Worlds Collide

On my way to coffee on Saturday I found myself at a garage sale. It was an unplanned stop and I didn't have cash to buy a couple trinkets I liked, but not to worry: In true Wyoming form one of the coordinators nicely gave me her number and told me to call later if I was still interested.

I was.

When I went back to pick up the stuff the lady asked me, what area code is 202? Is that D.C.?

Perplexed about how she knew that I answered yes, then...asked her how she knew that.

Turns out she used to live in D.C. - about 30 years ago when she was in her mid-20s. She worked for a House member, lived on Capitol Hill by the Marine Barracks, and loved it, she said.

She wasn't from Wyoming, but landed here when a friend from law school invited her out to work on a Senate campaign. Her guy lost, but she decided to stay - just for a little while until she could get things figured out. And here she was, 30 years later.

We had such a great chat!

Then she asked me how I was settling into Cheyenne. I was truthful. I told her it's been a little bit of an adjustment, but overall I think it's been good.

That's when she told me nicely but bluntly how she loves living here now, but hated it when she first moved. I think she was maybe overstating her sentiments in an attempt to be sympathetic, but still - I'm guessing that's not approved text by the Welcome Wagon, and that's not exactly how I would describe my feelings about life in Cheyenne thus far.

I mean, sure, I really miss having a swanky place to get dressed up to go out to on a Saturday night, but I don't think that's cause for me to hate it.

If anything, I've been feeling more settled in lately. And that makes me feel like things aren't all that bad.

Planty's New Digs - And Other Green News

Today I put Planty back in his old pot - the one he called home in D.C., for many a year.

I had to transfer Planty to a smaller, flimsy, plastic pot after the awful culling I had to give him earlier this year. With his smaller size and my "gypsying" ways the enormous, super-heavy old pot just wasn't an option.

After convalescing in the plastic pot for a while now, Planty has gathered his strength and some of his size back... It was time to move him home.

Before you know it he'll be completely his old self again - attacking people who come through my front door in the same way he prevented people from going in my kitchen at old 304!

In other plant news:

I bought a pretty pink plant the other day that I also potted this morning. I have no idea yet where to put it, but I think it will be a nice addition to the ol' homestead. The goal is to slowly rebuild my personal botanic gardens after I lost pretty much all my plants - except Planty (thank the Lord) and one other - during the move back.

And finally: the fall bouquet Jonna brought me as part of a housewarming gift last weekend when she and Linds came over for dinner. Aren't they nice!

Discover Cheyenne

I have a new place I like: Phoenix Books and Music, a used book/music store in downtown Cheyenne.

I wandered in there yesterday on my day off. I finished running errands and was looking for a way to spend the rest of my day. I figured I'd check out someplace new, and it was a good idea.

I wouldn't say the place is oozing ambiance, but I was pretty impressed by its selection of used books. Lots of good, recent ones I've been wanting to read, a nice selection of classics and history books, and a big children's book section - which I always love to browse.

I purchased three books for $16 and walked happily to my car.

I'm very pleased with my new find.

Friday Fave

I took this last weekend while on a bike ride.

I wasn't aware there were enough cabs and limos about town to warrant a sign...

Book Review

When my parents were here my mom found this book at City News - my favorite coffee shop and little bookstore in downtown Cheyenne. She picked it up for one of my nephews who has a birthday coming up.

It is SO cute. So, so, so cute! The story, the illustrations...cute. I want to own it for myself, but I think mom got the last copy. It's nowhere to be found!

It makes the blog because it's all about going West.

A highly recommended read...