Changes in Routine

      My son is back living in Minnesota.Covid followed by back to back major strikes in his industry plus just the overall high cost of living all were contributing factors. He's got a cushion to get started, and staying with me, he won't have housing expenses until he figures out where he wants to live. He had little furniture in California as roommates had the bulk in shared spaces and what he had wasn't worth moving. He sold, left for next roommate, gave away, or tossed what wasn't worth moving or couldn't fit in car, but could be replaced here. He's living with me for the time being, but once he decides his next move, I've got his old bedroom set he can take, plus a reach out to friends and family would yield the essentials I'm sure. It's likely no less than 6-9 months though he'll be here. With my pending knee surgery, that will be a help. 

     He's both looking for regular steady work, while tapping into some faster freelance opportunities. First task is getting his car transferred to Minnesota and updating car insurance, savings $100 per month. Gas is generally cheaper here too than California, but we have to drive farther distances it seems day to day. But, some of his past errands can be combined with mine, saving time and money. No coin laundry either. While months out, even a small condo if he purchases will have washer and dryer in unit. I, of course am not charging him rent, so he can put anything he would have spent towards a future home purchase. It'll be nice to both split cooking duties and share meals together when it works schedule wise. 

     Kitten is declared healthy, though his total healing is another four weeks. His mom and him are back in their apartment. I'm sure he misses my front and back windows, natural Cat TV, but they do have a big window that faces some trees so he'll see birds and maybe squirrels. He will not miss the dogs. Grandpup is back weekdays, though has two doggie daycare days. I missed him since my daughter picked him up Thursday, and I met her Monday morning. She wasn't feeling well all weekend so didn't come for lunch on Saturday or Easter. 

     I've got another in person work day Thursday. A full Professional Development Day, at a west Metro highschool. It'll add 20 minutes to my already long commute, both ends. I have chili ready to go for supper. My son can just put it in crockpot before he's up and out. I'll make a pot of basmati rice. That's how we like to eat our chili, over rice, topped with sour cream and cheese. It's vegan chili, so when my daughter comes for the dog after a late shoot, she'll have a good supper waiting. 

      No updates on the family vacation, other than I politely declined to join. With both my oldest and youngest in precarious and unknown employment situations, it's a challenge for either to commit to next winter yet, the dates now being proposed. If not being able to say a definite yes means they aren't included, so be it, but it might be good for them to get out of winter for a week. My older daughter is like me, in terms of wanting space, but surprised me by responding she'd be able to make the dates work. She knows it's important to her grandma. That's about all I have, but routine is going to be anything but for a few weeks, but we'll find our way.