June 2007 part 2

Here we are in Billings, Montana. It was an incredible drive! Rocky did an excellent job planning the drive: we were never in the car more than 10 hours any day. Maggie and the dogs did really well. The DVD player was wonderful, though we did shut it off a few times and she told us about all the cars on the road. We were able to spend about 1 1/2 (total) days in South Dakota. We arrived in Watertown Friday June 8 and left from Redfield on Sunday June 10 around 1:30. We took Highway 12 through SD and arrived in Billings about 9:30 that night. There was much confusion on Monday about where the movers were. Our Virginia cell phones don't work in Montana (not even roaming). Rocky ended up purchasing a calling card to use on his cell phone to clear up the confusion. Apparently, they didn't have our address. Rocky is fairly certain he gave it to a couple of people with the moving company. Regardless, they made and were done unloading the truck (at least of our stuff) by 5 p.m. that night. It was so nice to sleep in our own beds!! We didn't set up the crib and Maggie now has a cot almost like at day care. She does pretty good with napping on it, not so much sleeping at night though. We're all still adjusting! It stays light much later here than we are used to -- 9:00/9:30 p.m. before it gets very dark. Right now our only complaint is no central air -- and it's been fairly hot these last few days. Fortunately, it does cool off at night and we have all been sleeping well. Nala loves that cool night air!

So far, I am really enjoying my job. While most of it is familiar, there is still plenty to learn and of course a new hospital to get lost in. The Billings Clinic has done a lot of work to make it seem like you aren't in a hospital -- muted wall colors, lots of art work, everyone says hello. Walk into the front door and you think you are in a hotel. The ED waiting room looks like a ski lodge. Okay, enough selling from me! Rocky and Maggie seem to really enjoy their time together. Rocky is getting Maggie on a schedule, which of course is blown to bits the moment Mama walks in the door. It's kind of hard knowing Rocky gets to spend so much time with her every day, but when I see her at the stop of the stairs and hear her voice the minute I walk in the door, it's all worth it! Mags is really growing. She loves to talk on the phone, sing her ABCs and will count to ten (though sometimes leaves out 7).