So I think I am officially from Wenatchee now... apartment, driver's license, voting registration, and season pass to ski area. It has been a busy few weeks as I went back to DC for the PMF orientation and to visit Pipa, but I have settled into my new town.

Since I got back from that trip I have been working to make my apartment to feel like home. It is funny when you move into a new place, what makes it feel personal. A big key for me this time was spices; so far I have salt, pepper, cinnamon and nutmeg, curry, chipotle powder, and a generic italian spice. I figure I will get other spices as recipes call for them. I've already made a few meals at home and am really liking the space on a full-size range and the freedom to create dishes that having a dishwasher brings.

Another thing that makes it feel like home is setting up my stereo system to listen to NPR as I get ready in the morning or as I wind down at the end of the day. The stereo is now set and ready to go for tomorrow morning. Seems like the Northwest Public Radio will be okay; in addition to the standard news programs it has This American Life. However, it does not have Wait, Wait, so I guess I'll just listen to the podcast. Big bonus though, Wenatchee has a great community radio station that does BBC news in addition to playing amazing music.

The final piece that I need to fall into place is furniture. Originally, I thought I would get stuff off craigslist, thrift stores, and yard sales, getting rid of the stuff when I move again. Just to investigate, I went to a rental place and checked it out and then started to think that it would be nice to just get all the stuff at once and in good condition and not have to worry about finding a new owner for it come August. This week I'll make the final decision...

Work has been going well. Lots of time getting up to speed on the travel management project. The more I learn, the more compelling the project is.

Cool photo taken from the Supervisor's office two weeks ago when we got snow in the mountains (the snow is melted away now). The low cloud cover obscured the summits of the soaring mountains and gave a roof to the valley. Not sure I could take it for a week on end, as it made me a little claustrophobic, but it was a pretty neat effect and I would like to be high enough in the mountains to look down on the clouds

If you have suggestions for what spices to buy next, please post in the comment section.