What a difference a week makes!

We woke to another blue sky and continue to feel like we need to pinch ourselves, asking, "Is this real?"

While the work of settling into our Florida home has been exhausting (every surface has to be washed!) we sense that, "this is the right place and the right time for our lives."

Friday, when we went to the Salvation Army to buy some furniture, the sign said, "25 percent off furniture today." See what I mean?

When paying for some lovely oil paintings at the Hospice Thrift Shop, the cashier said, "Of course, pictures are 20 percent off today." Of course. Today, we'll hang some of these landscapes, painted by an artist we need to learn about named Ruth Stump. Vertical blinds for windows are on order.

I got myself this enormously comfortable and colorful chair and ottoman, which we call The Peacock Throne. I accept the title and the duties herein....

Thurmond is liking his equally huge couch, he is tucked under a little lap robe now, taking a morning nap. We found a companion easy chair of the same style to round out the room. Still waiting for our TV to arrive, but the cable is in, which is how I can write you today.

We've had no time for watching television anyway; I joke it won't arrive until all the ceilings and walls are washed, and we have one more room to go.

In another hour, we go to the community hall for coffee and donuts, a weekly get together. We are giving ourselves a break and heading over, before returning to more washing, painting, organizing. To think, a week ago at this moment, we were on the New York Northway, heading south.

We are singing heartfelt prayers of gratitude and thanksgiving. Oh, one more thing. Our neighbor Larry, a retired cook to an Army general, has invited us for Thanksgiving. See what I mean?