The Murder Mystery Book Club

After a bit of tomfoolery, the Murder Mystery Book Club had its first meeting. The tomfoolery was brought to you by Victoria, the group's founder, who did not realize when she told us to meet at the Dunkin Donuts on Howland Boulevard there was more than one location. When the majority of us went to the wrong one, we were unapologetically directed to drive another 15 miles to her location. 

Anyway, Victoria started this entire group. She's a severe woman who just turned 80 and has lots of rules and opinions. One of her edicts was to set the five of us down and explain how book clubs work. 

HOW BOOK CLUBS WORK

• This would be a murder mystery book club. 
• All books must have 300 pages or fewer.*
• There'd be no chit-chatting until after our meeting was over, because we'd be focusing on what we read.** 
• The person "hosting" the book club (location to be determined) would be responsible for finding and distributing the books for the next book club. 

Which brings me to Victoria's opinions. I pushed back on one person finding six copies of next month's book, driving all over the county to hunt down the book club member to ensure sure woman received her copy. "That's how book clubs work," she insisted. "I think we are all grown adults. We can find our own book." I countered. This is a hill I'm willing to die on. I won't be responsible for another's participation in a voluntary event.  

Apparently Victoria has never been challenged on anything in her life and did not appreciate my mutiny. But with the other four on board, I won--though, come to think of it, I could have distributed copies of The Redeemed (which is a murder mystery***) and forced them to read that.  

Victoria also stated that "there wasn't enough time" to read a book for September, so therefore, we'd start in October. One of the more timid women whispered to me, "But, there's three weeks left in September." And I pointed this out to the rest of the group, suffering Victoria's glare. But I did acquiesce, perhaps we could meet October 1 if that would give everyone enough "time" to read our first book. 

What I found as the meeting went on was that the other four were whispering to me when they didn't agree with Victoria, expecting me to be the mouthpiece. I didn't mind. It's going to be my book club too (at least that's the current plan). I suspect we'll all find our place. I just didn't want to be responsible for scouring the planet for someone's book when they can go to the library and get their own book club book. 

The Thursday Murder Club is the first book. Oops. It just so happens it has 364 pages.  

Now then, I am making Victoria out to be a bit of a dictator. She was. And me being the youngest in the group did nothing to work into her good graces, but she'll get over it. Or she won't. (I don't know why she made a big deal about my age, but she stopped the conversation and said only to me, "How old are you? 45?" And when I shared my age, she accused me of fibbing.) But she also took feedback from the lovely--LOVELY--group of ladies and once she calmed down, Victoria was quite pleasant, interesting and funny. I made sure to thank her profusely for putting this together, which seemed to soften her up. I also started a group chat, which wasn't too difficult but the rest of them seemed impressed. 

Lest you think this was an unpleasant experience, it wasn't. It truly was a lot of fun. However, I noticed my social meter was in overdrive and it took more than a quiet hour watching the rest of the Diamondback's game to reset. I've met many Victorias. She moved here in the past year from New Jersey, then lost her husband. She wants friends and connections and doesn't know how to go about doing it. My personal feeling is that the group will form organically and whatever unreasonable expectation Victoria wants will would be mutinied by everyone else over time so that this will be everyone's murder mystery book club. 

*Most murder mysteries are more than 300 pages because of the nature of the genre. 

**Riiiigggghhhhtttt. Tell a group of women they can't "chit-chat" and see what happens?  

***I didn't mention I write books. 

Speed Dating Churches

One of the many aesthetics
at the Alliance Church

Our neighbor, Karen, (that's really her name, and she's delightful!) invited us to her church. She went as far as to call a few folks, and tell them to be on the lookout because it was a holiday weekend and she's out of town. That's okay. I really didn't want to be led by the nose while Karen introduced me to 36 strangers. 

Intricate stained glass
above the stage/pulpit.

