Orientation Day

Dec 30 was to be our only day with the homeowners before they left to go south. The husband has a sabbatical at a Central American university, in a country where they have recently purchased a house. In retirement this will be their second home.

We started the day early as our fatigue and jetlag were overcome by body clocks that had us awake soon after dawn. The much-anticipated view of the Sierra Foothills had to wait, as we were socked in with fog. Coming from Newfoundland, we associate fog with the convergence of cold and warm ocean currents. Now we must adjust our thinking to incorporate the effects of mountains/valleys/altitude.

The animals are not intimidating. I did wonder about the Doberman, but he's an old dear, sweet natured and wanting attention. His long legs move stiffly; arthritis has set in. The black Lab was bound to be a sweetie. She's a bit heavy but otherwise in good shape. One cat is tiny and timid. We only saw a furry flash the first day. The big tom is a real smoocher. He looks like our own Stig, only 2-3 times the weight. He's tuxedo style except for grey not black, with white bib and feet. He rules the upstairs where our bedroom is located and did not hesitate to sleep with us right from the start.

We should be very comfortable in this house. The location is wonderful -- on several acres of land off a country road. The house has plenty of room, decorated in a fairly casual style, nothing fussy or pretentious. (The very worst would have been a place where we had to worry about damaging the ornaments or slipping too far below the housekeeping standards.) As we looked around there was a recognition of attitudes and ways of living that we have in common. C and H also have a thrifty attitude toward material things. I noticed features reminescent of our own home -- lots of old wooden furniture, some bright flashes of colour, plenty of artwork on the walls, same brands of products from soap to wine. NPR on the radio non-stop instead of CBC.