It's been two months since we learned we would be moving to Austria. In that time, "we" have checked the following off the to-do list. I don't know if we're on track, ahead of the game, or have no idea how much more we have to do. Friends and colleagues have offered their words of wisdom, but I've come to the conclusion that sharing one's true feelings about the logistics of an overseas move is a little like sharing the details of one's pregnancy and labor and delivery: friends don't tell friends everything.

1. In an extraordinary stroke of good fortune, found a Nice Family to rent our home; they have two children similar in age to ours, they have a dog, and they, too, drive a Volvo station wagon.  I wonder how long it will be before our neighbors even notice we've moved?  The Nice Family is coming from Hawaii, and this will be their first time living on the East Coast. This may be our first move overseas, and first major move since college, but I'm guessing we won't experience half the culture shock that they will!

2. Arranged to have the deck sanded and resealed, so Nice Family can enjoy it. Plus, it's tax deductible.

3. Arranged to replace the old and unsightly garage door with a pretty new carriage door, something we have wanted to do since forever. Our neighbors will be happy, and it's probably tax-deductible. Win-win for all.

4. Arranged to have the yard thoroughly manicured for the spring. I pulled in the driveway after work one day after the deck had been refinished and the yard manicured, and it all looked so lovely that in a brief moment of disorientation I wondered why we were moving.

5. Remit applications, deposits, etc. for our children at the American International School. I'm still a little fuzzy on mentally converting tuition in Euros to USD, though, but with all the money flowing out of our pocketbook right now that's probably a good thing.

6. Held the first of two tag sales. Managed to clear out several closets and finally go through all of the seasonal and holiday decorations, netting enough to buy them all over again in Vienna.

There's still plenty to do, of course. Seems I can’t walk into a room at home without trying to categorize everything as “Stay”  or “Go.” But it is in the kitchen where I vapor lock and ask myself, "What Would Julia Do?" My All-Clad and Le Creuset sets are moving buddies, of course,  but what to do with some of my beloved culinary electrics? My 70s vintage Cuisinart tag sale purchase does not speak 230V, but how will I prepare Wiener Schnitzel without fresh bread crumbs?  My wedding present Kitchen Aid that I’ve lovingly abused for the past 19 years has adapters for pasta and sausage, but none for apfelstrudel. That wretched toaster that seems to have only two settings: “warm” and “burn,” though?  I think I know what Julia would do.