Readjustment

We are slowly getting back to a normal U.S. existence.

A few days with our daughter and son-in-law in the Minneapolis area helped us get over jet lag. We also bought a new car while there -- a 2012 Toyota Prius. We liked the one with all the "bells and whistles," but we could afford the more basic model.

We've re-connected with the outside world by getting cell phones. Mary is learning to use a "smart phone" for the first time. It was smarter than she was at first, but she has gotten wise to it quickly.

A very rushed trip to Decorah allowed us to quickly survey a number of houses for sale in town. Fortunately we were able to complete the negotiations and basic paperwork via internet after continuing on to Des Moines, where we are visiting my parents.

It will take a couple more months before we can actually take possession of our new home and begin getting settled. Meanwhile, we've sublet a Decorah apartment for several weeks so that I can get back to work, and we'll get to spend a bit more time getting reacquainted with family and friends.

The heat has been difficult for everyone, but particularly for us, since we have not experienced it for a year. Some things still seem a bit strange to us when we look at them again with new eyes. Most things, however, are still familiar, and becoming more so everyday.