The window in our kitchen has become a favorite spot for all of us. June has claimed it for meal times, Colby for writing, and I get it for times like now, when everyone has gone to bed. Maybe it was fate, but the landlord forgot to install a screen on this second-story window that opens to the street. There's something comforting about the cool breeze blowing through unhindered, and the leaves of a great big maple so close that I can almost touch them. It's also fun to watch the people coming and going in this neighborhood that is filled with houses and trees that have been here for over a hundred years. I like that nothing is separating me from the outside world. We've been spending a lot of time outside here in Utah. That could be the result of living in a one-bedroom apartment in which, after three weeks of getting rid of stuff, we still haven't found a place for everything we own. We're getting there. We've managed to whittle our way down to one skillet, one closet (for all of us,) and one car. It feels good. June and I have been riding the city bus to school (our schools are on the same campus) and it seems to have forced us to slow down a little. Even if I'd like to hurry home and get something done, we're at the mercy of the bus schedule. So, might as well sit back and enjoy the down time. I think June likes her school, at least right when I pick her up - not so much the morning of. I'm pretty impressed with the other moms that I see dropping off their kids - what seems to be the average Utah mom. She is young, with around three kids who are often dressed in home-made clothing and accessories, and also pulls off being stylish and well-groomed herself. How do they do that? I've been enjoying dancing and thinking about dance again. It's a lot more fun than it was ten years ago - when I did a lot more stressing than enjoying. What was I worried about? Colby has been finding work here and there - helping out at an outdoor concert venue and freelance writing for the Salt Lake Tribune's prep sports. Although a full time job would probably feel a little more secure, it's been wonderful to be able to have one of us with June all the time - and to be able to hang out all together more often! The weather has been wonderful - hot days and nights broken up by the occasional lightening storm and downpour, followed by huge fluffy clouds with blue sky and rays of sun peeking through. I feel like I'll never get tired of having weather. Of course, I imagine I'll be saying something different when March rolls around and it's STILL snowing. For now, it's fun. We miss all of you Valley folks and our yummy local produce! We get some fairly local stuff here, but being in the city - the farms are usually a couple of hours away, and the variety doesn't seem to be as great. Take care, everyone! Best wishes to all of you.