So, Buck and I went to the Alliance church. I have mixed reviews. Neither of us are interested in a rock and roll church, which this one is. We found out it was "hymn Sunday" which meant standing for a half hour, singing while electric guitars and a keyboard accompanied us. It was also "Communion Sunday," which, to these two Catholics was unheard of--as Communion should be every Sunday. 

On the plus side, the people were nice and the pastor's message was interesting. They also offer a book club, an active young adult group and a few other interesting community options. So, there's that, but there was no Texarkana Church of Christ energy. 

Buck is looking to make friends. I asked at the Catholic church if there was a young adult group (there is not). So, this is why we ventured out. I'm not sure this is the place for me. Buck's on the fence and said he'd get back to me. However, the rock and roll vibe was a bit much for both of us. Fortunately, about three others around here have also invited us to their churches. 

Settling In

Across the street. And not bears. 

We slept in our own beds in our new house last night. Though we are still tripping over boxes and what-not, it was a fabulous experience to be surrounded by the familiar. In fact, to celebrate our new dwelling, there might have been some cat shenanigans around 2 a.m. that included a race around the master bedroom, ending with the two jumping onto the bed and rolling around my feet until they were summarily removed from the room.

Oh yes! There was also Luna growling and barking at the top of her lungs around 3 a.m. like zombies were attacking. I told her to go back to sleep and hoped there wasn't a snake outside. Today I discovered bears live nearby and like to patrol. They have zero qualms about jumping the fence into the back yards. Bears. BEARS! Somehow snakes aren't as scary. 

So sweet!

So far the neighbors are friendly and fun. I'm told by several folks this is a great street to live on. There are a lot of kids around here--which I love. This past weekend, cute twin boys (probably age 7) brought us chocolate chip cookies. We intend to return the plate and the favor with something homemade--once we get our house up and running. 

Speaking of getting the house up and running--I'm single-handedly keeping Amazon afloat by purchasing cheap storage containers, trash cans and curtains. Lowe's sent out a wellness check expedition because they hadn't seen me in 25 hours and obviously something must be wrong. Surprise! We'd gone to a different Lowe's the day before. This did not bode well for the three folks--all I'm on a first-name basis with--whom missed me terribly. I felt like I was two-timing on my Lowe's location. And let's not forget, Capital One! Their CEO thanked me for my generous contribution to his child's European Study Abroad program this semester. 

I have my first play-date next week. I answered an ad in the Next Door ap from a woman who is starting a murder-mystery book club. We all meet next Monday to discuss how to set this up and what to read. Though I'd love to be self-serving and suggest Elaina Harper's latest book (coming out September 22), I'll let that pass. My last book club didn't even know I wrote books for the first two years I was in it. 

Moving Cross Country Day 47,001,936

Our worldly possessions.

Oh, this has to end soon. Right? RIGHT?!!!

Our Uboxes, which were promised to us for Monday, August 31 arrived today. And that is the most wondefulist of news. However, 7 Uboxes don't fit easily on my driveway and therefore one Ubox is kinda on the sidewalk. So, let's add this to another of the HOA infractions I'm sure are stacking upon us. The earliest these boxes can be picked up is Monday. 

One of the really great parts about living here is that Amazon comes overnight. In Texarkana, "Amazon Prime" meant anywhere from two days to a week. I got used to it. Today I received Luna's ear medicine, shelf paper, a cat box mat and shelves for under the bathroom sink before I even woke up. 

The handyman we hired is awesome. He has a mildly autistic son who is helping him. Unfortunately, son is extremely meticulous and goes at his own pace. Though I don't mind this too much, I do need to set up my bedroom this weekend. So, I'm not giving too much leeway for the painting. And honestly, if I had a ladder available, I probably could have done this myself. But my time has been better spent, cleaning the place (the former owners are pigs) and running up the credit card. 

After two days of cleaning, the house is feeling more like my home. I'm making landscaping plans for the front yard--like removing the rogue palm tree growing in my hedge. I've put in shelf paper and made plans for each drawer. I believe Marty and the Young Adults have opted to install a "coffee bar" by the kitchen table, because I'm not willing to part with counter space. 

