One week on...

The journey to Madison was, though long, smooth. In the entire 18 hours of travelling there was only one tantrum, and that was mine - exasperated by the ABYSMAL service aboard our flight to Detroit. (Here’s a handy tip: if you think a toddler spilling juice is sufficient reason to roll your eyes and tut, do NOT become a flight attendant. Or whatever they’re called these days.) Lucas’ aunt Jane was at Madison Airport to meet us, and the 30-sec walk from the terminal to the car didn’t feel overly cold. Lucas crashed out at 10pm local time, and we managed to sleep through the night. We have both settled into US time really well.

This week saw the coldest temperatures in 13 years. All schools and daycares were shut Thursday and Friday due to the cold. So Lucas has only been to his nursery for half a day so far, on Wednesday. It went really well, even though he didn't manage to sit down for the required 20 mins for lunch. They are going to 'work with him' on this issue.

I went into work on Tuesday and every day since. So far it is lovely. My office is enormous with a nice executive chair - pics to follow - and a view of the carillion and the lake behind it. I move into my own apartment on Friday, til then we are keeping warm and exteremely well-fed at Lucas' grandma's.

Have been car-hunting but the vehicle I had set my heart on is not available. Everyone wants one and no one wants to sell theirs. So I am getting a slightly smaller version of the same thing - a Subaru Impreza. The salesman took me on a test drive yesterday, we went to an iced over (and empty) parking lot where I played the Sweeney for 10 mins. Great fun and that is one safe car! Picking it up on Thursday. It is impossible to do anything without a social security number, I can't even get a mobile. The number should come through later this week.

So far so good. Am loving it here. The sense of community is overwhelming, people are even polite drivers. (I have borrowed a friend's car for now.) More pics and goss to follow.