January 26, 2010

It's official: We're here an extra six weeks. I had some momentary panic as I realized that should be the end of March, and I'm planning a trip to Texas on the first weekend in April. But as I counted, everything turned out ok. That gives us a week to relocate wherever we will be going. Of course, staying the full 12 weeks depends on whether the work lasts and whether some other park needs Budd's talents more urgently. Nothing is ever set in stone.

When I walked into the bunkhouse next door to do my laundry there for the first time, I could understand why Budd wanted to see if we could move over there. It looks huge compared to here, has two bathrooms and some actual counter space and cabinets. The floors are even worse, though, as the original linoleum hasn't been replaced, which ours evidently has been. Doing some wishful thinking, I got a head start on the cleaning that would be required and was sweeping the floor when Budd poked his head in at lunchtime. He let out a somewhat horrified 'What are you doing?' that told me our request had been denied. Well, I guess I could have predicted that. The bunkhouse has four bedrooms, far too much for the two of us, and I guess groups of people come in for retreats or meetings or something. I told Budd to tell them I would clean the place and cook for the out-of-town groups, just to get that kitchen, but I'm sure that won't be taken seriously. Sigh. Counter space.

It seems that Tuesday must be the day the Basha's supply truck gets here. When I got to the store after lunch, it was packed like a Saturday at Costco back home. Inside, people were stocking in almost every aisle, and for the first time since we've been here the meat section was full. So now I know when to go for fresh eggs, produce and a decent selection of meat. We arrived here with enough food to last most of our stay, as I had spent some effort last year stocking freezer and pantry. Then when we knew we would be moving to Arizona, I started trying to consume it because I knew we couldn't bring the freezer. We had too much to fit comfortably in the refrigerator's freezer, and I probably still have enough of everything except non-frozen perishables to last another two weeks. But not six, so it's good to know when to shop.

It was a beautiful afternoon, so when my neighbor stopped by to ask if I'd like a walk, I was sad to have to say I couldn't. My tutor.com shift was starting in less than ten minutes. Missed the window of opportunity--tomorrow we should see the next storm roll in.

More adventure is in the offing for this week, though, as Budd is scheduled to go to another park, Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site, for a survey of their IT needs. It turns out that part of his assignment is coming out of their budget, so they want their fair share of his time. Hubbell is near Ganado, about 45 minutes from here and, most importantly for me, halfway to Gallup. We'll spend Friday at the trading post, where Budd will work and I'll find out why it's a National Historic Site. Then we'll overnight in Gallup again for the things we either forgot or didn't know we would need the last time. We wanted to go to Farmington this time, but I guess that's next time now.