Princeton

The kids and I drove to Princeton today. A gorgeous campus and beautiful town. We'll definitely go back. If can see, check out the boy's new haircut. We all like it, but he doesn't.

New Jersey: Week 1

We have now been in New Jersey for 1 week. First impression....Not what I thought it would be. It seems so much more rural than I had imagined. And its very green. Loads of trees. It doesn't seem any different from Indiana or Ohio. Most people seem to be friendly and of course its nice to speak and read english everywhere! During week 1 we took a tour of the boy's new school and got his schedule made for next year. It seems quite nice. Also, Gil had to see the vet for his vomitting issues. He's all better now!! And took the trip to NYC and saw a broadway show for under $30 and sat in the front row! Have also begun looking for houses and will hopefully find something this coming week. Have also begun narrowing down my car choices, as cars will need to be bought soon. Hubby will not be on a business trip this week, which will be nice. And hopefully the airshipment will arrive with my American driver's license!

In closing, here is a pic I took in NYC of the Naked Cowboy!

NYC trip

Went with some friends from work, to Manhattan. They took us along this park created on some abandoned raised, railway tracks. I think it was called Skyline Park. We walked along it towards Times Square and eventually got to the theatre district where we attempted to get cheap tickets through the lottery system. The girl and I sat in the front row at 'Wicked' while everyone else saw Robin Williams in 'The Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo' (also in the front row). Apparently the boy and Robin Williams are best friends now! Heading home, a butterfly landed on hubby's shoulder and wouldn't move. After walking around with it for a couple blocks, he finally flicked it off.

Update on Gil

Well, Gil began to vomit blood. A little at first, then more. I took him to the emergency room vet who, after x-rays and bloodwork, determined that he probably had a virus along with the stress of moving and strange food/water etc.... She gave gim 3 types of medication and he was already feeling better by the end of the day. $560 later, he's back to his old self!

Apartment move in

Upon arrival in New Jersey, everyone was starving, so we drove-thru at Wendys (the only thing open). We were amazed at the size of the medium drink. As big as the girl's head!

Today we moved into the temporary apartment. Its okay. Gil made himself comfortable on the couch. He's exhausted physically and emotionally from all the moving.

Safe Arrivals

I don't know what happened to make the photos on the last entry, so emormous. I was rushing at the airport in San Francisco and something must have gone awry. We were delayd by an hour and a half but made it to New Jersey around midnight. After some delay and many emails and phone calls, I found Gilbert and he was just delivered at noon today.
He looks good. A bit thinner, but thats to be expected.
More later....
Thankfully, I fixed the photos in the previous post, so now you can see them easier.

Departure Day

Goodbye Gil and Acorn Hills

Said goodbye to Gil this morning as someone I didn't know, who only spoke Japanese, came and picked him up in a little truck. It was pretty sad. Spent a couple hours after that making last minute cleaning adjustments. You can see the empty and sparkling house here.

Another little thing to worry about and get my mind off Gil for awhile........It came to me at 4:00 this morning that I did not pack my American wallet and that without it, I have no American driver's license!! After some hasty calls from Ben to various people, I was able to go with a translator to get an international driving license based on my Japanese license, so now I will be able to pick up my rental car as scheduled. Thank you to my Guardian Angel, whoever you are!

Gil takes his last morning walk in the neighborhood

Gil had his last morning walk in the neighborhood this morning. We took some left over shrimp to the silk pillow gang. Tiny, with her 2 kids Tito (next to Tiny w/white body/black tail) and Lilliann (behind) were the first to greet us.

Then Mary, the grandmother of Tito and Lilliann came running out and Christo stayed on the wall. They don't mix with him very well. He seems an outcast. Following are some photos of Gil checking out his favorite spots along the route.

Packing: Day 1

The moving guys swooped in and began wrapping & packing at 9am.

By the end of the day there was nothing left in the kitchen and the living room furniture was gone too. There's almost nothing left in the house.

Sayonara, pottery and Gil's b-day

Last week the gals from the KWC board took me out for a little farewell party. I usually try to avoid this because its too sad, but they were insistant. I'm glad they were. It was nice spending time with them one last time. They're a great group! Also last week, we had our last firing and pottery wrap up party. Here are my final pieces on display. And last but not least, Gil turned 7!! Here are a few shots of him opening his gifts.

Great News!!!

Great News!! The boy got accepted to Gill St. Bernard's!!
That's one less thing to worry about.
The movers are here today, packing everything up.
They're fast!!

Graduation

The Graduation Ceremony went off without a hitch. The theatre was decorated with loads of flowers, very pretty. Speeches were given and awards were handed out. Our girl sang a song from "Wicked" with 3 other girls from choir. The costumes from around the world were spectacular. Afterwards there was a party and dinner for families and faculty. A very nice day.