Arrival in Texas

Having grown up in the north, I always knew that birds flew south for the winter. We learned about it in school and each autumn in my youth I would watch the ‘V’ shaped patterns of the birds as they flew to warmer climes. Perhaps once or twice I wondered where they went, but never for long, imagining sparrows on a bough overlooking a carribean beach, or bluejays frolicking around the Amazon River. However, now I need ponder no more, because I know where birds fly for the winter. They come to Dallas, more specifically the corner of East Hebron Parkway and North Josey Lane.

We arrived in Carrollton on Saturday, November 10, driving straight to our new home. It was locked for the weekend, but we were amazed at how different it looked from when we had last seen it in April. There were more trees; the big Grand Homes sign had been removed, as had the flagpoles, but the grass had not yet been laid. We peered in, seeing our shiny new floors devoid of furniture. The house would remain locked for the entire weekend.

We arrived at cousin Sue’s house immediately after, and we all went to lunch at Sonic together. Our presence was still unknown to anyone else, as we decided to surprise everyone. Sue had been invited to dinner at Aunt Bell and Uncle Ed’s before the show tonight, but had declined. Driven by the thoughts of Aunt Bells cooking, we encouraged Sue to call and advise she had changed her mind. Dinner was to be steak and, yes, mashed potatoes (Kelly’s favorite). We showed up at the house within a few hours only to see that the table was set for us as well. “How did you know?” we inquired. Aunt Bell admitted it was when Sue had asked about the mashed potatoes. We were caught!

We all drove to the theatre at 7 for the show, seeing in the lobby the Kathy and Evan, Mark and Mrs. Jones. The show was The Miracle Worker, which Lindsay was starring in as Viney, and she was amazing, as she is at everything she tries.

The next few days we found ourselves caught in a web of governmental red tape, as we endeavored to get all the paperwork done for our move. We had to register the car, pay the taxes, get our licenses, plus supervise the progress of our new home. As of now, Christian has his provisional license; he pretty much sailed through the written and driving tests. Kelly still awaits hers, as the car was in her name (which oddly complicates things) and she has misplaced her social security card in the move. Who on earth knows where their card is? We went to the Social Security office yesterday and after waiting an hour learned that she cannot easily change her name as it’s been over two years since the wedding. I mean, my gosh! Monday night was a joy though. All the family went to Aunt Bells for a ziti dinner; even Nathan who has been suffering from pneumonia recently. They literally showered us with gifts. We received an enormous basket filled with Texas necessities; chilli sauce, corn chips, tour book; several gorgeous cookies we cannot wait to try, two Dallas Cowboy t-shirts and a calendar, much to everyone elses dismay, since the Settles didn’t beat them to it with Eagles paraphernalia. Aunt Bell also gave us a bag filled with toilet paper, paper towels, tin foil, and everything else one needs in a new home. The icing on the cake was the flowers she gave us. Lovely flowers from her garden in a vase that is a little cowboy boot. Unbelievably apt and adorable.

So today is the day; November 15 is when the builders finally vacate our home and we can take it over. So tonight we should be sleeping in our own home, on an air mattress Aunt Bell and Uncle Ed graciously lent us. We are so excited!