The Washington State Chronicles

Hey gang! I haven't written in awhile because, as you all know, I've been frantically getting ready to move cross country back to my home state of Washington. Well...I'm finally back home, my car has been delivered (thank GOD), and my computer is unpacked and ready to go. I can now start to get settled in here, little by little.

My flight went fantastically well, with absolutely no delays or bumps along the way (unless you count the turbulence). I actually arrived at both of my destinations rather early, and even had time to enjoy a nice, hot, white-chocolate mocha. I had a window seat on the left side of the plane coming in to Seattle, which allowed me to sit and stare in awe at Mt. Rainier, which I greatly missed. I guess you don't really realize how much scenery plays a part in your life, until you don't have it anymore. Needless to say...I'm very thankful to have the fantastic view out my bedroom window once more.



For the first week I was home, the weather was uncharacteristically clear, however, it was extremely cold. Temps were down in the mid to high twenties. We even had snow! One thing's for sure, I'm definitely going to have to get used to this colder weather again. Yesterday, the clouds crept down from the mountainside, enveloping the air with a thick, misty, foggy rain. I fell asleep last night, peacefully, to the familiar sound of whooshing rain running over my roof. It absolutely poured, washing away what was left of the snow. Today, it's overcast and drizzly -- typical pacific northwest weather. Only the foothills of the mountain are visible from my window. The pine trees, with their thick scent, stick out like silhouettes against their grey backgrounds. The light is dark and dim, but at least it's warmed up a bit with the cloud cover. Forty-seven degrees today, even though it doesn't feel like it.

I've rather enjoyed seeing our native Mountain Chickadees again. They're one of the only birds that actually stick it out through the rough winter, instead of migrating south to the warmer states. They've been stalking up on the sunflower seeds we've set out in our feeders, trying to fatten themselves up to help insulate themselves against the bitter cold. They sure are cute.



So, I'm back in the wonderful state of Washington, getting re-acclimated to the weather, my surroundings, and my old room. Which, I have to say, is kind of odd. Most of it had remained largely un-touched since I last left it. It was almost like stepping back in time.



Coming home has most certainly been a whirlwind of crazy events, full of emotions, and warm-heartedness despite my broken heart. However, I think one of the things that touched me the most was the fact that my beloved kitty, Sphynx, actually remembered me after being separated for almost two years. She has gotten soooo big! Even though my parents have said that she's doing things again that she hasn't done in years...she hasn't changed a bit to me. She's still that wild, crazy, orange kitty I left sadly behind. But we're together again, and that's all that matters.



Well, I'm going to take off for now. But be sure to check back soon. I'll post the pictures and videos of my going away party as soon as I get them from my friends back in Tennessee. There's a crazy story that goes along with that, that I'll have to save for later.

So long from Washington State!