking. it all went smoothly and quickly with the help of mi familia. i really didn't have much stuff. we didn't even have to work hard to fit it into the 10 x 10 storage. next day the truck went back and i was so glad for *that* to be done and over. i had just enough $$ for the whole thing. since then, i have been visiting, nannying (Kathy), helping out where i can and trying not to feel too sad and even "homesick". it was very bad the first day. i miss my poet. and i wonder where my home will be. and what my purpose will be. Kathy and i have been doing some artstuff and that is fun. i introduced her glitter glue and she is enamored, as am i.

i've been hiking on the property, doing my 3 miles in a loop here, but yesterday i went to town so i could do a longer hike in neighborhoods and make some pictures. that was good. there will be more. but today, more visiting... to my mother's. then next week, i have to start thinking about ... working ... or something! i like unemployment, and i got a nice little $$ awarded, but i don't think i can have my own home without a Real Job, so i probably need one of those, although i would love to get away without one.

wow i can't believe i snuck all these words in this morning! now time to hike though, then onward...