Goodbye, Minnesota . . . Buongiorno Italia!

Minnesota is giving me the cold shoulder. One could say that the fresh snow gives our rolling and rambling hills a gentle countenance; one could say that Minnesota is offering up a pillowy-white shoulder of comfort. Whoever that one person is (who is crazy enough to say such things), he or she is obviously not from Minnesota. Because instead of comforting, Minnesota is cold. And windy. And now my very first flight is delayed!

For all of you unacquainted with the above characters (in other words, all of you who are not between the ages of 1 and 2.5), Bug-in-a-Box is on the left, Armadillo Man on the right. Since Armadillo Man is a little fragile, he will not be making the journey with us. He will remain at home, ready to entertain Charlie and Clarence in the absence of Tata. Bug-in-a-Box is an apt traveler, as his inherent situation affords him comfortable and safe travels.

We obviously had a bit of an emotional day on Tuesday. I went to see Becky, Charlie, and Baby-in-Progress one last time. I got a free book (The Sea is my Brother, Jack Kerouac), some Maple Syrup for my hosts in Italy, and another pair of warm, wooly socks. There was a lot of dancing, a little crying, and some very delicious food. And there was a little kissing too!

Much love to you all!