Totally packed. Yes, it helped that we were in Acqui last year and know what we’ll be doing on this week-long retreat. Just odds and ends left to put in the suitcase Tuesday morning.

We took Riley over to his new house yesterday. He was BESIDE himself with excitement about the back yard, tearing around the grass after sniffing the entire perimeter.

After checking out each of the four bedrooms, he picked one to roll all over. Only one. And he rolled in each corner and in the center. Wouldn’t you know it– it was the room we’d picked for his and M’s man cave. (They’ve gotten used to sharing an office this past year.) How did he know? Since he’s given his imprimatur, we know we made the right choice.

My office sunny and bright. It is the smallest of the bedrooms, but still good-sized. Today we’re bringing two carloads over and beginning the process of moving. We’ll pick it up again when we return. Pretty sure we’ll be in well before Christmas.

But first: Italia!