A last minute flurry of activity

T-minus two days... for Andy anyway
The house is in chaos and my desk at work looks like a tornado came through recently and things are just about ready to go.

Ceil has done most of the lifting (literally and figuratively) getting the house packed up. I've busied myself with transferring our computer files onto the laptops we're bringing to France, sorting out which utilities to cancel vs. transfer to our tenant, dealing with the cars, etc., etc.

Last night we visited with Sprague and Anna, friends of the Scherger's who are just back from five years in Toulouse. They were a font of wisdom and practical tips about dealing with French bureaucracies (example, you can't rent a house without a bank account, but nor can you open a bank account without proof of your address). Sprague also offered advice on the in's and out's of working overseas for a US company, and avoiding any unnecessary hassles with expense reports, etc.

Tonight, I actually packed a suitcase. (By the way, those zip-lock bag doo-hickeys with the vacuum attachment to suck all the air out and compress the items are terrific. I got some that don't require a vacuum -- I was concerned I might have to unpack the bags going through customs and might not have access to a Hoover -- they've worked great.) No idea how much clothing to pack... I "aimed low" and will nonetheless discover that I brought more than I needed.

A letter from Lee to her teacher
Lee has become a woman of letters lately, typing all manner of correspondence on our computer, inserting clip art liberally, and usually failing to actually send the letters. Nonetheless, I enjoy them, as they offer a wonderful insight into her interior process. Here's one I found on the printer this afternoon, addressed to her school teacher:

Dear Mrs. Coulter,
I think you were a great teacher last year. I really like being in your class. Did you now I'm going to France for 6 moths [sic] and I'll miss everyone in 3A. I'm going to send you and 3A a PowerPoint each moth [sic]. But there is only one problem. I'm nervous. Love, Lee

I can dig it.