Since my last post, things did finally settle down regarding Rob’s previous landlord. Rob finally talked to the guy directly and apparently months after Rob had vacated the landlord discovered a scratch in the kitchen and spent the last year or two stewing about it- ?? Or something?? The man seems to be semi-crazy, possibly senile, and mean. Anyway, the lady we are about to rent from seemed to come to the same conclusion so we should be good now.

So the packing continues. We started in Rob’s basement (where both of our “storage stuff” was located) and now we’re moving on to our living areas. Since we plan to rent for a year and then move to a more permanent residence (and this place doesn’t have closets) I’m inclined to mark 99% of boxes “STORAGE”. We can store these in one side of the two-car garage as well as the “locked room” on first floor we didn’t actually see when we toured the home. Hopefully that’s enough space!

I’m also impatient and even though we are labelling each box’s contents, numbering, and logging digitally, I tend to mix different types of things in boxes and really it’s still kind of a jumble. I wonder how many years before I can actually have some of my favorite things out and visible?! Boy that’ll be fun if that ever happens.

Because Texas is a place you CAN HAVE A TORTOISE OUTSIDE!!

I have a not-so-secret urge to keep a tortoise in the yard. Which is crazy since: no pets allowed. Also, farm animals occasionally roam the yard so I don’t know why I need a tortoise. Maybe someday though, a mini-menagerie of tortoise, pig, a couple chickens and dogs would be the thing to do. I did happen to pick up a kid’s book at Half Price Books about owning tortoise because I couldn’t help it. There is also a “Real need for turtle and tortoise rescue (and adoptions) in Texas” according to a Texas newspaper so I’m practically obligated to adopt one at some point.

I’m also in a Mastadon group for Texans and I’ve started to ask questions like do I really have to wear cowboy boots to ward away snakes? Helpful tips include these from a future neighbor in Austin:

1. It's going to be really really hot really soon
2. Cowboy boots are not to be referred to as shoes
3. Don't ask how many acres someone's ranch is

Last, more serious note. Austin appears to have an active Extinction Rebellion group and I’m planning to help them out. Got to start actually doing something as we all sit on precipice of our self-destruction. I have to decide if I am willing to get arrested or not. (I was asking Rob if he knows if we could still possibly buy a house if I’ve been thrown in jail at some point due to environmental protest. I think probably it would still be OK. I’m just admitting that I am indeed that selfish even as we are confronted by OUR IMMINENT DESTRUCTION but ya, I am.)