We have welcomed spring into our lives with open arms. Edinburgh has erupted with vast expanses of beautiful daffodils. And, we in the Bechtel household have been busy. Last Saturday we bid farewell to our cozy, fourth-floor home of the last 19 months and moved into a new ground-floor flat with a little more elbow room and leg room for the budding walker in our midst. The new flat has been wonderful and we’re starting to feel at home here now that most of our things are unpacked and (roughly) in their proper place. To be honest, we’ve felt a little lost in here at times–not that it’s so very big, just that it’s so much bigger than our last place!
The only thing that is not an improvement on the last place is the fact that we have downsized our refrigerator size. We were lucky in our last flat to have a fairly large refrigerator/freezer for this part of the world. Nothing like an American sized-fridge, mind you, but roomy all the same. Now we have traded that in for a true dorm-sized fridge that fits under the counter. That I can certainly deal with. What I was not sure about was the fact that the flat came with NO freezer. I realize, again, that’s not that strange for this part of the world, but I just wasn’t sure I was ready to adopt this culture quite so completely. As idyllic as it may sound, shopping every single day for the food one needs just for that day, is not my idea of a fun way to spend time, energy or money. I really like being able to plan ahead, prepare food ahead and stock up on sale items to store in the freezer. So, after nearly a week of experimentation, I decided a freezer was not a luxury I was interested in living without. I had a little box freezer delivered yesterday from our local used furniture store and it is now humming away happily in the corner of our bedroom. (No, it doesn’t quite fit anywhere in the kitchen. Oh well.)
In slightly over a week in our new home, we’ve already enjoyed visits from many people, not least of whom were a group from the Covenant High School tour group last Thursday including friends, one family member and some former high school teachers. 🙂 We had a lovely time reconnecting with them. Now we just hope this volcano lets up so they can make it back to the U.S. one of these days!
Speaking of that volcano, one of the visitors we had hoped to enjoy last week whom we’ve now had to put off seeing was Christopher’s mom who was scheduled to arrive last Friday. Sadly, the volcanic ash caused her flight along with thousands of others, to be canceled. We currently hope to see her early next week, though some are warning this volcano will be erupting for the next two years. Hopefully we won’t have to wait that long to see her!
19 months ago we moved here with 2 suitcases each. Last weekend we moved this pile plus some to our new flat. How did that happen?
A "springtime" walk on the beach
Julian enjoys the playground under the shadow of Edinburgh castle
Enjoying that springtime weather with a family picnic. Julian and I walked up to the Princes Street Gardens to meet Christopher for lunch.
bits 'n bobs 
I love that picture of Julian playing in the park with the castle behind him. Perfect. I am glad to hear that you are all doing well, and will be praying that you can see Chris’s mother soon. God bless,
Hey, you’re alive! Sorry about the volcano, but congrats on the new flat. And the new freezer! Having a freezer in one’s bedroom sounds like a good idea during pregnancy; you can just hop out of bed in the middle of the night, grab a carton of ice cream, and hop right back in bed to enjoy it. How convenient! 🙂
If I remember correctly, it wasn’t exactly just 2 suitcases each that you brought over. I seem to remember a few more odds and ends than that. 🙂
Okay, you’re right. I didn’t mention the 40 pound carry-ons. Thanks for keeping me honest.
So glad to see your pictures and hear your updates! And I hear Christopher’s mom arrived safely! Yeah! Praying for a wonderful visit and time together for you all.
Great update. Glad to hear you’re new flat is actually on the ground floor which, in my opinion, is where every FLAT should be. Is having a freezer in the bedroom anything like having a wet bar in a hotel room?
O.K. So I didn’t want to pressure you but……..would sure love to see some pictures of your new place. Oh, and perhaps your pregnant belly! Miss you guys.