December 24, Corvallis. A rainy afternoon. Now's the time to set up the blog. No more procrastinating. Too many things to do, not enough time to say goodbye to friends or really clean up the house. My hope is to at least leave paperwork in order, plants ready for watering by the greenthumb person, Bridgette, and to get the roof repaired in time. All else truly goes well. Does it matter if everything is ready? If everything were ready and planned to the last degree, what would be left to discover? Eight months away from home and family and friends. Living out of a small suitcase. OK, with my digital camera and my computer. Not all is lost. Travelling with Allen. All is well.