almost gone...

We had two days in a row with temps in the high 40s (F). Last night, as we walked home from a neighbor's home, gentle rain began falling. And then all night it rained, and now we are back to the 30s and 40s (F). Three weeks ago we were locked in sub-freezing temps and snow up to my waist where it was plowed out. Then dry warm temps more suitable for late spring or early summer. This morning water is standing all over the townlet, along the small ditches and on the main esplanade on the north end our loop.

Much of the earth's color is dry and brown, the leftovers from winter. The utility company's tree people have been out hacking away along the powerlines, and there are lots of dead branches spread out along side the road for later grinding and mulching. The heat (after what we've been having, 76 degrees can feel awful warm), while much appreciated, had a great oddness about it, the out-of-sync feeling of nature's forces not all matching up appropriately. Yet already, bulbs are pushing out, and buds are forming on lilacs and forsythia. Spring is coming. The promise of resurrection, new life coming out of the earth where all is dead.

Yesterday Franklin the dog got his last check-up at the vet, and grooming. He follows us from room to room. We've finished most errands, delivered most things that needed to be delivered, have packed all but a little which we finish today. I am mentally and physically tired, as is partner.

One more day and then we are on the road.

lists

I am not a good multi-tasker. I tend to do one task very well at a time.

Friday was my last day at work, and it was a good day. I rushed through last assignments, we had a little party, and I drove home grateful for my colleagues and our work together over the past five years, and also happy to get to the next step: starting to close down the house and prepare for moving.

I have a little window before Partner comes home for his spring break, and then we will drive to NYC. Soon our family will be in one city again.

The dog and I walked in the snow this morning and chatted with a neighbor we often see in the morning - he throws the frisbee for his black and white collie. I think Franklin is jealous. He would love to chase after the frisbee and bring it back, but he is not equipped to jump up and catch the thing with the beauty and grace of the collie.

We talk about New York and about our own townlet. We say goodbye and walk on. Job finished. Check. Time to start the packing/throwing things out/list of chores leading to moving day. Check.