Living in such a large and compacted military community is a new experience for us. With the exception of a few DOD personnel, ALL of our neighbors are in the military. As a result, there are always people moving in or out. On average, I pass a moving truck every other day, often with even more frequency.
Most military families come to a new place and quickly attempt to assimilate into the community and for lack of better words, “nest.” Spouses buy plants or yard decorations to spruce up their town home and bring a little personality to their 1970s Japanese-American “bomb shelter” town house. When it is time to leave, most of these objects can’t be taken to the next duty station because they are plants or just not needed. Typically, the leaving family will post them for free on our Facebook resale page. First come – first serve. I’ve learned that when I see a moving truck, check the resale page STAT for free stuff. Because who doesn’t like free? If it’s free, it’s for me!
Such was the case with a friend I made, who is moving in the next week. She had a plethora of plants that needed a home. Yes, please! She delivered them yesterday and I planted them today!
I also had a neighbor recently move. She, too, was giving away plants and flower bed fencing. A fresh coat of white spray paint and our house looks even more inviting.
She had the tree in a pot and I thought it would be happier in the empty space at the end of the walk. Just a few hours later and I can see a spring to the branches. I thought the ornaments were a happy holiday touch. Although, it does remind me of Charlie Brown’s Christmas tree!
This picture shows our whole front porch. The Japanese Maple on the other side of the fence has become a welcoming beacon. So, beautiful to view coming home.
I know it looks like we need to sweep the porch. But, that is the yellow powder to keep away the bugs. It stays or I go!!
The other great thing handed over to me by my friend leaving next week, is a job possiblity. She currently teachesEnglish to a group of Japanese ladies on Friday afternoons. She passed my name and contact information to the headmaster of the school. I’m excited. I spoke with the headmaster on the phone today. She actually invited me on the school field trip on Thursday!! So, nice. Unfortunately and a bit surprisingly, I already have something on the calendar. Ikebana – December meeting. I thanked her profusely and told her I looked forward to meeting her on Friday!! I need to start Working so I can build up a plane ticket fund!