I have met quite a few people here in Leavenworth. They are intrigued by my past and are delighted that I have chosen to visit Leavenworth. I arrived here at the end of July. I welcomed the heat and the dry climate, a far cry from the heat and humidity that I left behind in Mazatlan. I was overwhelmed at the majestic beauty of the mountains and the quaintness of this Bavarian village. And I readily understood why this is such a popular tourist haven. Indeed, when I go to Wenatchee, a mere twenty minutes away, people there are in awe when I tell them I live in Leavenworth.

But the big question now that I am constantly asked by people here is “When will you go back to Mexico?”

My friends back in Canada were surprised that I chose Leavenworth over Winnipeg for my summer escape. I still find it hard to adjust to the term “summer escape.” Having lived in Winnipeg all my life, it was the winter escape that I had always sought.

The big question that they are all asking is “Are you coming back here before you go back to Mexico?”

Then there are my friends in Mexico. They are all curious as to what I’m doing here in Washington although they see my Facebook posts and read my blog. They know that I have told them countless times that my heart now lies in Mexico.

The big question they ask is “When are you coming back to Mexico?”

I have one simple answer for all three questions. “I don’t know.”

Karen, surely you have some plans? Some long term goals? Some idea?

Nope. Not a clue. It’s all a part of my living in the moment and my living life to the fullest philosophy. I can’t change the past, I can’t predict the future, but I sure can embrace and enjoy the present.

It’s September and the leaves are starting to change color. I love fall and I miss it terribly when I’m in Mexico. I’m actually looking forward to the leaves falling off of the trees and crunching underfoot as I trudge along the streets here. Pine cones litter the ground and the only downside is the threat of wildfires around here. There has been minimal rainfall in the two months I’ve been here.

This coming weekend there is the Autumn Leaf Festival, complete with a parade down the main street downtown. People here speak excitedly of Octoberfest next month. Halloween follows and the stores are already crammed with costumes, decorations and pumpkins.

I’m also told that in November there is usually a dusting of snow on the mountaintops. That will definitely be a time for photos. And then I’m told about the tree-lighting ceremony in December. I think Leavenworth is a virtual Christmas fairyland even now, but everyone tells me to just wait until December.

My one concern is the cold temperatures and the snow. Other than over a year ago in May when I was in Winnipeg, I haven’t seen snow in a very long time. And my heaviest jacket that I own is just a fleece, and I’m already wearing it occasionally at night. So I may have to check out some ski jackets. 

I just extended my travel health insurance for another month, so that much is in place. I will continue to explore Washington state and of course focus on my writing. I’ve also joined the Bavarian Book Club at the library, attend a Life Group, have joined a Women’s Bible Study Group and attend some of the Rotary Club meetings and events. I will also be volunteering at a Halloween event at the church here as well. And I am also delighted at the availability of ingredients here and that that I have a decent kitchen so that I am able to pursue my two favorite pastimes of cooking and baking.  

What will I be doing next month at this time?

I don’t know.