Two-thirds of the way to St. Paul, in our laden car Maxie (the Ford C-MAX), we are between two lives.

Here is one symbol of the state of betwixtness in which we journey: Our house in Massachusetts (see a photo of it here) was named Chez New. The new one is St. Paul is Bide-a-Wee — one glance and you will perhaps see why.

The name my iPhone used to enjoy, the name that showed up on Maxie’s dashboard when the car had sync’ed up with it, was Chez New Mobile.

For the duration of the trip west, my iPhone bears the name Betwixt Mobile. Once we arrive, it will be re-christened Bide-a-Wee Mobile.

Next Thursday a large moving van arrives with our furniture and hundreds of boxes (a solid plurality of them full of books). Until then, from tonight our furniture will consist of an inflatable Aero bed, four hand-me-down chairs, and a toaster — a housewarming gift from Katharyn’s brother.

See you on the other side of betwixt.