Awaited Wednesday

Ahh, this day has been a long time coming, so dreamed of I haven’t even dared really thinking about it. I worried a bit last night, even indulging the idea of being refused entry into the club, but now I am the proud of owner of my European Certificate that permits me residence in Portugal for five years! Brexit could adjust that somewhat but it won’t be less than two years and people in the know expect Portugal to honor the five. By all accounts, they are loathe to take away rights afforded their residents of which I am now one… It’s not a complicated process since I’m an EU citizen but the welcome and understanding bestowed on me by Jorge, the keeper of said certificates, made me feel all of its import, both mine in receiving it and his in giving it to me. Pretty wonderful. And I’ve spent the rest of the day walking on air, on the brink of happy tears. Mark laughed as I danced waiting for my Nespresso to brew. It has surprised me deeply how special this moment feels. The sense of return and rightness impossible to put into words. I want to hold onto this feeling for as long as possible.

And now we await the car. Mark is supposed to pick it up in two or so hours and they will be long ones. Isn’t waiting horrid? He just finalized the car insurance, a whopping $47 a month, fully comprehensive and zero deductible. Includes roadside assistance, rental car, 8 million dollar civil liability, 7 million dollar personal damage per accident, legal defense and protection and all from a world renown insurance company. And now he’s gone, I’m trying to sleep but emotion is keeping me awake. We found out Amber got the job she’d applied for at the University – she really wanted it and the interview process was intense! I’m certain the pressure will be less as she finishes up her dissertation, moneywise at least, and she’s looking forward to the work.

Mark’s back, standing outside beside his new baby like a proud papa. Wow, it’s pretty, much sportier than I’d imagined and the interior is pristine. Love the colours, a deep terra cotta brown with the black and wood. Suits Mark to a tee.

And now we throw River in the back, required by Portuguese law, and ride off towards the sea. Mark is amazing as usual, handling the manual transmission and tiny roads with admirable calm. One way streets abound and roundabouts are on every other block, I swear! I am not ready to do this! It takes alot of concentration to drive like this. And I may be terrified but it’s lovely to have our wheels and our wheels are pretty lovely. Yeehaw, Ivy’s are mobile!