In The Land of the Living

I don't have a camera or computer yet so there aren't photos but I thought I could write some initial impressions down. I feel like I am in the land of the living. I just heard a train and it is a soft sound in the background. It is also a REAL train and not a super loud fake-out car horn. I have picked up exactly 5 pieces of garbage after hiking/walking for at least 15 MILES. I have not heard anyone on a microphone. There are doves here -but they are not amplified sounding. I have seen lots of birds and rabbits and dogs on leashes and only one dead animal - a skunk. There are no offensive smells - the library even asks that women not wear heavy perfume or they will be asked to leave. There is a library. Roads are flat and straight with lines and reflectors and NO HOLES. Haven't seen a ping-pong, super swerve, inch-worm or pass-up back up move. Also no intersection blocking. I do have to say it is hard to adjust to the mesmerizing speed (70 or 75 in a lot of places).

Stores have an abundance of things in them to the degree that I have gone in, stood around looking and left without anything. Overwhelming and I have cried a couple times. There are breads of every grain and fresh vegetables or every color and even COSTCO has locally sourced organic, free range, non GMOS antibiotic free stuff.

I have lots of intelligent conversations with lots of strangers who care about the same stuff I do because people look you in the eye and are interested.

I set up utilities over the phone, got a driver's license in under ten minutes ( good for 8 years), set up a bank account without waiting and all I can say is that I am very thankful to be back in the Land of the Living and will not take these things for granted!