Last March–exactly a year ago today, in fact–we laid a claim to the apartment we’re now occupying, so we could move into the place in early May. Well, less than a year later, we’re moving out, unless Fukushima erupts in a manner that would shock even Troy. (My guest, not the ancient city.) This morning, we went to the bank to sign papers for the house loan. We will close the deal in one week, barring something catastrophic, which, by my reckoning, will happen about 15 minutes after we close the deal.

If all goes well, we will be moving house in mid-April, moving into the new place–hopefully the last move in a long time.

The shortest time I have stayed in one place in Japan was when I rented an apartment in Tachikawa for one year back in 1989. The longest was my stay in Inagi, from 2000 to 2007. Our stay in Hibarigaoka will be the shortest yet, followed by the longest to be–also in Hibarigaoka, but to the north of the station. Close enough that we can almost walk our belongings over. Well, not quite, but I figure I can get some smaller stuff over in a series of quick scooter rides–I haven’t timed it, but I bet I could make the run in less than five minutes.