Making Tracks: Settling in and spreading my wings

Published 7:00 pm Monday, May 22, 2017

Making Tracks

By Kat Bryant

I’ve been on the Harbor almost three months now, and I think I’m settling in pretty well.

I’ve picked up agates on the beach at Damon Point, taken several boat rides out of Westport, enjoyed a couple of shows at the 7th Street Theatre in Hoquiam, had Sunday brunch at the Tokeland Hotel and lifted a glass at the Brooklyn Tavern.

I’ve unpacked every last box from my move and flattened them all to make a nice neat stack in the storage room — where they’ll sit until I get around to posting a Craigslist ad.

I’ve licensed myself, my dog and my car, and I finally received my custom plates. (You’ll know my car if you see it.)

Thanks to recommendations from friends and colleagues, I’ve located a veterinarian I like for Rose and the kitties, and a good hairstylist for my own needs. I’m also frequenting two excellent drive-through shops here in Aberdeen for my daily cocoa fix(es), not to mention a café in Hoquiam with good cocoa and nice comfy chairs — a very important combination for morning business-type meetings.

I’ve been to quite a few locally owned restaurants and liked each one for different reasons. I haven’t come across one yet that I wouldn’t visit again — and folks who’ve known me a long time will confirm that I’m more than a little bit picky about food, so that says a lot.

I’ve hosted my first out-of-town visitors (not counting my brothers, who live in Seattle): A pair of friends from southern Washington drove up to enjoy the Shorebird Festival with me in early May. All went smoothly at my house, and the weather cooperated for birdwatching. Wins all around.

I’ve found an industrious young neighbor to handle my lawn care needs, which are far more extensive than I ever imagined. I’ve never owned a mower in my life — I certainly didn’t need one in Phoenix, where I once broke a pickax trying to dig a hole in the dense clay to plant a tree in my backyard. (No, really. It’s true.)

I’ve joined the Harbor’s Sea Scout unit as a volunteer leader. I’ve been active in the Boy Scouts of America for nearly 15 years, and my son made Eagle in 2010. I’m looking forward to working with this unit, where — in addition to the obvious rewards of guiding local youth in a fantastic leadership program — I’ll be able to spend plenty of time on the water. You might see me with them this Saturday and Sunday during the Memorial Day festivities in Westport.

I’ve secured a primary care physician I like very much, and we’re making progress in getting me healthy again. I had my MRI on Monday; and once a diagnosis is confirmed, I’ll be able to get my knee treated appropriately.

And, by golly, it looks like the sun might be out a bit more regularly in the weeks ahead, so I can’t wait to put this behind me and start checking out all those great walking trails you’ve told me about.

Stay tuned.