SETTLED IN

First the bad news.

--I get no reception in my apartment for internet or cell phone, so I can't answer calls, texts, or emails while at home.  Serious bummer.  I'll be calling TMobile to see if anything can be done.
--Had a bad day on Thursday.  First day on my own and I had to send more than a week's worth of mail and packages to the new addresses updated after transfers.  I estimate we get about 50 pieces of mail and 7 or 8 packages per day, so after a week we were awash in boxes and letters.  Being in the front office, I get all the visitors...and they want to visit.  This includes the missionaries.  I learned from my predecessor to announce, "OK, Elders, get out on those streets and talk to strangers!"  That same day I lost my favorite earring and found out about the reception problem in the apartment.  First down day.

Now the good news.

--I'm all moved in and have found all my stuff, including my camera.  I've also found which things I left behind by accident.  Luckily, I can call "Ben-Ex" and have my stuff sent.
--The apartment's not bad.  The apartment above us is occupied, but I've been told that the two units to the side of us are "uninhabitable."  And if you think you've seen spiders and webs, Ben and Chelsea, you're in the minor leagues.  I'll need to shampoo the carpets, but it's pretty well equipped.  There's a small washer/dryer, dishwasher, etc.  NOTE TO GRANDKIDS:  There's a swimming pool here, in case you want to come visit me.
--I've now seen the missionaries in action, and it's heartwarming.  Elder Tilley, a brand new trainer on the first day with his trainee, called to tell me that they had visited on a referral from the PA's a Romanian guy named Ted.  They taught him the second discussion, and he committed to baptism on June 2!  Can you imagine the high that new greenie is on?  I was pretty high, myself.
--I have a library card to the Sacramento Library and am sitting at the library to write this.  They also have groups I can join, such as Crochet Club, etc. in the evenings.  My companion goes to the Temple every day, so I'm free to find my own diversions.
--Although hot here, the mornings and evenings are wonderful.  Who knew that seawater comes this far inland?  Anyway, there's a delta breeze that cools everything off.
--The produce is fantastic.  I'm eating lots of berries, asparagus, etc. 

Things I'm glad I brought:

--MY CAR!  Can't imagine doing this without wheels.
--My Wii. As always, it makes me happy.
--My sewing supplies.  Haven't got to it yet, but it's comforting to know that I have a whole basket of unfinished projects.

Things I wish I'd brought:

--The quilt/bedspread that I thought was packed.  (Don't send it; I'm fine without it.)
--More P-day clothes, including Flip-Flops.  Easily remedied.