PARTY TIME

May 18

It's Monday, and in "rental talk" that means I'm pretty much working at the computer all day. Potential renters sit down late Sunday night and plan their vacations. So Monday morning, I had a ton of inquiries to answer. Plus I went to the post office to find 4 checks waiting for me. And the same happens with my teammates in Sandestin, so it's a day of sending out "welcome letters" for our renters.

But I did go back to the Swan River Nature Trail and did another 4 mile walk. It didn't hurt nearly so much today. I want to do this every day, and then start adding elevation to the walks so they become actual hikes.

And I'm going to a party tonight. Can you believe it? I've been here 2 days and my social life has gone up 200% already!! Kate Jones is a good friend of Jack and Jane's, and today is Jane's birthday. I met Kate in February, and she is a Realtor, so she pulled some listings for me. Great lady, very funny, and one good cook. The meal was fantastic -- the biggest pork chops I have ever seen, with a wonderful sauce. Even though I had a big lunch (I was very hungry after walking 4 miles), I couldn't stop eating. A bunch of other friends were there, so I met more local folks -- all very nice. We had a great time. Jane says they do this kind of thing all the time -- and they have a lot of birthdays coming up.

May 19 -- THE CRASH

I'm speaking in terms of me crashing, not my truck. I didn't know there was such a thing as jet lag when you are not in a jet. I drove to Montana, and I thought this would give my body time to acclimate to the time changes (only 2 hours). But today I felt like a wet rag -- I was so tired I just couldn't get going. I did make a trip to Kalispell to find the Walmart and pick up a few items that I needed for the apartment (and a few items I didn't really need but wanted). Then I came back to Bigfork and fell asleep on the sofa for about 3 hours. Probably just as well since it is a couldy, windy, rainy, cold day.

May 20 -- SHOPPING STARTS

I am feeling much better today -- very well rested. But it is still cloudy and raining, so I decided it is time to start shopping. Drove up to Whitefish, which is a very cute town in the mountains which has a ski resort. I made a decision today that I need to become more fashionable. I should own some clothes that were not just polo shirts, Harley shirts, or t-shirts. Those are fine for the barn, but I don't have much to wear out. So my quest starts -- there are so many cute clothes out there, but they tend to be mainly for the young. I figure this is going to take a while, which it does, but what else do I have to do? I did end up with several great tops and a jacket to go over my jeans and khakis -- I'm on my way to becoming a fashionista.

And guess what -- while I shopped, the weather got nicer and the sun is out. So it is back to Bigfish to check for mail and do another walk along the Swan River.