Though we are still discovering some of the home's eccentricities, of all the houses we saw, nothing is making me regret this purchase. It was the best of the bunch. Also, we've been told by every stranger with an opinion, that the City of DeBary is the best of the locations around here. 

And even when I start feeling pissy and selfish about the move, our new house and some of our challenges, I look at my text messages and count my blessings. Corona Jenny is currently hospitalized. She's had three heart procedures in four weeks. Now, she's back in the hospital and she's scared. The notes to Jenny going around today were sweet and heartbreaking. Corona Suzy, Little Miss Hates Me (she really does), Corona Cindy and Corona Sherry all went to stay with Jenny. I sent my own private message as well. It puts my life in perspective. 

The eventual office/sewing room.
It's purple! Squee!!!!!!

Great room. Couches are in the Uboxes.

Corona Ruthie gave me that welcome sign. 

Lots of Heavy Sighing

A friend, who is a former ex-pat, once told me when she moved back to the US, every purchase decision she made carried the same weight as if she were buying a toaster. At the time, I found that fascinating. When I moved to Texas, I understood exactly what she meant. And now I'm living it again. 

I'm making buying decisions from ceiling fans to mops. Every decision lasts a maximum of four seconds. The decision consists of a heavy sigh (two of those seconds) and pointing to my preference based on color, style or price.   

Yesterday I picked blue paint for soon to be not-black bedroom walls. The only white walls to test out the colors were in the closet. I also put the blue paint samples on the black walls. Neither sample looked great in either setting. But I also realize both look better than the black. So, I sighed and pointed to one of them. If I have regret over my choice, I'll change it later. Or I won't.  

I've spent way too much time at Lowe's and WalMart, sighing and shoving stuff into my shopping cart. We spent half of Serbia's GDP on cleaning supplies yesterday--the seller's left us a going away present of a filthy home. I also bought a broken ceiling fan (returned and replaced), a toilet and industrial vinegar for weed control. There are still lots of other decisions to make: dishes--ours were left in Texas--shelf paper, a vet to treat Luna's ear infection, drivers licenses, bank accounts, desk chairs, trash cans, and a toaster. 

Florida Life

The only home
purchase I've made. 

We've been in Florida since Friday and done very little. That's okay. Our nervous systems are shot from the past month. Or, at least mine is. This is down time while we wait for our furniture to arrive. 

Some day I'll write about my last week in East Texas. Or, I won't. Everything from the last Corona night to the card Tessa gave me was extreme in its own way. Plus, I'm shocked at the number of text messages I've gotten since we moved. Folks just saying hello. I appreciate all the kindness. 

But, back to Florida. 

The young adults go out every day, exploring. Yesterday they found an ice cream shop and an Irish Pub. Buck has also found every gym in town and managed to wrangle a trial membership to one of them. Polly and I also breezed through the Hobby Lobby, looking at decorating ideas for her bedroom. We walked through the aisles marveling, like crazed tourists. By the way, I'd forgotten how wonderful a FULL SIZED Hobby Lobby is! Yep, a mini-Hobby Lobby is a thing. And not a good one. 

Yesterday, we had our final walk-through on the new house. The young adults were more excited than I thought they'd be. They agree the master bedroom must be painted asap. I mean, who paints a bedroom black? Yesterday we also brought over a bag of sulphur and Marty liberally sprinkled it around the back yard, while I pointed out inches of space he missed. I'm just doing my part to ensure the snakes go elsewhere. 

Today we close on the house. Afterwards, we'll get to work painting and doing all sorts of things. And this lull will be part of our history. 

Moving Cross Country Day 2,908,671

I'm sitting in an Air B&B in Debary Florida. Or, DeBary. Not sure which spelling yet. After two days of driving, we arrived last night. I'm tired and not ready to process much else. However, I have to read 6 tons of papers that need to be signed for the closing of our new home. That's about all I have right now.